catdaddylo

Got an email from my Lexus dealer that my 15K check up is coming up. They want to change the oil, filter, rotate tires, change the tranny fluid and diff fluid. I'm good with oil, oil filter, and rotation but is it neccessary to change the tranny and diff fluid at 15k miles ?


Cat

Adamjeeps

No need to change tranny fluid or diff fluid that early. Check your manual for timelines.

vg1134

I thought the 08-09 RX 350 are lifetime fluids on the tranny ??

Adamjeeps

Yes if not severe service, but probably good to change at some point if planning to keep for long-term.

vg1134

i got 80k on my 08-so I 'll guess I will have to get it done sometime in the future

Adamjeeps

The book says you don't have to change it but I am going to change it at
60,000 for peace of mind.

arnieosp

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like your dealer is trying to make his yaht payment with your money.

mandyfig

Weird that they want to change tranny fluid...are you kidding?

mandyfig

What's the mileage on your RX?

catdaddylo

Somewhere around 13,500 miles. The e-mail was for the 15,000 mile maintenance. I checked the 15K schedule and it calls for a check on the rear diff and transfer case on the AWD which I have but I do not tow so I think it is excessive to have the tranny fluid changed at this low mileage.


Cat

ycl1688

since you have the 4wd. It is easy to get the rear differential oil change and transfer case synthetic one that will keep you going for a while, I just recently changed both using Amsoil gear oil. Rear one is no brainer using 15/16" or 24mm socket should do the job, same story with the transfer case little bit tight to get the drain plug yet it is doable, somehow the front fluid when I drained has some foul smell, might have been in there too long. The rx330 has 25k and it is 2006 model. As for transmission fluid type iv toyota should do it I got it relatively low price and changed it also, just drain and fill. I will not have to worry about the fluid change for a good while. For this kind of work I would not bother with dealer, at the most if you are handy will not take more than 2 hours. Here is my calculation of the entire work cost me 4 quarts of type iv tranny oil 4 x $5 =20, $8 x 2 qt = 16, total bill without labor = $36, it is a matter of jack the car up,
use the right tool and that should do it.

Adamjeeps

You need to use the World Standard Toyota fluid in the 07+ RX 350 models. It is more expensive but the trannys come from the factory using it. You would void your warranty if you used type IV.

Rainbird

As stated above you don't need to change the transmission fluid. Your vehicle has world standard fluid that should be good for the life of the vehicle. I would also avoid that dealership and have routine maintenance done at the local Toyota dealer. They use the same parts and fluids and do it for about 50% less. Of course, any warranty issues must be done at a Lexus dealership.

Boognish

If a dealer told me to get my transmission and differential fluid changed on my '08 RX350 at the 15k service, I'd write a note to Lexus letting them know of the dealer's practice. Do not believe anything that dealers service department tells you, they are obviously out to bilk the customer.
I also second the recommendation of using a Toyota dealership or independent mechanic for you routine maintenance and repairs not covered under warranty.

RX330inFL

Reminder that this was more than likely just an automated email sent by the dealership. Am sure they have not updated this message in some time from the sound of things. If you were to just contact the dealership I am sure or would hope you would get a different response. For the OP, I would call the dealership and actually talk to someone about your upcoming 15K service before jumping to any conclusions.

With that said...

+1 on the fact that your transmission uses WS and not Type IV transmission fluid which is "supposedly" good for the life of the transmission. Cross that off your list of worries. If it does need changing it will not be for a long, long time from now.

+1 on going to your local Toyota dealership if that is more convenient, if cost is a concern, or if you have issues with your Lexus dealership.