Transmission Fluid gray. Need advice.
09-06-12, 06:29 PM
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Transmission Fluid gray. Need advice.
This is a 2001 RX300 AWD. Dealer serviced at 30,000, but they cannot verify if transmission fluid was changed. It has 46,703 miles. I just checked the transmission fluid. It looked grey. I was going to to a drain and refill. Now, I am not sure if having transmission fluid exchanged is a good idea, or will potentially cause more problems. Tomorrow setting up appointment to have Toyota dealership replace the timing belt. Should I have them change out the transmission fluid, or should I just drain and refill using excellent instructions on this site?
09-06-12, 07:26 PM
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I am not the primary driver, but have driven it in past months and it was fine. I was shocked looking at fluid. Last time I checked it had a red color.
I am still undecided on having dealership exchange fluid or not. What would you do? I have 5 quarts of T-IV in the garage and service my own transmission. Seeing the color made me think getting that cruddy looking fluid out of there would be better instead of partial replacement of drain and refill.
I am still undecided on having dealership exchange fluid or not. What would you do? I have 5 quarts of T-IV in the garage and service my own transmission. Seeing the color made me think getting that cruddy looking fluid out of there would be better instead of partial replacement of drain and refill.
09-07-12, 01:42 AM
#5
Getting it out is a GOOD idea. IF your dealer uses a transmission flush system, that's a BAD idea. I am a firm believer in COMPLETE change of trans. fluid, no matter what the car or truck is. The ONLY way I ever do it on my vehicles is to pull the pan, clean thoroughly and either clean the screen (if so equiped) or change the paper filter (if so equiped). Then fill the trans with 4 qts. of fluid, disconnect the return line and let the pump pump it through into a jug. Do the same thing twice more and ALL the fluid has been changed. Can't stand to put 4 qts. of clean fluid in with 7-8 qts of dirty fluid.
09-07-12, 02:23 AM
#6
Transmissions flush machines, if used properly aren't all that bad, at least the good ones. I am sure they got a bad rap because back in the day, they weren't as well designed as the ones available today.
The one we use, for example, does just as most people here claim is correct, and that is to allow the transmission to pump out all the old fluid by itself. The difference is that it puts fluid back in the opposite line at the exact same rate that it is pumped out. It is not some power flush, it is just a fluid replacement machine... chemicals are added as well, but the chemicals are designed to suspend any particles in the fluid so they come out with the old fluid.
After learning how a proper transmission flush machine operates, I am now a much bigger fan of them and actually believe they are a safer alternative than incremental drain and fills, as they are actually removing contaminated material, whereas a drain and fill has no chemicals to suspend particles in the fluid, so those particles remain in the transmission...
Obviously, either way, on a contaminated transmission, you run the risk of changing the fluid and then the transmission no longer working period, but IMO that is a chance you should take, within reason...
The one we use, for example, does just as most people here claim is correct, and that is to allow the transmission to pump out all the old fluid by itself. The difference is that it puts fluid back in the opposite line at the exact same rate that it is pumped out. It is not some power flush, it is just a fluid replacement machine... chemicals are added as well, but the chemicals are designed to suspend any particles in the fluid so they come out with the old fluid.
After learning how a proper transmission flush machine operates, I am now a much bigger fan of them and actually believe they are a safer alternative than incremental drain and fills, as they are actually removing contaminated material, whereas a drain and fill has no chemicals to suspend particles in the fluid, so those particles remain in the transmission...
Obviously, either way, on a contaminated transmission, you run the risk of changing the fluid and then the transmission no longer working period, but IMO that is a chance you should take, within reason...
09-07-12, 02:55 AM
#7
Super Moderator
The one time I did do a flush on my vehicle was precisely in this situation way back in Dec. 2003 when I was on a trip from Mexico and had it done at the Lexus dealership in Naples, FL...having gray/pinkish fluid and that's the one time that I have been advocating doing it. Vehicle was very smooth afterwards.
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09-07-12, 09:22 AM
#8
Pole Position
Transmissions flush machines, if used properly aren't all that bad, at least the good ones. I am sure they got a bad rap because back in the day, they weren't as well designed as the ones available today.
