JUMBOTO

So I am going to attempt to change the transmission fluid from my brother’s 2000 Lexus RX300 AWD. I would like to confirm that the fill for the transmission fluid tube is the same as the fill tube for the front transfer case. So If I add transmission fluid to the transmission it will also fill the transfer case fluid. I did read TunedRX300 DIY thread but didn’t get the solid answer I was looking for. If I do a drain and fill for the transmission and transfer case, I would need a total of 5 quarts right? Thanks for the help.

hypervish

No, filling the transmission does NOT fill the transfer case.

Filling the transmission through the dipstick will fill the transmission and the front DIFFERENTIAL.

JUMBOTO

fluid in the transmission = fluid in the transfer right?

trhs75

You know I've seen the terms transfer case and front differential used interchangeably, but they are different. I tried to upload a photo of both the drain plugs for the transmission, but I was unsuccessful. You may want to drain and fill the front and rear axle fluid compartments (whatever you call them!!) with 80W-90 oil while you're doing things down there.

code58

UH, something just doesn't seem quite right here!????

salimshah

FWD:
Auto-transmission
Front Differential

AWD
Auto-transmission
Front Differential
Rear Differential


Auto-tran has pan and a drain -bolt.
Front differential has a low point and has a drain bolt.
To get a bit more of the fluid out open both.
They have a common fill point ,,, through the transmission dip stick hole and what you fill gets to transmission and front diff.

Rear diff needs Thicker density oil. (Hypoid)

Salim

hypervish

AWD has transmission, front differential, rear differential and TRANSFER CASE.

The transfer case has its own separate drain plug. And it is filled through its own separate fill plug.

trhs75

Yes! I've even seen one of my dealer's service advisors get these confused on the service history, then I get confused and have to look back on this forum for guidance. It doesn't help that what they call the front "differential" is using transmission fluid, and the (front) transfer case uses what I would call differential fluid (the 80W-90 oil) as is used in the rear differential.

JUMBOTO

where can i find the fill for the transfer case?

the transfer case is behind or next to the transmission and the front differential is up front more to the passenger side.

trhs75

27 mm external hex-shaped fill and drain plugs for the transfer case; both are underneath the vehicle and a little hard to get at. Some wise soul on this forum suggested making sure you can loosen the fill plug before you drain the old oil!

Lexmex

Since you've already seen TunedRX300's tranny drain and refill thread (that's the transmission and front differential plugs), this thread of mine governing the transfer case and rear differential should help, https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...-case-diy.html

Take a look through the section as I've done it a few times.

JUMBOTO

Face palm. I just realized its the front diff. I'm asking to fill. Not the transfer. Duh.