Transmission fluid question?

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Nov 10, 2005 | 04:15 PM

purebliss

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From: New York

Transmission fluid question?

I have a question I have a 2002 GS300 with 48,000 miles on it and I have never changed the tranny fluid. I have checked it and it's level is fine and the color is still a clean red. Now my question is should I change it next time I go to the dealer? Also is it to late to change? I am just afraid if I change it I might start to get a leak since I have never changed it. Thanks for any help!

Just a side note I am having no problems at all with shifting I just plan on keeping the car for awhile and I want to make sure I don't mess up the tranny by not changing the fluid.

Nov 10, 2005 | 04:30 PM

PERRYinLA

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From: Orange County, California

Not too late at all

At 48K, it is barely broken in.

A drain-and-fill, which is what a Lexus dealer will do, would be just fine.

Nov 10, 2005 | 04:32 PM

PHML

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From: Waipahu, Waikele, HI

I just changed mines this past weekend. Yah....was still read...but definitely different looking from new Type IV ATF. I got 52K right now....and I must say...after draining and refilling, the transmission feels better.

Before, i used to have rough shifting...(I use e-shift alot)...particularly shifting from 3rd gear to 2nd gear....I would get a jolting shift (mini whiplash) at times. Also, when making hard turns....the gears seems like it wasn't catchin during the turn....but eventually catches when near straightening out the car.

Now...all those problems are gone...feels like a new car.....maybe cuz I also filled it to full.

And luckily....no check oil light.

Pete

Nov 10, 2005 | 04:52 PM

purebliss

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From: New York

Quote:

Originally Posted by PERRYinLA

At 48K, it is barely broken in.

A drain-and-fill, which is what a Lexus dealer will do, would be just fine.

Great thank you! I was just scared because I see people do it every 15k miles so I firgured I might have waitied to long. How much does a drain and fill ussually cost at lexus? Also should I flush the radiator?

Nov 10, 2005 | 05:07 PM

PERRYinLA

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From: Orange County, California

It's a very simple procedure so you can save some dough by doing it yourself or having a Toyota or independent shop do it- just be sure you use the right type of fluid.

The coolant can go a bit longer. Some flush and change at 3 years, some wait longer. Some just drain the radiator to partially refresh coolant.

If you'd like other opinions, there have been many similar discussions in the Maintenance forum- try a search for "coolant flush change", or similar key words, if you'd like to read up on the subject.

Nov 22, 2005 | 12:04 PM

PR FIEBRU

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From: New York City

Quote:

Originally Posted by purebliss

Just a side note I am having no problems at all with shifting I just plan on keeping the car for awhile and I want to make sure I don't mess up the tranny by not changing the fluid.

Dont worry with that millage you should not be having any problems with the tranny. Have you every tried reseating the ecu. I did and it helped a lot .

Nov 22, 2005 | 01:46 PM

purebliss

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From: New York

Quote:

Originally Posted by PR FIEBRU

Dont worry with that millage you should not be having any problems with the tranny. Have you every tried reseating the ecu. I did and it helped a lot .

Yea I did! I am, really not having a problem shifting it's more I want to do it since I haven't gotten it changed since the car is new.