Notices
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

Transmission issues

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 29, 2019 | 08:45 AM
  #16  
rkw77080's Avatar
rkw77080
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,186
Likes: 729
From: Texas
Default

Originally Posted by Forbidden
How is the oil on the dipstick supposed to look in terms of when checking the level. Is it supposed to be thick up to the correct level Mine is like a very thin (film like thickness) on the stick.
Your dipstick tube makes several turns on its way down to the transmission pan, so every time you pour ATF down this tube it coats the inside wall, which can stay wet for a long time. As you insert the dipstick, it makes contact with the tube's inside wall at every turn and pickup some ATF. You may have to insert/withdraw the dipstick several time to scrape the inside wall free of ATF, and always look at both sides of the dipstick to confirm level.


Reply
Old Aug 29, 2019 | 11:55 AM
  #17  
Forbidden's Avatar
Forbidden
Thread Starter
Driver
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 106
Likes: 3
From: fl
Default

When u say fluid exchange is that where they suck all of the fluid out and refill? I have been told with the lack of maintenance records that I was probably going to do worse than good so I left it alone. I was thinking of just removing the drain plug and drain the pan and then refill but since I am low on oil I would need to add more than what comes out. Does anyone know how much would need to be added if I do this? Does anyone have any other recommendations? Again. Thanks for all the help
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2019 | 12:36 PM
  #18  
Lavrishevo's Avatar
Lavrishevo
Lexus Fanatic
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 5,176
Likes: 324
From: NJ
Default

Most just drain and refill vs flushing the transmission. It's less of a shock to the system. Then you repeat the process pretty regularly. On your car it is easier for this procedure. What you add is matched to what you drain plus a little. Use the dipstick.
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2019 | 02:29 PM
  #19  
rkw77080's Avatar
rkw77080
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,186
Likes: 729
From: Texas
Default

Originally Posted by Forbidden
Does anyone know how much would need to be added if I do this? Does anyone have any other recommendations?
According to the Owner's Manual, you should be able to drain 1.9 US Quarts of ATF out of the 2001-2003 transmission.


This must be done while the car is parked on level ground and the engine has been off long enough for all of the ATF to drain back into the pan. Carefully measure what you're able to drain out to determine if you were indeed low on ATF (thus the slow-engagement problem persisted).

I would suggest to add back slightly less than 1.9 US Quarts of new ATF at first (say, 1.7 or so). Drive around for a few minutes to bring the transmission up to temperature. Check the level with the engine running, transmission in "P" or "N", with car parked on level ground. Add ATF if necessary.
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2019 | 02:30 PM
  #20  
Forbidden's Avatar
Forbidden
Thread Starter
Driver
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 106
Likes: 3
From: fl
Default

Well my plan is to do just that. Drain the pan, refill with the drained amount and add a little more at a time and measure with dipstick. I just wanted a idea of how much I should expect to add in total. Only thing this plan has officially been placed on hold until ...... cause I live in South Florida (Miami) and we have been getting bad weather this week, also there is a hurricane heading in our direction So I will keep you advised on the outcome once I am able to do it. Thanks
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2019 | 02:32 PM
  #21  
Forbidden's Avatar
Forbidden
Thread Starter
Driver
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 106
Likes: 3
From: fl
Default

Thanks for the info rkw. We were both typing at the same time
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2019 | 02:46 PM
  #22  
rkw77080's Avatar
rkw77080
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,186
Likes: 729
From: Texas
Default

Originally Posted by Forbidden
Thanks for the info rkw. We were both typing at the same time
I was just thinking... Wow, that's fast!

A couple of subtle but important points that you already knew... 1) Engine must be off (for a while) before you drain. 2) Engine must be running when you check the level.

