DIY For Transmission Flush
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 276
Likes: 7
From: Texas
Lexus Tranny Fluid
Some people run their car engines without changing the oil - it usually catches up to them at around the 25k mile mark. If car warranties were 15k miles, they'd call it "world oil" and remove the dipstick. Doesn't change the fact that changing the oil well before failure is advisable. And that lubricant failure always comes at some point.
Hyundai's will probably barely make it to 150k before major servicing is needed. The 430 will run much longer than that, so different rules apply than for shorter design life cars. Just like for a 15k car that never "needs" an oil change.
Hyundai's will probably barely make it to 150k before major servicing is needed. The 430 will run much longer than that, so different rules apply than for shorter design life cars. Just like for a 15k car that never "needs" an oil change.
With all that said, I have three (3) good friends saying leave it alone until a minimum of 100,000 miles,and only then if it will make ME feel better, and a next door neighbor who is a beer-drinking buddy who's saying "LEAVE IT ALONE".
Be your own judge and good luck. I've decided to trade mine before the 100,000 miles mark just so I don't have to keep worrying about my tranny fluid. Isn't that a shame.
Rookie
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 72
Likes: 3
From: VA
2006 Transmission Fluid Replacement
Since the 2006 model doesn't have a dip stick to allow you to refill does it make sense to have the oil pan tapped to allow a hose connection to be made so you can refill in a similar fashion to the dip stick method.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 723
Likes: 171
From: West Coast
Complete DIY flush with pix on a non dipstick tranny
Found this on a Tacoma forum. Since I cannot see any pictures referenced in the SC430 thread, this one covers the details and has pictures....and, of course there is the discussion as to why or why not anyone would be changing WS fluid prior to dealer recommendations.....
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd...nsmission.html
Has anyone ever decided whether a dark fluid means wear and tear and a loss in lubrication vs a red new fluid ? See pix in the tacoma forum.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd...nsmission.html
Has anyone ever decided whether a dark fluid means wear and tear and a loss in lubrication vs a red new fluid ? See pix in the tacoma forum.
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 31
From: wi
I have heard the term "burnt" used to describe brown not red tranny fluid and usually is indicitive of needing new fluid though never heard this term related to life expectancy of WS fluid as it is so new and difficult to look at. My Toyota dealer says same thing leave it alone and I hear very very few incidences of tranny probs on this forum.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 276
Likes: 7
From: Texas
It's very interesting but I took my car in to the Lexus Dealership yesterday to get it washed, and I asked another Lexus Technecian about changing my transmission fluid, and he looked at me like I just landed on Mars. He reiterated what my good friends and neighbor have told me about changine my fluid, which I have posted before, "DO NOT CHANGE THAT FLUID". The Lexus Service Technician warnened me that "If I insisted on changing it, I could create problems with my transmission." I have it up to 79,000 miles now and it's still shifting fine. I have a 2005 LS-430 Sport, pearl white, gray leather, every option. I can't stand that I'm running the risk of damaging my car by trying to "maintain it", but I guess I should heed my two buddies and my next door neighbor who all work on Lexus cars every day and just forget about it. They surely have nothing to gain or lose by telling me "DO NOT CHANGE THAT FLUID". ???????? Good luck guys, I'm anxious to read about the first one that does change his or hers, and what the outcome is.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Lexus TX 550h+ (& 3 Reasons to AVOID!)
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyota Models of the 1990s RANKED!
Joe Kucinski
10 Great Toyotas That Could Have Been Lexus Models
Joe Kucinski
It's important we all consider the different variables associated with each case. Sure, it may be foolish by some to change fluids early, but more importantly, it's the questions we ask to identify if a fluid change is warranted.
Cheers!
Last edited by OG Member; Mar 25, 2012 at 08:59 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 723
Likes: 171
From: West Coast
Direct comparison RBC's to Transmission fluid
The only damage one would make when replacing the tranny fluid is if one uses the wrong fluid or puts in too much or too little . ALL fluid in mechanical pumps have a lifespan . Depends on how long you intend to keep the car and in what conditions you subject it to. (pulling a heavy trailer), overheating temps etc.....
