Hello Friends,

I have a 2021 Lexus LX 570 with 54K miles. I am wondering if we need to change the transmission fluid? I know the manual never says to change and it is "lifetime" transmission fluid. However, a lot of Mechanics don't believe it. Now Lexus dealer does not provide such service but Toyota dealer does. I am wondering if any of you did the transmission service on your LX? Thanks!

 

In Japan, they service the transmission every 30K miles. I did mine when I got it with 82K and then again recently with 160K.
There is no such thing as a lifetime fluid.

 

I believe in fluid changes, including transmission fluid. I went a bit longer than I should have, so I did a partial change of three liters at 81,000, and will do another three liters this spring at around 92,000. I did not change the filter.
There are ample YouTube videos on similar Toyota/Lexus tranny fluid changes, so I did the work myself. DO NOT GET A FLUSH, and use OEM fluid.

 

plenty of videos online how to do it. Blauparts even sells a full kit with fluid, transmission pan gasket, filter and oring to do it all. You'll only be able to access half the fluid ~5.5 quarts with transmission pan drop, maybe only 3 quarts with a drain and fill. Toyota WS fluid isnt even synthetic, blauparts kit will give synthetic WS fluid. Lot of people have success with valvoline maxlife (synthetic too).

 

Thank you for your reply. Do you think Toyota dealer is cable to drain and refill the transmission oil of Lexus LX 570?

 

they can, some dealers may refuse and say oh its lifetime fluid dont touch it. Even then they may only do a drain and fill which only get about a third of the total fluid. If you drop the transmission pan and filter you can get about 50% of the fluid.

https://www.blauparts.com/lexus-lx57...1-8-speed.html

Being yours is a 2021 with 54k miles, just a pan drop and refill is good enough. I did my moms 2017 at 72k miles and the fluid still looked decent, not dark and burnt. I'll do another pan drop and fill at 100k

 

I have a 2016 LX with 70k miles and the 1-2 shock shift when the vehicle is cold. Has anyone had success in reducing the shift harshness with a fluid swap?

 

at that age and mileage should do one regardless, it only helps transmission life and probably shifting

 

Has T-SB-0209-17 been applied to this LX? My 2016 was shifting hard before this TSB was applied, and has been great since.

 

Is there a way for me to check? Or do I have to have my local Lexus dealer determine whether it's been applied?

 

It shows up in my Lexus portal under My Service History (https://www.lexus.com/My-Lexus/schedule-service)
SERVICE: NON WARRANTABLE OPERATION CODE
DESCRIPTION:~|~CUSTOMER STATES THAT VEHICLE SEEMS TO SHIFT HARD WHEN QUICKLY ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. PLEASE CHECK AND ADVISE ~|~UPDATE AVAILABLE TO ADDRESS CUSTOMER CONCERN. L-SB-0209-17 ~|~REPROGRAM TCM AND INITIALIZE TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE NOW DRIVING NORMAL.

But, if in doubt, I'd bring it in for service.

 

i took mine to the Lexus dealer at 100k miles and they did it.
the said if not now, never

 

Yes, do it.

 

The car care nut provides good background on this and other issues that might be of interest . I got my 2011 LX570 with slightly over 100k last year with spotty records so just did a pan drop and fill. OEM fluids only. I had a good local shop do it as I didn't want to deal with cranky Lexus techs arguing with me.

 

I recently had my 2019 LX570 60k service accomplished. Transmission fluid replacement, filter replacement and transmission cooler fluid also handled per the Technical Service Manual.
They were clear regarding their view that the change was not required (lifetime BS) and there would be a note on the paperwork stating I accomplished a service an my discretion.

After paying 1,800 for the service this is the language put in the paperwork:Here is the really offensive part. 1)The language accepts zero liability for performing maintenance. 2) the language states I was notified regarding any problems being my financial responsibility...which I wasn't. The statement is a LIE! 3) They took zero responsibility for accomplishing procedures that are detailed in Lexus Technical Service Manual. 3) After contacting Lexus of North America, and dealing with their representative for several weeks.....was told they were unable to change the languauge on my service record.

So my reward for doing a preventative service at a Lexus dealership and dropping $1,800 is a black mark on my service history. Lexus North America told me there was no action they could take to address the language a dealership included in my service history for accomplishing a service that is detailed in the TSM.

So learn from my mistake as this could have warranty or Extended Service Agreement Implications.

I do not want to name the dealership as till this point they have been really good to me historically. But this interaction was big FU to a loyal customer from both the Lexus Dealership and Lexus North America and absolutely unacceptable.

A little bit about my Toyota ownership history.......My first Toyota was a Series 80 Landcruiser followed by a Series 100. I switched over the the LX470 in 2002 and have since had 2 LX570s and 2 LX600s.
Two ISFs and an RCF in the mix also. I have great loyalty to the brand....But will lower my expectations of Lexus NA.