Transmission Fluid
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 490
Likes: 64
From: Georgia
The general consensus on this forum is to do a few drain and fills. Never do a flush. Also mixed opinions on dropping pan to access filter. Mileage recommendations vary between 50k-100k, but most agree if never done by roughly 150k, it's best to not do it. If you do a search, it's been discussed so many times it'll make your head spin. In your situation, I'd say a drain and fill (roughly 2 qts) would be appropriate preventative maintenance. No need to drop pan. If you really want to be thorough, do a second drain and fill shortly after the first one. The fluid is considered long life and diluting it with fresh a couple of times is more than adequate. There is a proper procedure that involves monitoring temperature to get the crucial proper fill level. Just have a Japan savvy shop do the work or Lexus or Toyota service dept. If you drive the car hard, it makes even more sense to drain and fill it.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 17,925
Likes: 1,702
From: Ohio
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 379
Likes: 175
From: NJ
Lexus service schedule does not require transmission fluid change on the regular basis. Lexus is saying it is good for the life of the car. However, that same Lexus service schedule does not mention any maintenance beyond 150K miles either, so I guess this is their vision of the "Life of the car". With that being said, it is considered to be wise to change transmission fluid once every 5 years or so. I've heard from several different Toyota, Lexus and BMW mechanics about 50-60K miles ATF change suggested intervals as well. I did my transmission fluid change when my car was 5 years old and at that time I had 30K miles on it. My car was coming up for the 5 years coolant change, 30K miles brake fluid change, 5K miles oil change and diff fluid change. I just got all fluids changed at once since my car was in the shop and I lost it for the day anyway. Besides, changing your transmission fluid once every 4-5 years is not that big of a deal considering the value of the car. LOL
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 453
Likes: 173
From: CA
I’ve always been the kind of person where I take preventative maintenance to the next level. Call me crazy, but I go against what the factory service requirements are.
For instance, if the owners manual states that you should change the ATF every 40-60K miles, I’ll change it every 15-20K miles.
What kills transmissions? Take a guess? Heat and worn down fluid where the additives have broken down. You’ll be surprised how fast ATF starts to deteriorate, you just can’t see it.
I took automotive college classes, and my former teacher that worked for Ford for 3 decades, emphasized that NO fluid last forever and needs to be changed. Friction, heat, humidity, is what ruins fluid over time.
Even engine oil, if the manufacturer says you can change it every 10K miles, give them the middle finger, and change that **** at 3,500-5,000 miles. I’ve also followed this method, and all of my cars have never had engine issues or mechanical problems in general.
For instance, if the owners manual states that you should change the ATF every 40-60K miles, I’ll change it every 15-20K miles.
What kills transmissions? Take a guess? Heat and worn down fluid where the additives have broken down. You’ll be surprised how fast ATF starts to deteriorate, you just can’t see it.
I took automotive college classes, and my former teacher that worked for Ford for 3 decades, emphasized that NO fluid last forever and needs to be changed. Friction, heat, humidity, is what ruins fluid over time.
Even engine oil, if the manufacturer says you can change it every 10K miles, give them the middle finger, and change that **** at 3,500-5,000 miles. I’ve also followed this method, and all of my cars have never had engine issues or mechanical problems in general.
Glad you had no issue with flush. If you do some reading here, there are many recommendations against flushing and why. I see you joined many years ago but low postings, so, I don't know how familiar you are with the posts on this subject.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 3,009
Likes: 1,121
I wouldn't be worried about flushing a transmission, can't be any worse than never doing a flush. It's not a backflush like you might do on a heater core or a rad...the direction of fluid flow don't change and neither does the pressure throughout the trans.
It's always done stationary in neutral, I've never seen or done it revving the crap out of a car and going through the gears so...spirited driving or tracking/drifting will stir debris up waay more than a flush ever could.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
It's always done stationary in neutral, I've never seen or done it revving the crap out of a car and going through the gears so...spirited driving or tracking/drifting will stir debris up waay more than a flush ever could.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 280
Likes: 25
From: New York
Only do drain and fill if you live in heavily salted areas. I did a pan drop and a bolt snapped inside the threads of transmission. Was a pain to fix but after filter and full flush only going to do drain and fills with amsoil transmission fluid. Really good because of the higher heat wear and breakdown and longevity factors
Didlaw, at 50k, it's a great time to do fluid changes on trans, brakes, coolant. From my own experience, I changed plugs at 58k on my 2013, it was way too soon as the plugs looked perfect. 100k for plugs and boots. A few other DIY goodies: spray clean 2 MAF sensors, same spray for throttle body, replace front seat bottom air filters, clean smog sensor filter (front top passenger side of radiator). I found Toyota to have fair pricing and they have the Tech Stream software to do it all correctly.