Lexus owners manual only suggests transmission service if vehicle is used for towing. If not towing, no transmission fluid change. My local Toyota dealer (where I get the oil changed) recommends every 30k miles. I have a 2005 with 95k miles. Transmission runs perfectly. Any need for me to have the transmission serviced?

 

If you plan on keeping the car, yes. All ATF becomes contaminated. If this was my car, I would start doing drain/refills every 30k, and change the ATF filter now, or at next drain/refill.

 

I did mine (2005) at around 100k / 10 years -- dealer fluid exchange only (good luck finding a dealer who will actually drain and fill,,,). A while after that (like over 1 year later if I recall the mileage math) the car developed a hesitation when slowing then re-accelerating, like at a turn, for a while, and I thought I would need to bring it in to be examined. But I wonder now if it was because I became the primary driver and it had to relearn me. The problem 100% disappeared over time. In any case I now put just 3-5k a year and will not touch the trans again until the car is at least 20 years (2025) old or some need. Probably should do it more often, but with low miles (145k now) I don't want to risk if the exchange itself might somehow be risking damage. On other cars I have changed fluid far more frequently, like 45k to 60k. BTW I also did change differential fluid at 60k and 120k IIRC, and power steering fluid for first time last year. Brake fluid every 3 years. Fluids have not ben issue so far, except coolant seems to get low over a long time (others have said same thing)

 

The A761 is extremely robust almost to the point of being bulletproof BUT at the end of the day it shouldn't be neglected. The procedure can be tricky so trust your Toyota dealer. They "should" have the tools and training to do the job right. That said please watch this video before having a conversation with the service advisor. Also, the 30k interval they recommend is a bit of a money grab...

 

I had a full exchange done twice by Lexus. Once at 80K and again at 160K. Now nearing 200k and transmission shifts perfectly.

 

For our first years of ownership, we did nothing. Since hitting around 120K, we have been doing periodic drain and fill. With 230K now, the vehicle is as smooth as silk.

 

I did my first set of drain and fills (3 in all) at around 120K a couple years ago and was glad I did; the fluid was quite dark. Going forward I will be am doing them every 25,000 miles or so to keep it in tip top condition. ('05, 133K now)

 

Yes certainly get the trans fluid changed. I drained/filled mine twice leaving the 3rd fill to run with. Dealer will have an actual 'procedure' and higher price point etc if you dont work on your own car.

And the Differential has a drain and fill, so get the gear lube refilled as well. Very simple to have done!

 

A number of things to consider here... 1) Are you the original owner? 2) Have you ever replaced or know of the last transmission fluid change? 3) Is the transmission fluid discolored?, is it bright red or burnt and showing signs of disclorisation or darkness? and finally.... 4) How is it shifting and performing now? If you are not the original owner, and do not know the history of the transmission changes......Unless you have an issue with shifting.. my suggestion is to LEAVE IT ALONE!!!....It's ok to change, if you know the history and it's been changed at regular intervals, no harm to drain and fill. If you don't know anything about it, and it's shifting fine... leave it alone!!! Dirty fluid getting changed does not do any good for the transmission and possibly/probably more harm as the varnish is keeping the clutches from slipping.. Good luck.