ATF Flush vs Drain and Fill
09-05-13, 07:08 AM
#1
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ATF Flush vs Drain and Fill
Question....
I have an 02 ES300 an been wanting to service the transmission fluid to ensure continued smooth sailing however, I'm a little confused on the flush vs drain and fill. I called one of the Lexus dealers in my area and was quoted $169 for a tranny flush. The price seems reasonable but I hear conflicting stories some of which state that a flush can damage the transmission (service adviser said there would be no problem). Called another Lexus dealer and said they don't flush, only do drain and fill for $99. Can you guys clear this up and provide input based on past experiences involving both procedures. Thank you in advance.
-RadWillie
I have an 02 ES300 an been wanting to service the transmission fluid to ensure continued smooth sailing however, I'm a little confused on the flush vs drain and fill. I called one of the Lexus dealers in my area and was quoted $169 for a tranny flush. The price seems reasonable but I hear conflicting stories some of which state that a flush can damage the transmission (service adviser said there would be no problem). Called another Lexus dealer and said they don't flush, only do drain and fill for $99. Can you guys clear this up and provide input based on past experiences involving both procedures. Thank you in advance.
-RadWillie
09-05-13, 09:53 AM
#3
Lexus Champion
Not sure how this particular dealer does a "flush". If they use a machine to force the fluid out, I would avoid such a procedure. Safest way to do a transmission service is to drain and drop the pan, clean the magnets and replace the filter/strainer, fill. Drive for a few miles, do a drain and fill again.
09-05-13, 01:50 PM
#4
I think the general consensus is that a flush is OK if you've been doing regular service on the transmission fluid. Of course, if it has been getting regular service then it wouldn't need a flush. If the transmission fluid has been ignored for a long time then it's best just to do drain and refills.
Personally, I just do a drain and refill every 25,000 miles. It's as easy as an oil change. Cost is the price of the ATF. I use a Dexron III equivalent sold at Walmart so the cost is less than $15.
Personally, I just do a drain and refill every 25,000 miles. It's as easy as an oil change. Cost is the price of the ATF. I use a Dexron III equivalent sold at Walmart so the cost is less than $15.
09-05-13, 06:44 PM
#7
I have always gone flush evey 30-45k. I am at 210k did the last flush couple of months back. Never had any issues and gear shifts smoothly. If you haven't done flush or drain and fill, just go with drain and fill couple of times and then could go for flush.
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09-05-13, 07:22 PM
#9
Lexus Champion
+1. Best way to kill a U140E is put the wrong fluid in it, they are an iffy transmission compared to the A series. Use either Mobile 3309 (identical to what Toyota sells), fluid from Toyota, or Royal Purple ATF (I run this and love it).
09-06-13, 05:58 AM
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Thanks for the replies guys. I think I will just have the dealer do a drain and fill and another after 10K miles. I purchased the car about 2 months ago and although the tranny fluid looks OK, I don't know if the previous owner serviced the tranny regularly so I don't want to risk it with a flush after reading some of the horror stories of failures after this procedure.. The car runs smooth and transmission shifts great. I want to make sure I have the correct services performed without jeopardizing the lifespan of any moving parts. Thanks again!
-RadWillie
-RadWillie
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