I want to change the transmission fluid as preventative maintenance. I don't believe anything has "lifetime" fluid...
I know our transmissions are sealed, and don't have transmission cooler lines that cool the fluid (where normal machine flushes take place).
So, am i stuck with filling and draining multiple times while running the car in between?
OR
Does the dealership have equipment that will hook up to do a flush?

 

Not speaking from first hand experience.

When I was in the market for my Lexus, I asked one of my friends who is on his second Lexus. He's own 1st generation and 2nd generation IS. He still has the 2nd gen.
I asked him about maintenance.
He said that he's always followed Lexus's schedule for service maintenance and let them handle it. He said with both cars, he's never had a mechanical problem, even once, with either car.
While I agree with you on believing the "lifetime" thing.. it looks like Lexus really did their research when building their cars.

If you really want to go ahead and change it, try searching for problems with transmission fluid with our cars before you go through all the trouble. Just in case, you know.

 

I would not recommend doing a transmission flush as per Lexus recommendations. I have had several Lexus vehicles with no issues! Some might not agree with me here on this issue, but it is my opinion.

 

I think i'm going to still go ahead and try to get it changed or at the very least change the transmission filter.
Previous models had the interval at 96k kms, might try it at that mileage.

 

Follow the owners manual. Unless you know more than the engineers at Lexus......

 

just really feeling uneasy about lifetime items.
The manual says 192,000kms or 12 years for spark plugs, definitely not going to wait that long.

 

Whats the scheduled maintenance for tranny flush?

I know that some of the modern day transmissions requires (like my mercedes) filter change in the transmission which requires dropping of the transmission. Not an easy job. But maybe it is different in the lexus.

 

As it stands, Lexus says its's a lifetime fluid...
Transmission filter is accessed by dropping the transmission fluid pan.

 

If i researched correctly the transmission model for the 3IS (6 speed) is A760H and is also found in the 2006-2009 GS350 (with intervals of 96k kms)... with a few on this forum changing fluids.
A difference in fluid model? enough to go from 96k to never?
I'm pretty set on dropping the pan and changing the filter. At least clean out the initial break in shavings and such.

 

The transmission doesn't have a filter...it has a strainer. Toyota has never used filters like domestic vehicles.
The difference is the strainer is never replaced because it is a metallic mesh, not a fabric filter.
You can drop the pan and replace it, but there's no point...the new strainer will look exactly like the old one...even after 10's of thousand's of miles.
Changing the fluid is not a bad idea, but I would highly recommend the dealer do it. They will be familiar with the proper procedure to set the fluid level...remember it is sealed, there is no dipstick.
They will use the Techstream to set the level as the fluid temperature needs to be observed when sitting the level.

 

ah, was wondering why they kept calling it a strainer, makes sense. Thought it was just another term for the transmission filter.
I'll bring it in then, ill get them to drop the pan to clean the possible crud on the bottom of the pan as well as the shavings on the magnets.

 

If they offer a flush, I would do that.
Realistically there should be minimal to no clud or filings in the pan, and those filings should be stuck to the magnets and not floating in the transmission.
Also the majority of the transmission fluid is not really in the transmission, it's in the torque converter...which cannot be drained.
The only way to get that fluid out is by flushing...or actually removing the torque converter.

See what they recommend.

 

You gonna go to Belair Lexus? My dealer recommends replacing the fluid every 96,000km. They have a procedure at the dealer for doing the fluid change. I too don't believe in lifetime fluid. It might be lifetime, but I wouldn't have peace of mind given that the fluid goes through so many hot and cold cycles throughout its service life in our climate, not to mention the moving parts in the tranny naturally wearing a bit with extended use.

 

I'll most likely be going to Belair, I see you've done some creeping haha.

I saw on the GS forums that one person had their fluid tested and the lab said that lifetime fluids are misleading and they often see breakdown at 36k miles (60k kms). Or something along those lines.

 

I'm keeping a close eye on this thread.
I bought a Lexus so I can drive this thing into the ground, which should not occur within the first 10 years.
I'm more than happy to pay for a tranny flush, especially considering that I drive this car in the winter and its exposed to a range of temperatures. Please keep us posted.