So, your probably wondering where this post is going right?? Well, as most of us probably already know the transmission for the IS 250c is sealed and does not have to be changed according to Lexus. I have done some research and found this is not necessarily the best thing for your car for many reasons. One of which it gets hot and breaks down. There is a great Youtube video with a guy who had great success changing it himself.

However, when I called both Lexus and Toyota for a transmission service the said they only "drain and change the transmission oil". By the way, Lexus wanted double (325.) what Toyota was going to charge (149.)

I found that there is also a transmission filter and gasket inside the pan that can also be changed. The service advisor at Toyota said not to change it because it causes problems. This seems a bit strange since any filter should be changed if your draining the fluid.

Anyone have any ideas or experience with this issue?

 

i replaced my filter and fluid. no problems and I'm running valvoline maxlife atf

 

anyone who tells u not to change the fluid is a moron...fluid should be changed no later than 50k and every 30-50k after.

 

Thanks. What about the filter?

 

every other time its serviced

 

Thanks for the post! Which tranny filter manufacturer (Lexus/Toyota or aftermarket) and part number did you get?

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/322012355384
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-OEM...-/233147237356

 

Many thanks for the quick reply!

 

Will be doing a drain and refill soon, maybe 2 consecutive times with oil change, then wait for a while and do it again after 50K miles. Thanks for the info.

 

So, who hasn't changed their oil and has been fine? Any high mileage IS C's out there??? Being the most reliable brand out there, I think I would trust their maintenance suggestions.

 

Coming up on 85k on a 2013. All seems well but my plan was to dump it at 75 but life got in the way.

As stated by another, not replacing the filter is just senseless. Plus it allows you to get more oil out.

 

FIWW the ISF service manual in the USA says not to Change the Tranny fluid, yet in Canada they have Service intervals for the same transmission. Same company same car exactly and different recommendations. A drain and fill is better than leaving it and it will last longer than if you don't.

 

As does brakes, diff fluid, engine oil and other things....

Stop and go as well climate and rough roads take a toll on equipment.