davidyal

I'm using a local (trusted) mechanic for my '03 RX 3000 90K service.
OEM parts only. Any words of wisdom from the group? SHould I be using OEM fluids as well?

I'm a bit anxious about transmission issues. I've never had any problems on this car, but also don't want to stimulate anything bad.

thomas1

Yes stick with Toyota Red or pink coolant, and Toyota Type IV transmission fluid....Do not do a flush, drain and fill only. The timing belt is do, however it could go 100k miles. Have him check the water pump for leakage while doing timing belt as the belt drives the waterpump. Spark plugs arent do until 125k miles easily. So the most expensive thing is the timing belt change.

davidyal

Thanks for the reply. Can you estimate how much coolant and ATF I'll need? I'll go try and find some local in DFW here today....

thomas1

For a drain and fill you will need 5 quarts of Toyota Type IV fluid for the coolant you will need two gallons of the premixed, or 1 gallon of the regular cooland which you would mix 1 gallon of distilled water with it. I Think the RED (Toyota) fluid is the regular and the pink is the premixed....However remember it is expensive coolant but will last 5 years or 150k miles.....

hypervish

Stick with OEM fluids, like mentioned.

And, don't worry about the transmission. It'll be fine, the "issue" is blown way out of proportion.

davidyal

[don't worry about transmission] as in 1) just leave it alone or 2) drain and fill it.

I happened to be near a dealership today, and spoke with a Service Advisor. He indicated that often if nothing has happened by 90K, it's best not to disturb the tranny and not change any fluids (assuming they look ok). This is the first I've heard of this....

hypervish

Their theory is that changing the fluid that late, will stir up the debris. I think that even if it's late (ie. 90k), a drain and fill still should be done. Because you are simply draining the fluid, and putting more in. LOL, you won't be stirring up any loose debris, unless you did a flush (which is why flushing isn't recommended)

thomas1

+1 agree with hypervish....drain and fill it....