Oilguy

Just a thought about transmission fluid changes for a 2005 LS 430. I have read some posts about the rigors of changing ATF fluid in the 2005 and above 'sealed' transmissions which are up for their first service on WS fluid.

It is true as 'Team Player' several years mentioned ago that ATF changes on the sealed transmissions are somewhat difficult. I wonder if any of you have tried this and makes sense: with the car completely 'cold' and level and on ramps / jacks, drain and calculate the exact amount of fluid which comes from the transmission on the drain from the pan. This is easily done.

Simply add back the precise amount of WS fluid to the transmission. In other words, you are adding back to the transmission exactly what you remove through the drain plug. The Toyota tech who I watched perform my service on my 2005 LS 430 car charged me for four (4) quarts WS ATF using his special Toyota Pump-Up Fluid Dispenser. Service was about $ 110 dollars.

The recharge of the WS fluid back into the transmission is actually put back in the pan reservoir through the fill port. By both the transmission fluid in the unit (being 'cold') and the new fluid fluid being the same temp, there is no discreptancies because of temperature differentials.

The key point- again - is that you add back the same amount of fluid that was dropped out of the pan. Will be anxious to hear what some of you 'experts' say. I have worked in the Lubricant Business for 35 years.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

I would say logically this makes sense. There must be good reason why the service manual does not follow this line of thinking. Maybe it just has to do with the potential for errors in measuring the amount of fluid that was removed. Or maybe it is too simple. The dealer would not make enough money...

Stu

the only problems I see is if your fluid was low for any reason you would remain low after this replacement .... plus you would have do do this multiple times to replace most of the fluid.

levie

iTrader: (1)

hmm, how often do you guys think you should change your transmission oil?

ipwn

Your method doesn't work, if it is low level then you aren't fixing anything..

Or short obd2 pins.

Drain pan and refill.

Disconnect power steering line and point into bucket.

Start engine, let 2-3 litres come out.

Top up pan.

Do this for 3-4 times until cherry red comes out of the power steering line.

Then finalise with a level check at the correct temp.

Natey2

Does your transmission feel any different now, after this fluid replacement?

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

I had the dealer do my differential and drain and refill. Minor change in smoothness. I will do the drain and refill again every 15k I think. My local dealer, Lexus of South Atlanta, only charges $99 for the procedure.

ipwn

Not one ounce of difference which is a good thing.