Transmission Fluid Service
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2016
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From: GA
Transmission Fluid Service
Im at 60k miles...Im trying to figure out when to drain and refill the transmission oil...I have been looking at the recommended maintenance schedule I do not see it....All i see is to replace the brake fluid...Can anyone shed some light on this? I would greatly appreciate it
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,260
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From: Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
The transmission fluid is 'supposed' to be lifetime as the transmission is sealed.
In some regions they do recommend changing it, for a host of reasons...one of which if severe temperature swings.
Given your mileage, this would be an appropriate time to get it done.
Some Canadian dealer websites will have a recommended fluid replacement interval...usually at the mileage you are now at.
In some regions they do recommend changing it, for a host of reasons...one of which if severe temperature swings.
Given your mileage, this would be an appropriate time to get it done.
Some Canadian dealer websites will have a recommended fluid replacement interval...usually at the mileage you are now at.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,260
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From: Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
Drain and Refill is sufficient, but a flush would be better if you are confident of the capability of the facility.
The dealer is always an option to get it done of course.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 356
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From: CA
This is a common topic, we had a recent post with more info here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...e-for-3is.html
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2018
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From: GA
I feel like there is confusion about this whole flush and fill and drain and fill. When they flush and fill they do it 3x to get as much of the old fluid out and replace it with new one by hooking up a machine to a small plug. There is a stigma with this as they say doing the flush disrupts any deposits at the bottom and it can get lodged into the transmission gears. To drain since it’s a sealed transmission supposedly has to actually be opened up and the pan dropped to drain it which obviously will be more expensive to do. I think if you want to do it, you should get it DRAINED and filled, but then again if you do the flush and fill if something goes wrong you can always take it back to them and tell them they messed up.
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,260
Likes: 1,752
From: Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
I feel like there is confusion about this whole flush and fill and drain and fill. When they flush and fill they do it 3x to get as much of the old fluid out and replace it with new one by hooking up a machine to a small plug. There is a stigma with this as they say doing the flush disrupts any deposits at the bottom and it can get lodged into the transmission gears. To drain since it’s a sealed transmission supposedly has to actually be opened up and the pan dropped to drain it which obviously will be more expensive to do. I think if you want to do it, you should get it DRAINED and filled, but then again if you do the flush and fill if something goes wrong you can always take it back to them and tell them they messed up.
The drain and fill does not require the removal of the pan. The IS tranny has a drain plug, fill plug, and overflow plug (to set the level after filling). There are other manufacturers that the only way to drain the fluid is to remove the pan, that is not so for Toyota and Lexus.
Secondly, a flush is done with a flush machine. The machine is connected in series with a cooler line that is on the vehicle. As the old fluid enters the machine through one connection, the machine flows new fluid out through a second connection into the tranny.
Depending on how much fluid you use, this can replace 85% or more of the fluid in the transmission. It wouldn't be uncommon to fill the machine with 10L + of fluid to do the flush.
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,626
Likes: 459
From: GA
I think some clarification is needed here.
The drain and fill does not require the removal of the pan. The IS tranny has a drain plug, fill plug, and overflow plug (to set the level after filling). There are other manufacturers that the only way to drain the fluid is to remove the pan, that is not so for Toyota and Lexus.
Secondly, a flush is done with a flush machine. The machine is connected in series with a cooler line that is on the vehicle. As the old fluid enters the machine through one connection, the machine flows new fluid out through a second connection into the tranny.
Depending on how much fluid you use, this can replace 85% or more of the fluid in the transmission. It wouldn't be uncommon to fill the machine with 10L + of fluid to do the flush.
The drain and fill does not require the removal of the pan. The IS tranny has a drain plug, fill plug, and overflow plug (to set the level after filling). There are other manufacturers that the only way to drain the fluid is to remove the pan, that is not so for Toyota and Lexus.
Secondly, a flush is done with a flush machine. The machine is connected in series with a cooler line that is on the vehicle. As the old fluid enters the machine through one connection, the machine flows new fluid out through a second connection into the tranny.
Depending on how much fluid you use, this can replace 85% or more of the fluid in the transmission. It wouldn't be uncommon to fill the machine with 10L + of fluid to do the flush.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,260
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From: Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
The transmission is considered sealed because it has no dipstick...which can be easily removed, thereby creating an opening for air to enter the transmission.
Regardless of the number of drain or fill plugs it has, they do not determine the sealing of the transmission.
Regardless of the number of drain or fill plugs it has, they do not determine the sealing of the transmission.
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,626
Likes: 459
From: GA
But if you’re going to include a drain plug don’t call it a sealed transmission IMO it’s misleading because I assumed it couldn’t be drained without dropping the pan because that’s USUALLY what a sealed transmission requires. Idk just annoying to me.
Pole Position
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 227
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From: Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Do the fluid change. Have it done at a dealer or Lexus specialist. Im a big fan of drain and fills once a year. Ive never ever had to replace a tranny in my 20 years of car ownership. .
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,260
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From: Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
The transmission takes Toyota Genuine ATF-WS (World Standard) fluid...it takes several litres.
The differential (rear) uses LT 75W-85 GL-5 oil
The front can takes either SAE 80W, 90W, or 80W-90...depending on what climate you are using the vehicle in.
You'll need 2 litres per diff.
