Hello,
I just picked up a 1999 GS-400 w/ 78,000 miles on it, and it really is a strong running car. It is time to do some upkeep however. It is supposed to be a one owner vehicle, and the history seems to verify this.

However, I want to drain the automatic transmisson fluid by removing the pan and cleaning the screen. I would like to know if it is possible to drain the torque converter (like you can on Fords, by pulling a plug directly on the converter)? Or do I have to power flush the system to get it all out? The 3rd option is to fill the transmission and drive the car a few miles and redrain. It seems to be quite a waste to power flush that much fluid until it comes out clean. How much fluid do I need to buy for a normal refill?

I understand the transmission fluid is about $25.00 a gallon, and nothing but Toyota fluid can be used. I went back in the archives in this forum, and saw this question asked a few years ago.

Has anything new been discovered to replace the Toyota fluid? I am an AMSOIL Synthetic fluid fanatic, but I have been told that even THEY don't have anything that directly matches the Toyota Type IV fluid. Mobil 1 also doesn't have anything compatible either. Go figure!

When I was shopping for a GS, the trans fluid was always one of the first things I checked. The fluid always looked kinda dirty..even in cars on the lot for sale at Lexus dealerships. These were also CERTIFIED cars too. That is why I didn't place to much faith in that program. Plus it costs about $700 or more to certify a car with less than 60,000 miles on it. That is NOT worth it in my book.

For those of you that change fluid regularly, does the fluid look a little black on the stick every 15 to 30,000 miles? If not, maybe what I am seeing is fluid that been driven beyond that interval, or the previous owner has abused the transmission by too much "E" shifting, or overheating? Even on cars with less than 60,000 miles, the fluid Iooks black when it rubbed between my fingers. Car salesmen just look at me when I do that...not really knowing what to say at that point.

Just curious..any comments would be appreciated.

The car is an alpine silver, black interior, non navigation model (really wanted that Navi, though), with 16 inch stock non-chromed wheels, and no spoiler (may add that). I paid $21,850 + tax and license, after dealing down from $23995. I still need to get the pioneer radio display fixed, 1 VERY SMALL door ding, and replace the silver paint on normal front and rear bumper dings. Tires and brakes were new all around, with clean Carfax (although I don't put too much stock in Carfax).

I don't think I did too bad overall. It was definitely not bought at a Lexus dealer. Every one I saw on their lots went for 5 to 7 thousand more. One dealership even had a 98 GS-400 non navigation with 17 inch tires and spoiler for $27,995 with 65,000 miles.....I feel that is TOO much money for a 98.

I guess a set of service manuals is in order if I plan on doing much work myself. I know that 90,000 mile service will be staring me in the face soon. I think I will need to replace: Timing belt, tensioner, water pump, iridium spark plugs, coolant, thermostat, transmission fluid, differential fluid, air filter, fuel filter, and in-cabin microfilter. Did I miss anything?

Hope to hear back from someone soon!

GSEREP1

 

Do not use anything eles for tranny fluid

 

Good advice. As far as I know you cannot drain the converter but most dealerships have a unit can do a complete tranny flush.

 

i thought i saw a DIY on banannags's website on flush. but then again i thought they hook up somesort of compressor and blow/suck the debris out