The one we use, for example, does just as most people here claim is correct, and that is to allow the transmission to pump out all the old fluid by itself. The difference is that it puts fluid back in the opposite line at the exact same rate that it is pumped out. It is not some power flush, it is just a fluid replacement machine... chemicals are added as well, but the chemicals are designed to suspend any particles in the fluid so they come out with the old fluid.
After learning how a proper transmission flush machine operates, I am now a much bigger fan of them and actually believe they are a safer alternative than incremental drain and fills, as they are actually removing contaminated material, whereas a drain and fill has no chemicals to suspend particles in the fluid, so those particles remain in the transmission...
Obviously, either way, on a contaminated transmission, you run the risk of changing the fluid and then the transmission no longer working period, but IMO that is a chance you should take, within reason...
The one we use, for example, does just as most people here claim is correct, and that is to allow the transmission to pump out all the old fluid by itself. The difference is that it puts fluid back in the opposite line at the exact same rate that it is pumped out. It is not some power flush, it is just a fluid replacement machine... chemicals are added as well, but the chemicals are designed to suspend any particles in the fluid so they come out with the old fluid.
After learning how a proper transmission flush machine operates, I am now a much bigger fan of them and actually believe they are a safer alternative than incremental drain and fills, as they are actually removing contaminated material, whereas a drain and fill has no chemicals to suspend particles in the fluid, so those particles remain in the transmission...
Obviously, either way, on a contaminated transmission, you run the risk of changing the fluid and then the transmission no longer working period, but IMO that is a chance you should take, within reason...
09-07-12, 10:26 AM
#10
Fluid exchanges are great for ridding old fluid when the condition of the transmission is not in question. But in my opinion (and I am not an expert so please correct me if I am wrong) if the transmission has no recent record of service and some unusual wear is indicated by the condition of the fluid (grey instead of pink or reddish-pink oxidized old fluid) shouldn't the service also include dropping the pan and inspection of the magnets and cleaning the screen or replacing the filter, just as 58 described?
Remember, this isn't a car that gets regular "highway" miles. If you want to keep the tranny going a long time, hasn't it earned tranny "service" as well as all new fluid for an 11 year old?
Remember, this isn't a car that gets regular "highway" miles. If you want to keep the tranny going a long time, hasn't it earned tranny "service" as well as all new fluid for an 11 year old?
09-07-12, 11:08 AM
#11
Lexus Champion
Fluid exchanges are great for ridding old fluid when the condition of the transmission is not in question. But in my opinion (and I am not an expert so please correct me if I am wrong) if the transmission has no recent record of service and some unusual wear is indicated by the condition of the fluid (grey instead of pink or reddish-pink oxidized old fluid) shouldn't the service also include dropping the pan and inspection of the magnets and cleaning the screen or replacing the filter, just as 58 described?
Remember, this isn't a car that gets regular "highway" miles. If you want to keep the tranny going a long time, hasn't it earned tranny "service" as well as all new fluid for an 11 year old?
Remember, this isn't a car that gets regular "highway" miles. If you want to keep the tranny going a long time, hasn't it earned tranny "service" as well as all new fluid for an 11 year old?
100% agree!! ^^^^^
09-07-12, 12:23 PM
#13
Lexus Test Driver
Hey, MonkeyMan, aka RX3002001,
Fluid exchange should be safe, as long as you are using the vehicles own pump to get the fluid out. Multiple drain and fills would do the same thing, which is the route I would take if I were you.
Fluid exchange should be safe, as long as you are using the vehicles own pump to get the fluid out. Multiple drain and fills would do the same thing, which is the route I would take if I were you.
09-07-12, 02:38 PM
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Yes, hypervish, I am MonkeyMan....
The Lexus will be taken to the local Toyota dealership 7 am tomorrow. T-Belt will be $450.00. Transmission fluid exchange will be $199.99. It was going to be double that at Lexus, but they do install a water pump and do the 45,000 mile service.
