Transmission Fluid Question
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From: PA
Transmission Fluid Question
Posted this over in the 2nd Gen area and didn't get much of a response...what do you guys think?
I know the trans problems that the early 300's experienced are not a problem with the 330's, however, I checked my 330's fluid condition (right now have 31k on it) and it is really less than perfect. Not BAD but worse that I would have figured for the mileage count.
I've decided to do two drain and fills within a couple hundred miles of each other to get that stuff cherry red again.
We drive it on the weekends and summer vacations...no towing, etc.
Has anyone else checked the fluid condition in the 330's? Curious...
JBL
I know the trans problems that the early 300's experienced are not a problem with the 330's, however, I checked my 330's fluid condition (right now have 31k on it) and it is really less than perfect. Not BAD but worse that I would have figured for the mileage count.
I've decided to do two drain and fills within a couple hundred miles of each other to get that stuff cherry red again.
We drive it on the weekends and summer vacations...no towing, etc.
Has anyone else checked the fluid condition in the 330's? Curious...
JBL
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,557
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From: Austin, TX
Your question as is, is a bit controversial. There are reported problems with RX300 transmission. [how prevalent or rare, we will leave it alone]. For the ones which suffered problems, we can not say for certain, that it is due to transmission fluid.
General consensus on this board is that the manufacturer recommended interval for T fluid change should be more frequent. Does it help the transmission? I am almost tempted to say that at least it does not harm the transmission. I have come across 2 posts that state the transmission died right after the fluid change. [could be procedural, but who knows for sure].
back to your question. Go ahead and change the fluid if you think you should. Since the Rx300 has a dip-stick I keep checking and essentially do a drain and fill. At 150k I did take the pan off to clean out the filter.
Salim
General consensus on this board is that the manufacturer recommended interval for T fluid change should be more frequent. Does it help the transmission? I am almost tempted to say that at least it does not harm the transmission. I have come across 2 posts that state the transmission died right after the fluid change. [could be procedural, but who knows for sure].
back to your question. Go ahead and change the fluid if you think you should. Since the Rx300 has a dip-stick I keep checking and essentially do a drain and fill. At 150k I did take the pan off to clean out the filter.
Salim
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From: Miami, Florida
The only advice I can offer is that I like to do 3 drain and fills over 3 weeks or about 100 miles apart on separation and then the filter would get changed on the final drain and fill since the first two drain and fills are kind of a cleaning action with the fresh fluid.
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From: PA
Thanks Guys - I was a little alarmed (probably unfounded) by the look of the fluid.
Salim: I have never seen anyone tip toe through an answer like you did. Are you a Lawyer??
I was looking for thoughts from those who frequent this section (Fist Generation) of the board - I got the impression over in the 2nd Gen section of the board that a question about the 330's transmission was rather rare, and certainly that is a good thing.
I'm gonna do the d/f's as I intended, and like the sentiment seems that it certainly can't hurt. The example that Salim gave where the trans failed after a d/f must have been a fluke, and I put no stock in that experience. Something was already wrong with that unit or someone doing it must have not known what they were doing.
Many thanks for your comments.
JBL
Salim: I have never seen anyone tip toe through an answer like you did. Are you a Lawyer??
I was looking for thoughts from those who frequent this section (Fist Generation) of the board - I got the impression over in the 2nd Gen section of the board that a question about the 330's transmission was rather rare, and certainly that is a good thing.
I'm gonna do the d/f's as I intended, and like the sentiment seems that it certainly can't hurt. The example that Salim gave where the trans failed after a d/f must have been a fluke, and I put no stock in that experience. Something was already wrong with that unit or someone doing it must have not known what they were doing.
Many thanks for your comments.
JBL
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 1,385
From: Austin, TX
Thanks Guys - I was a little alarmed (probably unfounded) by the look of the fluid.
Salim: I have never seen anyone tip toe through an answer like you did. Are you a Lawyer??
I was looking for thoughts from those who frequent this section (Fist Generation) of the board - I got the impression over in the 2nd Gen section of the board that a question about the 330's transmission was rather rare, and certainly that is a good thing.
I'm gonna do the d/f's as I intended, and like the sentiment seems that it certainly can't hurt. The example that Salim gave where the trans failed after a d/f must have been a fluke, and I put no stock in that experience. Something was already wrong with that unit or someone doing it must have not known what they were doing.
Many thanks for your comments.
JBL
Salim: I have never seen anyone tip toe through an answer like you did. Are you a Lawyer??
I was looking for thoughts from those who frequent this section (Fist Generation) of the board - I got the impression over in the 2nd Gen section of the board that a question about the 330's transmission was rather rare, and certainly that is a good thing.
I'm gonna do the d/f's as I intended, and like the sentiment seems that it certainly can't hurt. The example that Salim gave where the trans failed after a d/f must have been a fluke, and I put no stock in that experience. Something was already wrong with that unit or someone doing it must have not known what they were doing.
Many thanks for your comments.
JBL
I try to share information with least amount of personal bias. If you want my opinion, I dont think it is the transmission fluid. It is either the pump or the planetary gears which goes bad either by under-design or stress of the driving conditions/choice. The only time it will be the fluid is if there is extreme heat (causing shear) or the fluid is of bad quality. But that is just me.
IMHO auto trans is the most complex part of the vehicle. Do not think the the 330 transmission does not have issues. There is never a "good" shift point in a auto trans. Complain and Lexus will upload a new software for you, which may or may not be of your liking.
Enough rambling.
Salim
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From: PA
Salim: First let me say that I meant no disrespect, my friend. I appreciate all you have contributed to this board.
I just don't know what to think - get the software update from Lexus, or just leave well alone. I've read where the original software in the transmission is geared to better mileage, and I sincerely LIKE that about my 330. I really wouldn't care to mess with that setting...decisions, decisions...
JBL
I just don't know what to think - get the software update from Lexus, or just leave well alone. I've read where the original software in the transmission is geared to better mileage, and I sincerely LIKE that about my 330. I really wouldn't care to mess with that setting...decisions, decisions...
JBL
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 1,385
From: Austin, TX
Salim: First let me say that I meant no disrespect, my friend. I appreciate all you have contributed to this board.
I just don't know what to think - get the software update from Lexus, or just leave well alone. I've read where the original software in the transmission is geared to better mileage, and I sincerely LIKE that about my 330. I really wouldn't care to mess with that setting...decisions, decisions...
JBL
I just don't know what to think - get the software update from Lexus, or just leave well alone. I've read where the original software in the transmission is geared to better mileage, and I sincerely LIKE that about my 330. I really wouldn't care to mess with that setting...decisions, decisions...
JBL
Salim.
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