Transmission Fluid Change

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Jun 30, 2014 | 10:32 AM

20012003rx

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From: Virginia

Transmission Fluid Change

Hi everyone,

Couple of quick questions... When dropping the transmission pan to change the trans fluid, do I need to:

1.) Use a sealant around the new transmission pan gasket?
2.) Remove the drain plug on the rear axle and clean it? If so, how do I fill it back up? Does it fill from the transmission pan?

I have a 2001 GS300 RWD with 215K miles.

Thanks!

Jun 30, 2014 | 11:25 AM

FrankT

Instructor

Joined: Nov 2005

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From: Mountainair, NM

Transmission and rear differential are two separate units connected by the driveshaft using two very different fluids.

The transmission uses Toyota type IV fluid, the pan uses FIPG for the reseal. The refill is done at the dipstick tube.

The rear differential uses gear lube GL-5 75w90, there are two plugs fill and drain. Always loosen the fill plug first then drain plug.

Good luck hope this helps...

Jun 30, 2014 | 12:11 PM

20012003rx

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From: Virginia

Very much so! Thanks for your help! My RX300 is FWD and uses transmission fluid where the axle connects to the transmission, so I was curious to see if the GS300 did too (even though it's RWD). Thanks for clearing that up FrankT! Much appreciated! Saved me a lot of hassle! Lol

Jun 30, 2014 | 12:50 PM

Behemoth7

Pole Position

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From: AZ

Unless your having issues with the tranny, I wouldn't drop the pan. Just drain and fill.

Jun 30, 2014 | 04:09 PM

mk2tmr2

Lead Lap

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From: TX

Drain and fill is the M.O. for the trans on our car. Do some searching. There are easy ways to drain a good 8qts from the transmission by disconnecting the lines to the cooler. If you just pull the drain plug, only about 2 qts will come out.

Be very careful with the drain plug on the trans. It will strip the threads out of the pan if you over-torque or cross-thread it.

If you do drop the pan, just use a rubber gasket. If you prepare the surfaces properly (scrape **ALL** of the OEM FIPG off and thoroughly clean with a degreaser) you won't have any leaks. Dropping the pan is a pain in the *** though. Not worth it unless your transmission is showing signs of distress. For regular maintenance, don't do it.

Jul 7, 2014 | 06:55 AM

20012003rx

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From: Virginia

Awesome, great advise guys! Thanks for your help! I did a drain and fill and the fluid was still fairly red. I usually do a drain and fill, drive it around for a few days, then repeat 3 or 4 more times. Not the most convenient way to get rid of all the fluid, but it's an easy way lol.

Jul 7, 2014 | 06:57 AM

20012003rx

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From: Virginia

What about the filter? Have any of you ever replaced the transmission filter? I have 215,000 miles on mine and am worried about it... is shifts smoothly, but so did my RX300 until one day the transmission just failed.