I am hearing what everyone is saying. This is not my vehicle and when I recently mentioned having transmission fluid changed she said she did not want to go looking for trouble. She has no idea what a timing belt is or why you need more regular transmission service. To her, if it says Lexus then it is perfect. So getting here to change T-Belt and transmission fluid is a step in the right direction. There is a local indy transmission shop I have used. I was thinking of the next step having them drop the pan, etc. to ensure the transmssion has the best chance for survival.
Yesterday the owner called me all stressed out saying the car was leaking oil. She wanted to take it to Lexus to have them check it. It was water from A/C drain below the car. I saved her some time and money.
I will do my best to convice her to get her transmssion pan dropped and things serviced. The grey looking fluid has me worried. I have never seen anything like it.
Last, this is a great site. The tutorials and other info is extremely helpful. I really appreciate all the input.
The Lexus will be taken to the local Toyota dealership 7 am tomorrow. T-Belt will be $450.00. Transmission fluid exchange will be $199.99. It was going to be double that at Lexus, but they do install a water pump and do the 45,000 mile service.
I am hearing what everyone is saying. This is not my vehicle and when I recently mentioned having transmission fluid changed she said she did not want to go looking for trouble. She has no idea what a timing belt is or why you need more regular transmission service. To her, if it says Lexus then it is perfect. So getting here to change T-Belt and transmission fluid is a step in the right direction. There is a local indy transmission shop I have used. I was thinking of the next step having them drop the pan, etc. to ensure the transmssion has the best chance for survival.
Yesterday the owner called me all stressed out saying the car was leaking oil. She wanted to take it to Lexus to have them check it. It was water from A/C drain below the car. I saved her some time and money.
I will do my best to convice her to get her transmssion pan dropped and things serviced. The grey looking fluid has me worried. I have never seen anything like it.
Last, this is a great site. The tutorials and other info is extremely helpful. I really appreciate all the input.
09-08-12, 12:25 AM
#15
Yes, hypervish, I am MonkeyMan....
The Lexus will be taken to the local Toyota dealership 7 am tomorrow. T-Belt will be $450.00. Transmission fluid exchange will be $199.99. It was going to be double that at Lexus, but they do install a water pump and do the 45,000 mile service.
I am hearing what everyone is saying. This is not my vehicle and when I recently mentioned having transmission fluid changed she said she did not want to go looking for trouble. She has no idea what a timing belt is or why you need more regular transmission service. To her, if it says Lexus then it is perfect. So getting here to change T-Belt and transmission fluid is a step in the right direction. There is a local indy transmission shop I have used. I was thinking of the next step having them drop the pan, etc. to ensure the transmssion has the best chance for survival.
Yesterday the owner called me all stressed out saying the car was leaking oil. She wanted to take it to Lexus to have them check it. It was water from A/C drain below the car. I saved her some time and money.
I will do my best to convice her to get her transmssion pan dropped and things serviced. The grey looking fluid has me worried. I have never seen anything like it.
Last, this is a great site. The tutorials and other info is extremely helpful. I really appreciate all the input.
The Lexus will be taken to the local Toyota dealership 7 am tomorrow. T-Belt will be $450.00. Transmission fluid exchange will be $199.99. It was going to be double that at Lexus, but they do install a water pump and do the 45,000 mile service.
I am hearing what everyone is saying. This is not my vehicle and when I recently mentioned having transmission fluid changed she said she did not want to go looking for trouble. She has no idea what a timing belt is or why you need more regular transmission service. To her, if it says Lexus then it is perfect. So getting here to change T-Belt and transmission fluid is a step in the right direction. There is a local indy transmission shop I have used. I was thinking of the next step having them drop the pan, etc. to ensure the transmssion has the best chance for survival.
Yesterday the owner called me all stressed out saying the car was leaking oil. She wanted to take it to Lexus to have them check it. It was water from A/C drain below the car. I saved her some time and money.
I will do my best to convice her to get her transmssion pan dropped and things serviced. The grey looking fluid has me worried. I have never seen anything like it.
Last, this is a great site. The tutorials and other info is extremely helpful. I really appreciate all the input.