My 2002 Is300 has 193xxx miles on it, the fluid in the transmission is digusting, and she shifts aggressively 1st to 2nd before warming up all the way.
I'm moving to Colorado in a month and wanted to do a few things for the car before going on such a long trip and to such harsh conditions.

Is it a good idea to have the automatic flushed? and if so, what is the best oil to use?
I've heard mixed stories about it, so wanted to get some expert advice.

 

Toyota T-IV. I've done the drain+refill then drive and repeat 3-4x then drop the pan and clean the magnets/pan and check/clean or replace the metal strainer with much success. Takes about 10-12qts of T-IV.

I tried the drain via transmission cooler (radiator) as well and didn't like that method as much, just personal preference more than anything.

 

when was the last time the transmission was serviced????

if it was more than 100k ago, just simply leave it alone... even incremental changes can be dangerous...

 

since this is already a topic and some what was talked about and may answer some questions hes lookin for.
When or what signs show that the car is needing the tranny fluids to be flushed and changed?
for example my cituation:
04 is300 5 speed and has 111,000 on it im not the 1st owner and i drive spirited. when should i change my oil or how can i know my tranny oil needs serviceing?

 

engine oil should be changed every 5k with synthetic per lexus. and u can find or call a lexus dealer and ask wat the interval is to change the teans and diff fluid. i did my trans and diff change at 100k since i felt the manual gearbox feel notchy. but u should also check your car history to see if it was done unless u bought it with less than 90k on it

 

My engine oil is not the problem i use Royal Purple and change it before 5k. i bought my car with 87k on it and the guy i bought it from had told me he had jus placed a new cluch in the car. i dont trust that but u never know maybe he did. my car drives smooth and has no issues but i dont want to wait till there is an issue to do my research.
Could it be bad for the car if i jus change the tranny oil? or is there a way to tell if the tranny oil needs to be changed? sorry for all the questions but this got me curious if i need to do it, and thank you for the responces.

 

wont hurt to change it

 

Thank you very much the wong. quick question should i attempt to do the change by myself or how much would it be for someone to do it for me? i guess price range so i dont get robbed for not knowing.

 

u can attempt to do a drain and fill by yourself through some diys and watnot, but if u want the full 10-12 qt system flush u need a shop with the tranny flush machine to properly do it

just call around shops and or dealers u trust and ask for a quote

also not being specific about your 1is, whether it is auto or manual. if its auto, follow wat i said above. if it manual, i would say that is very easy, u spend more time pumping fluid than doing everything else, there is a diy out there to manual trans fluid change

 

The wong thank u again for ur replies and helpin me through this. So ur saying that if i have a manual tranny which i do. that its easy and i should jus look upthe DIY and jus do it? ima look up the DIY and see

 

good information should be saved.