Last edited by Lexicon1; Mar 25, 2012 at 09:41 AM. Reason: editing
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 276
Likes: 7
From: Texas
Anybody seen a Lexus pulling a trailer lately ? And you are correct Lexicon 1, I've been reading where some still think the 2004-2006 LS-430 uses Dextron, Type IV and other incorrect fluids. These now use WS Fluid, and for just over a couple hundred bucks, the Lexus Dealership will do it all for you. Is a transmission fluid change that over-priced that an owner just "has to do it himself/herself" ?
I'm still waiting for someone to come up with the magic bullet to either change, or not to change. As for me, I'm not crawling up under my car and fooling with it for Dealership's wlilingness to do it for less than $300 bucks.
Good luck folks.
I'm still waiting for someone to come up with the magic bullet to either change, or not to change. As for me, I'm not crawling up under my car and fooling with it for Dealership's wlilingness to do it for less than $300 bucks.
Good luck folks.
Yes, the '04+ uses the WS tranny fluid. There is online debate at the 150K mark and for most owner's service life, this is sufficient. For second owners or those vehicles exceeding 150K, it is open if the fluid should be changed. Wish this was more defined since we'll begin to see the '04's reaching north of 100K miles and whether or not the fluid is lasting. Certainly don't want to be in that small sampling where the fluid is losing it's additive package and taking the tranny with it.
Still not enough info.
Still not enough info.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 276
Likes: 7
From: Texas
Tranny Fluid Change !
Yes, the '04+ uses the WS tranny fluid. There is online debate at the 150K mark and for most owner's service life, this is sufficient. For second owners or those vehicles exceeding 150K, it is open if the fluid should be changed. Wish this was more defined since we'll begin to see the '04's reaching north of 100K miles and whether or not the fluid is lasting. Certainly don't want to be in that small sampling where the fluid is losing it's additive package and taking the tranny with it.
Still not enough info.
Still not enough info.
Again, keep us posted on how many of you are having to buy new transmissions. please ?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 832
Likes: 8
From: CA
Response to post #62 above (adding a dipstick to the 04-06 tranny):
IF you do this, you would have to seal the opening against the atmosphere.
WS fluid will absorb moisture from the air, and I think it is generally agreed that this would be a bad thing for the continued longevity of the transmission :-)
Another (only semi-related) bit of information:
Before I considered buying an '04+ LS430, I paid a visit to my local AAMCO.
The owner was very helpful, and looked up his repair records. He had "very few" come in for service.
IF you do this, you would have to seal the opening against the atmosphere.
WS fluid will absorb moisture from the air, and I think it is generally agreed that this would be a bad thing for the continued longevity of the transmission :-)
Another (only semi-related) bit of information:
Before I considered buying an '04+ LS430, I paid a visit to my local AAMCO.
The owner was very helpful, and looked up his repair records. He had "very few" come in for service.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 276
Likes: 7
From: Texas
Response to post #62 above (adding a dipstick to the 04-06 tranny):
IF you do this, you would have to seal the opening against the atmosphere.
WS fluid will absorb moisture from the air, and I think it is generally agreed that this would be a bad thing for the continued longevity of the transmission :-)
Another (only semi-related) bit of information:
Before I considered buying an '04+ LS430, I paid a visit to my local AAMCO.
The owner was very helpful, and looked up his repair records. He had "very few" come in for service.
IF you do this, you would have to seal the opening against the atmosphere.
WS fluid will absorb moisture from the air, and I think it is generally agreed that this would be a bad thing for the continued longevity of the transmission :-)
Another (only semi-related) bit of information:
Before I considered buying an '04+ LS430, I paid a visit to my local AAMCO.
The owner was very helpful, and looked up his repair records. He had "very few" come in for service.
Don't misunderstand me, I'd LOVE to get someone who is an expert on Lexus cars to tell me to change my tranny fluid, but all the experts I know keep saying, "DO NOT CHANGE YOUR TRANNY FLUID". They are just technicians, and have nothing to gain or lose if I damage my tranny..........Go figure, and good luck. Keep us posted the moment your tranny fails, and at what mileage please ?
