sorka

I have a '95 SC400 with 320K miles on it. Every time I change the oil, I replace the 2 qts that lies in the bottom of the pan with a marine pump. Takes about 2 minutes to do. So my trans fluid in my SC400 has always been bright, pink, and new looking.

So the '06, much to my dismay, doesn't even have a dip and it's not even recommended to ever change the fluid unless used for severe duty. Severe duty is defined as towing or driving in unusually hot and dusty areas. Driving it hard and accelerating hard all the time doesn't even count.

But seriously, do you think my SC400's trans would have lasted trouble free if it were on the original factory fill? I'm pretty pissed that they made this nearly impossible to do....or is it? Are they are any tricks to doing a pretty quick partial fluid replacement? Is there a level check hole underneath? Can you drain the pan from it and replace? Can I check the fluid level?

tfeni52355

There is a dip stick for the trans. in the SC430. At least in my '02 there is. It's on the drivers side down by the exhaust manifold. Marked with just a white line on the top of the handle. Gets pretty warm if you check it hot. There is a mark for cold checking.

kjcole

OP is correct - 06 is the 6-speed sealed unit. At 100K miles (or your chosen mileage) take it in to a transmission specialist shop for a power flush/fill. ( I'm assuming that they can do it.) Unless you are beating that car under severe conditions, 100K miles for a power flush/fill should be fine. Figure about $200.