alchemist

iTrader: (1)

My bad on this. I thought you had a 2010 for some reason. Therefore, I was equating it with my GS350, which has no dipstick and you check levels via check plug underneath. For your 2008, yes there is a dipstick. So you can do drain and fill. Just measure exactly what comes out in a pan and pour it into an old oil container to know the exact amount. Then add the same amount through dipstick tube via funnel.

I did a writeup on changing the filter in the tranny too. Not sure how similar my 2006 RX is to your 2008 tranny but probably close.

MNSC3

iTrader: (1)

alchemist, thank you. I took off the plastic piece that covers the engine and with a flashlight I found the black dipstick for the tranny. I had to almost lay across the engine so I read the little sticker that's on the dipstick, near impossible to read, "Notice: no need to change ATF under normal driving conditions, AWD transfer fluid is different, see owners manual when replacing". I've read the owners manual and there is not too much about the transmission except how to use it. Whatever, now I can change it myself, thanks again.

robertlano

I've been a DIY guy for 50 years now. Trained at Pontiac GM school in 67. Well my 1st attempt to "check " the tranny fluid made me crazy....NO dipstick as you all know. I bought my 2007 Lexus in Jan 2012with 102,200 miles on it. So proceeded to do all maint I could. This has been a dilemma because there's no such thing as a lifetime anything let alone oil!
I was pushed into retirement early I bought this car as my "last car" ever or until I'm in my 80's being 66 now. So I had a local dealer change just the 2 or 3 quarts in the tranny pan in 2012. Well last week I went to Jiffy Lube, to grease all the driveshaft "Zirks" as that's an issue with this Lexus, known as the "Thump Clunk " when you come to a stop. Anyway they changed my entire Trans fluid for $175. Lexus wants over $400. They did it by draining the first 3 qts out of the pan and running the car changing gears and draining again.
They did this until they "replaced" 11qts. It's probably in my head but the car seems to shift more quietly and seamlessly than before.
Jiffy Lube assured me their trans oil is full synthetic and identical to the infamous "WS" tranny oil. I hope their right. I figured they've been doing this to thousands of cars for years and never had an issue. Factual comments welcomed...opinions...not so much! Thanks. I love this site!!

biff44

I am not sure what you all at saying about the 2007 not having a dipstick. Mine DOES have a dipstick for the ATF fluid. the transmission is not "sealed" at all. Maybe that is because I got the towing package (including a transmission fluid cooler) when I bought it.

I just snake a plastic tube down the dipstick hole, and vacuum up the ATF fluid with a plastic hand pump I bought at harbor freight. then I fill it up again. 4 quarts out by pump, 4 quarts fresh ATF fluid back in with a funnel.