I changed the fluid and filter on my transmission last week. I thought it would be interesting to open the filter. No one in Australia stocks them so I got it from Japan - which only increased my curiosity. The fluid hasn't been changed before, I changed just over 3 litres.
The overflow method didn't work at temperature(possibly because I couldn't get the transmission test mode to fully work) and it pushed out 300ml before I could do the plug up. Ended up with the right amount of fluid replaced

 

Well done. I will be servicing the transmission in our car soon.
Did your car shift differently?
Or pull better?
Thanks in advance.

 

I don't think it made a massive difference however there wasn't an issue to start with. I think it shifts quicker but it's hard to say. This was preventative maintenance so I'm not worried.

There are bits of metal that were collected in the filter, it's worth changing it if you're dropping the pan. Other than that it was pretty clean, although the pan magnets were full, ended up putting the whole pan in the parts washer.

 

yeah i think in the spring imma drop the pan and change my filter as well. should be around 150000 by then

 

Yeah most likely no real world difference at all. It doesn't take much driving for the factory fluid to get darker. I'm never touching the transmission fluid since it's not required and no need too on my 450h

 

^^^^^^ I still cant believe people think there gearbox fluid doesn't need changing, after ALL the info on this and other forums about LIFETIME OILS FFS. There is nothing special about a TOYOTA , LEXUS GEARBOX. The oil needs changing at 800000kms if you track it drop it every track day ...

 

I trust the Toyota Engineers that designed the transmission and factory fluid over people opinions. Also my car has an eCVT so not like a regular transmission.

 

Agree 100%. Save your money. Lexus states it never needs to be changed. Will guarantee comments will follow like nothing last forever, needs to be changed, it changes color after so many miles etc. Anyone who recommends you spend your hard earned money to change it ask them how many years they have working on Lexus transmission's and where did they get their training. You will get no replies. All this being said do what you feel most comfortable. Sixth Lexus and never have changed the transmission fluid and ZERO problems.

My local Lexus Service manager who has 25 years experience working on Lexus vehicles and has been trained by Lexus said it never needs to be changed. He went to Detroit where the transmissions are made for training and asked what is the #1 cause of Lexus transmission failing. Their reply was the wrong level of fluid and the wrong fluid. Both of these are factors in one changing the fluid. I will save my money and never change the fluid and listen to the experts. Never changed the transmission fluid and never had one problem. Asked him what lifetime meant and see said life of the car. Save your $$$$$

 

800,000 kms? Guess I won't need to worry about that for a while.

 

And what does the lexus training state?

1) Only use sealed ATF containers
2) Lifetime fill transmissions are "sealed" units (they still have breathers, though)
3) Any time you open the transmission, you introduce air - see point 1
4) Severe service clauses

ATF can last a long time, but no fluid lasts forever. The lifetime of the vehicle does not necessarily mean what you'd want it to mean

Your CVT is an upsized Prius PSD with a regular 2-speed auto connecting MG2 to the ring gear (wheels) shaft, so you have both the electric motors'(and other electrical components) plastic insulation and the regular automatic elements (valve body, solenoids, auxiliary electric oil pump, clutch packs).

https://www.osti.gov/biblio/947393-e...y-drive-system - pretty much everything applies.

 

I think it depends on how long you intend on keeping the car. If you're going to dump it at 100K or so, do whatever you want....it literally won't matter. if you want it to really last long haul, full blown lexus style, you're going to want to change the fluid eventually.

-Mike

 

#Triggered. Blah blah I've heard it all before. My Lexus manual tells me to change my transmission fluid so I changed it. It doesn't say to change the filter and I won't do it again - I ordered one and opened it up to show you guys purely for interest's sake. I can upload a photo if you don't believe me, Lexus tells me in writing to change my fluid if I want my car to last.

0 I understand American manuals don't - I think it's because Lexus are positioned differently in the market there (ie they're dirt cheap) so they want to reduce the lifetime servicing cost. That is a massive factor for people buying new cars these days. Over here the GS costs an arm and a leg so they probably figure the market can afford it given we're famous for keeping our cars. I didn't post here to debate what Lexus thinks is the best for my car, I justed wanted to post a few pictures but it brought you lot out. #triggered.

It cost me around $40 for the fluid and around $60 for the gaskets and filter. Sounds cheap to me, certainly compared to the frivolous spending seen here on non mechanical items. Given how many transmission specialists recommend changing the fluid earlier than later it's worth doing.

I work with former mechanics, the number of times they've revived an expensive car that was going to be parted out /traded in by changing the fluid is eye opening. The owner usually decided to keep the car after a simple service on their 'sealed, lifetime transmission'.