Hopefully, Dorian decides to head north... Stay safe!
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2019 | 05:04 PM
  #23  
Marc08EX's Avatar
Marc08EX
Driver
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 101
Likes: 3
From: Arizona
Default

Anybody have a link to a DIY drain and fill? The only DIY I saw here and in YouTube is trying to replace like 8 qts by removing some tubes to flush the entire system. I don’t want to do that.
Reply
ClubLexus Stories

Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe

story-0

10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

 Brett Foote
story-7

GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

 Brett Foote
Old Aug 29, 2019 | 05:18 PM
  #24  
rkw77080's Avatar
rkw77080
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,186
Likes: 729
From: Texas
Default

Originally Posted by Bri
Anybody have a link to a DIY drain and fill? The only DIY I saw here and in YouTube is trying to replace like 8 qts by removing some tubes to flush the entire system. I don’t want to do that.
Please see post #12 of this thread for a link to a drain-and-refill for the 2004-2006 transmission.
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2019 | 05:30 PM
  #25  
Forbidden's Avatar
Forbidden
Thread Starter
Driver
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 106
Likes: 3
From: fl
Default

Thanks for the safe wishes but I forgot to mention that the engage time has reduced ever since I added fluid. I am assuming this is a good thing right?
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2019 | 05:32 PM
  #26  
rkw77080's Avatar
rkw77080
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,186
Likes: 729
From: Texas
Default

Originally Posted by Forbidden
Thanks for the safe wishes but I forgot to mention that the engage time has reduced ever since I added fluid. I am assuming this is a good thing right?
It seems to suggest that we're on the right track!
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2019 | 06:19 PM
  #27  
Marc08EX's Avatar
Marc08EX
Driver
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 101
Likes: 3
From: Arizona
Default

Originally Posted by rkw77080
Please see post #12 of this thread for a link to a drain-and-refill for the 2004-2006 transmission.
@rkw77080 wow thanks for the link and the write up!

I wonder if the drain plug is located in the same place for the 01-03? Then I assume refill he ATF through the dipstick hole?
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2019 | 06:47 PM
  #28  
sdls's Avatar
sdls
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,218
Likes: 300
From: NA
Default

You guys should be glad to at least have a dipstick. Lexus "Cost Reduced" this part in the 07+ models. We have to plug into a diagnostic scanner and then check the amount of fluid overflow or sth stupid when the temperature is at some obscure exact temperature range. Thanks for nothing, Toyota.
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2019 | 07:17 PM
  #29  
rkw77080's Avatar
rkw77080
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,186
Likes: 729
From: Texas
Default

Originally Posted by Bri
I wonder if the drain plug is located in the same place for the 01-03? Then I assume refill he ATF through the dipstick hole?
Yes, the drain plug is located near the rear of the pan (see sketch below). Please note that the 01-03 LS430 do not have the Over-flow plug like the 04-06 model. In order to drain more ATF out, you should only jack up the front of the car and leave the rear wheels on the ground. Yes, add new ATF through the dipstick tube.

Reply
Old Aug 29, 2019 | 11:57 PM
  #30  
Marc08EX's Avatar
Marc08EX
Driver
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 101
Likes: 3
From: Arizona
Default

@rkw77080 Which service manual would you recommend I get?

im new to Toyota’s and Lexus’ so I don’t know where to get the service manuals.
Reply



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:26 PM.

story-0
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

Slideshow: How to Get the Best Fuel Economy with a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-05 20:54:44


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

Slideshow: 10 best Lexus models no one remembers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 17:33:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus/Toyota models with the lowest 5-year depreciation rate.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 12:19:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

The LC hasn't even disappeared from the Lexus lineup yet, and we're already seeing signs of an explosive market.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-06 09:25:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

Slideshow: comparing the pricings, specs, power, fuel economy, fun-factor, and features of the GX 550 Luxury+ and TX 550h+ Luxury.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-19 13:44:11


VIEW MORE
story-8
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

Slideshow: 9 best Lexus models you can buy for half price and 1 you should avoid

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-19 12:01:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

Here's everything you need to know about the latest NX.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-19 11:56:59


VIEW MORE