So I'm confused. Let me first say that I hate lexus of portland but still get some of my service done there anyways. They keep telling me I need to get a transmission flush on my car, borderline insistent that it needs to be done. I was confused for a while because I couldn't find a service interval in my owners manual, which I always check before doing a service the stealership recommends. I finally found a note in the back that said IS vehicles have a lifetime tranny fluid. When I mention that my owner's manual says this, the service advisors make it sound like that's a horrible thing and EVERYONE needs a fluid flush at 45k. Most of them have no explanation and most don't even realize the owner's manual says that at all (idiots....aren't they supposed to be the "experts" on my car??). One guy said the owners manual says that so not just any repair shop can service, in essence trying to make it more difficult for them and so the car has to be taken to the dealer (seems like they would have just said it requires special equipment and recommend bringing it to the dealer).

Sorry for the rant, but I want to take the best care of my car as I can. If it needs to be done, I want to do it. But from reading online, my understanding is there are no drain ports, no dipstick or anything, and whoever does try to "flush" the fluid would only be able to change out 10-20% anyways. Lexus of Portland is the type of place that would do this, but represent it as a full fluid flush, and charge me full price of $210.

Appreciate the help. Are there any lexus technicians or mechanics on this forum?

 

I think they're trying to Mess with you. It's a sealed transmission. From what I've read on here, you don't need to do it. The manual is correct!

 

Wow they are trying to screw you. Not cool, unless that is your last option to service your car I wouldn't give them any of my business

 

You don't ever "need" it done. Service manual doesn't call for it, because, like you said, its a lifetime fluid. Your only supposed to be periodically checking it for leaks, otherwise it remains untouched.

Your also correct about not being able to really flush (or even really drain) the transmission. The unit it sealed, so there are no contaminants from outside getting in unless there is a leak. You can drop the pan and you'll only take out 20% of the fluid from what other users have said on this forum.

You don't need any transmission servicing unless there's a problem (i.e. leak). You can get a drain and refill if you want of that 20%, but i see no reason...that's a very small amount of fluid actually being changed.

Dealer is trying to screw you!!!

 

I just called one of my local dealers and the lady tried to get me to do it as well She sounded unsure and told me to do it it 45K and wants to charge $235

 

Wow. Asked my Lexus service rep just to see, and the response was "If its not leaking, we don't need to touch it"

 

Sounds to me like they really want u to bring ur car in so they can fawk (excuse my language) something up.

 

Summer?......