02Lexo

I am planning to do a transmission fluid drain/fill on my 2002 LS430 soon and am curious if anyone has a DIY How To with pictures?

Is this procedure just a straight drain/fill process? Do you fill through the dipstick hole? I'v heard that about 2 quarts will drain, is that correct? Also, how often do you recommend doing a drain/refill and do you ever recommend doing a flush? (iv heard to avoid ever doing a flush and to consistently perform a drain/refill every 15k or so)

Iv tried searching but can only find info regarding a complete tranny flush or info on the 04+ models. Any help is appreciated. I purchased a LIKE NEW LS430 with 86k about 9 months ago and want to keep it for the long haul. My previous car, LS 400 w/ 165k, had major transmission problems and Id like to avoid that with my 430, especially at such low miles for a Lexus.

writes123

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...ion-flush.html

writes123

always check ★ LS430 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) and DIY Thread ★

02Lexo

Thanks for the reference, but as stated in my original post, I did search prior to posting. The link you sent is for a transmission FLUSH. Im looking strictly for a transmission DRAIN.

writes123

even simpler.

there is a dipstick that you refill with, as stated in the trans flush procedure. what comes out of the drain bolt which is also referenced in the post is the same drain bolt. what comes out is what goes in in new fluid. drain/refill vs flush is a whole separate debate. drain and fill is simpler and less costly than a flush but a flush would be more cost effective than a series of drain and fills (dilution principle).

writes123

"Take the trans fluid dipstick out and put a long necked funnel into the dipstick hole. It is below and slightly to the rear of the oil dipstick. I removed the oil dipstick. It was easier to work. The trans dipstick is pretty deep."

writes123

"There is a drain plug but you will only get 3-4 quarts (whatever is in the pan). This way I can change 100% of my trans fluid every change."

writes123

for future reference, read all posts of a thread for more info.

Also, in auto terms, if wanting to perform a drain; "flush" instructions will almost always first include an initial drain followed by a flush. on the flip side, knowing how to do a drain does not entail knowing how to perform a flush, which is always more involved.

randal

Lexo, a drain is pretty simple. You unscrew the tranny plug and catch the oil fluid. Reinstall plug and refill thru the dipstick tube. The real issue is just how much comes out. It all depends upon how warm the fluid is and how long you let it drain. I can get about 2 quarts if I let it drain for 10 minutes. Wait overnight and I can probably get 3 quarts. Jack up the front of the car?....slightly more.

So, the point of this story is to measure how much comes out so that you can refill with that amount. It is not really easy to determine the fill level on the dipstick so I always measure and refill with a like amount.

02Lexo

Thanks for the replies. Sounds just like I anticipated, I just didnt want to get half way into it and run into an unexpected complication.

02Lexo

Does anyone know if accessing the transmission drain plug requires removing one of the plastic under overs, or is there a trap door like there is for changing the oil?