Changing Transmission Fluid
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: CA
Changing Transmission Fluid
Hi guys,
I am planning change my GS4's Transmission Fluid by myself. According to BananaGS's DIY page, this shouldn't be more complicated then oil change. Then here comes my dump question. Do I need to change the Transmission Fluid filter also? or is there a filter to be changed? Because I do a search in this forum and find nothing about the Transmission Fluid filter. Please forgive me if this is a dump question. Because someone told me if I don't change the filter then there is no point for me to change the fluid. is that true? Thanks.
I am planning change my GS4's Transmission Fluid by myself. According to BananaGS's DIY page, this shouldn't be more complicated then oil change. Then here comes my dump question. Do I need to change the Transmission Fluid filter also? or is there a filter to be changed? Because I do a search in this forum and find nothing about the Transmission Fluid filter. Please forgive me if this is a dump question. Because someone told me if I don't change the filter then there is no point for me to change the fluid. is that true? Thanks.
Driver
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
I was told, today, by a repair shop and a transmisson shop that there is no filter. I'll bet the lexus service shop know also. Why not ask them?
Edit; I know there is a screen, I do not consider it a filter. But recognize someone might.
Edit; I know there is a screen, I do not consider it a filter. But recognize someone might.
Last edited by oldguy; Nov 7, 2002 at 09:56 PM.
Tech Guru
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 0
From: Texas
If you want to completely flush your system (DIY at home, w/o any special tool or pump) talk to me, I'll show you how, but it's kindna messy, I think it will take like 14L of trans fluid, I can't remember exactly the capacity of our transmission. but you can flush the whole system if you don't want to drain and flush 2L at a time 
Anh
Anh
Trending Topics
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Driver
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
There is little point in trying to change your trans fluid at home,unless bannanas solution works.The most you will get out of the trans is one our two Quarts.Most of it is in the torque converter,and lexus did not see fit to put a drain plug on their converter.Carpe diem.
Tech Guru
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 0
From: Texas
that is why you change it several time, 2L everytime, for the quick method hee hee.
I will update my website soon. for now, i will post the instruction to completely flush your complete transmission system here.
Notice: Read the disclaimer on my site first. This is for your information only.
I've done this my other car of mine, works perfectly. This method has been done by a lot of people before, I did not invent it, I just write about it for you
http://www.angelfire.com/dc/bananags/completetrans/
I will update my website soon. for now, i will post the instruction to completely flush your complete transmission system here.
Notice: Read the disclaimer on my site first. This is for your information only.
I've done this my other car of mine, works perfectly. This method has been done by a lot of people before, I did not invent it, I just write about it for you
http://www.angelfire.com/dc/bananags/completetrans/
Last edited by BananaGS; Nov 1, 2002 at 02:26 PM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,580
Likes: 19
From: California
I like bananags's method. I'll try that next time.
My method takes out close to 4L. The thing to remember is to start draining a hot tranny right after you've driven the car and as soon as you turned off the engine. Remember that the fluid expands when heated as shown by the dipstick? Take advantage of it as it means more of the fluid is outside of the torque converter section and out onto the pan. I drain the car for 24 hours, and then jack up the front of the car for another 2-3 hours to get more fluid out of the pan. I can almost fill a gallon with cold, dirty Type T-IV from the tranny.
My method takes out close to 4L. The thing to remember is to start draining a hot tranny right after you've driven the car and as soon as you turned off the engine. Remember that the fluid expands when heated as shown by the dipstick? Take advantage of it as it means more of the fluid is outside of the torque converter section and out onto the pan. I drain the car for 24 hours, and then jack up the front of the car for another 2-3 hours to get more fluid out of the pan. I can almost fill a gallon with cold, dirty Type T-IV from the tranny.
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: CA
Thanks for all tech guru's info. Especially to BananaGS.
Here come to my next question. Where you guys buy the fuild? I tried Lexus Dealer and was told $41 for a 4 L can.
Then I went down to Toyota dealer and was told $36 a 4 L can. Isn't it $20? Thanks
Here come to my next question. Where you guys buy the fuild? I tried Lexus Dealer and was told $41 for a 4 L can.
Then I went down to Toyota dealer and was told $36 a 4 L can. Isn't it $20? Thanks
Driver
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
I am aware that this question has been posted many times. I feel the need to respond to copout221. Lexus, the manufacturer of these cars, does not recommend changing the transmission oil every 15,000 miles. The dealers do however. But how much of the total do they change? I see no reason not to sort of follow Lexus. They say change at 60,000 if you drive under "special operating conditions", which they describe as "only if vehicle is operated primarily while towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier."
I will change mine before 60,000, but not every 15,000, and see no reason not to change it all at one time.
I will change mine before 60,000, but not every 15,000, and see no reason not to change it all at one time.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
aachowhan
GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020)
55
Aug 11, 2022 11:11 AM
roshedomv2
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
6
Apr 26, 2021 07:34 AM
USMCLexus
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
8
Jul 14, 2010 10:31 AM
gottahaveit2
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
1
Nov 23, 2002 06:29 PM
