I've been in need of a tranny fluid change now for some time, but keep being stymied by the fact that I cannot get anywhere near an accurate reading on the tranny fluid dip stick.

One person suggested just putting the same amount of fluid back in that I drain out, but how do I even know that my fluid is topped off to start? I'm 100% certain it's not at a proper level.

Somebody else suggested checking the dipstick with the motor running. Again - It's nearly impossible to get a good reading because there's so much fluid-laiden tubbing that the stick gets pulled through just for me to get it out.

So what's the best way to do this?

 

lift car so it's level. fill up til it starts to come out of the fill hole. that's it.

 

But isn't it fillied from the dipstick hole (with a funnel)? Or is there someplace else I should be filling it at?

 

I think this method is mostly for manual transmissions. Most automatic transmissions have dipsticks.

 

You're kinda stuck on that one. That's just the way to check your fluid. Make sure the engine is running and the fluid is hot before you check it. DO NOT rely on the cold reading. Other than that, I dont know of a better method.

 

This should take you step by step through the process: http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/trans...anschange.html

There are a lot of excellent tutorials from this guy. He is a Club Lexus member and owner of an original LS400, which shares a number of similar parts with your SC400 (including the transmission).