bronco2454

I have a 1999 Lexus ES 300 with 196k on it. I know that up until 100K it received regular tranny fluid changes at Lexus of Glendale because of the Lexus owners site. I have done all of the other items such as timing belt, valve cover gaskets, spark plugs, coolant. I think it is now time to do the tranny drain and fill as it sounds like it will not cause many problems for me. The question is what are the part numbers for the filter and gasket. I plan on buying them from Sewell but cannot seem to find them in the catalog of parts.

Also opinions welcome on if this is good idea. Car seems to shift fine. It does not shift into OD when its cold out until the car is warm but I understand this to just be a Toyota thing.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

I've ordered these parts in the past, but I'm having a hard time finding them on Sewell as well.

I believe the transmission pan gasket is 35168-33031

EDIT: I figured out why i can't find it. I ordered the parts from a different dealer, and their diagram was a little bit different. The part is officially known as a STRAINER ASSY, OIL.
I would recommend shooting Sewell an email with your VIN number and asking them for the part numbers. They should be able to find everything for you. The strainer is around $30.

bronco2454

I emailed Sewell and was told that it is a closed system and no filter is required. Does this sound right?

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

I've replaced the filter/gasket on mine once already and about to this week... I've looked and it's weird how they don't include any filter replacement parts from sewell itself.

I know various cars have the fitler-less system where it's built-in and it basically an aluminum mesh within the transmission.

tomf

For me, I'd skip replacing the screen and just do the drain and refill. I do a drain and refill every 25K miles. It's easier and cheaper than an oil change. Make sure you measure the amount of fluid that comes out so you know how much to put back. IMO, The benefit of replacing the screen is minimal because the openings in the screen are fairly large. But do it if you want or if you are just interested in learning how to do it.

imherenow

go drain n fill!!!

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Hmm I'm surprised they said that. It's definitely not a closed system, they just don't have the right diagram for the parts required.

I used Pembroke Pines Lexus from Florida to get my filter and gasket. I also bought 17 or 18 new bolts for the pan, as mine were highly corroded.

You could skip the filter, if you want, it's not a big deal as said earlier. The only benefit of dropping the pan is cleaning the magnets and the pan itself. Just keep in mind that the job gets a lot more complicated if you go that route. Multiple drain and fills should be more than sufficient.

bronco2454

I called the local Lexus dealer and the parts department said the same thing that the system is closed and only has a metal screen for a filter. He said when they do drain and fills they do not drop the pan. I am going to go this route.

How about tranny fluid? I saw Valvoline at Wal-Mart tonight that says it is compatible for Toyota type iv. If not I will have to ship some as nearest Toyota dealer is 100 miles away.

LeX2K

If you want to go with OEM fluid, buy some Mobil 3309 this is identical to the Toyota fluid. You can buy a transmission filter kit at most any auto parts store, just make sure it comes with a neoprene gasket not cork. Swapping out the filter is really easy, plus pulling the pan gives you the chance to clean up the magnets and sludge on the bottom of the pan. You also get more fluid out that way.

When pulling the pan, clean up the area around it so you don't accidentally contaminate the internals when doing the work.

bronco2454

Is the drain plug for the differential the same part number as is listed for the pan? For the price I feel better getting new plug bolts and gasket for the differential and tranny pan.

bronco2454

Fluids: ATF Type T-IV-ATF T-IV, Fluid (1 Quart)
00279000T401
$4.48 6 $26.88
PLUG (FOR FRONT DIFFERENTIAL DRAIN)
9034118021
$1.89 1 $1.89
GASKET, DRAIN PLUG (ATM - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)
9043018008
$1.14 2 $2.28
PLUG SUB-ASSEMBLY, DRAIN (ATM - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)
9034118016
$1.89 1 $1.89
Gasket (for oil drain plug)-Crush Gasket (Oil drain plug)
9043012031
$0.84 1 $0.84
Filters: Oil Filter-Oil Filter
90915YZZD1
$3.99 1 $3.99
PLUG (FOR OIL PAN DRAIN)
9034112012
$3.39 1 $3.39


Here are the parts I ordered. Six quarts should be enough corect? Also the differential uses the same as the tranny and fills from the dipstick? Chilton manual makes this seem unclear.

HomerJay

Hi, regarding your concern " Car seems to shift fine. It does not shift into OD when its cold out until the car is warm but I understand this to just be a Toyota thing."
The good news is that almost all late model cars with automatic will not shift into OD until they reach operating temperature. This helps speed up the warm-up process and reduce emissions.