should I expect transmission problems in my RX?
12-28-10, 12:47 PM
#1
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should I expect transmission problems in my RX?
Original owner. Regular oil changes, mileage maintenance. Never driven "hard". Love my car. Mileage 160,000. All work usually done at dealer. Was about to have the trans fluid checked for how clear it was etc. You guys are making me nervous though. Should I "expect" to replace my transmission before 200,000 or so? All this transmission talk gives me jitters. I have no evidence of any trouble. 
AND... I am about to get the fluid changed. Should I only rely on the dealership to touch changing the fluid (it's nearly $300 with them) or can I trust a local garage/transmission type place to change it. I don't want problems, especially expensive ones! Thanks.
AND... I am about to get the fluid changed. Should I only rely on the dealership to touch changing the fluid (it's nearly $300 with them) or can I trust a local garage/transmission type place to change it. I don't want problems, especially expensive ones! Thanks.
Last edited by fancyjean; 12-28-10 at 02:25 PM.
12-28-10, 12:52 PM
#2
Mine is now at 208,000 miles. No transmission problems so far.
I change the fluid every 30-40,000 miles.
I change the fluid every 30-40,000 miles.
12-28-10, 03:27 PM
#3
Lexus Test Driver
My uncle is well past 300k on his 99' RX AWD with the original tranny, so sleep well at night, have trust in your car. You'll be fine... I have about 155k on my 00' RX AWD also on the original trans.
Last edited by hypervish; 12-30-10 at 05:17 PM.
12-28-10, 05:52 PM
#4
For $300 your dealer is going to use a flush machine which is the kiss of death for older transmissions. Anyone that can handle an oil change can do a drain and fill for you with OE fluid for cheap or diy for about $20 and 1/2 hour of your time.
12-28-10, 06:56 PM
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thanks carguy for the info about not using flushing machine
Thanks much for the advice. I was going to go to a transmission/garage tomorrow and have them do it. I will now call them and see if they will manually drain it. If they won't I will find another mechanic or garage. I do want to be careful.It has been a great car and I intend to keep it. I am unable to do this myself, even though I did watch the video on this site. 
Maybe I will watch again, and maybe I will get the nerve to try it. But although I am careful with my cars, I have no mechanical ability myself. Just try to use some common sense etc.
Maybe I will watch again, and maybe I will get the nerve to try it. But although I am careful with my cars, I have no mechanical ability myself. Just try to use some common sense etc.
12-28-10, 07:01 PM
#6
Just make sure that they only use Toyota/Lexus fluid for the drain and fill. You could even buy the fluid at a Toyota dealer and hand it to them to use. You need a little over 4 quarts.
12-28-10, 07:22 PM
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will buy the ATF from Toyota
I will call the transmission/garage in the a.m. and pick up the ATF myself. No close Lexus dealer, so will go to Toyota. Will request that they clean the magnets, examine the pan etc. I am taking the car on a 2,000 mile trip a few days after the ATF change, so I will be stressing it a bit and do not want metal clogging the filter etc. (I don't know any of this stuff but have been trying to read up on it) Thanks.
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