GreenBes

99 RX300 AWD with 113K on it. Tranny was rebuilt over a year ago with 95K on it. Warranty was one year 12K miles.

My wife just had the fluid changed 3K ago at a local lube joint with Chevron Multi-ATF. Do you think that may have had something to do with it or am I out of luck?

Any suggestions for rebuilds in so-cal? Costs?

carguy07

Did they do a "flush"?

hypervish

The Chevron Multi-ATF is probably what killed it. On Chevron's website it states that it is a replacement for Dexron III and Mercon but it doesn't specifically anywhere on that page state that it qualifies for use with Toyota Type-IV. And like carguy07 said did they do a flush because that could have also lead to this.

Link to Chevron's Page: http://www.chevron.com/products/prod...ion/multi.aspx

GreenBes

Yes, they did a fluid exchange with 10 quarts of Chevron Multi-ATF.

This is what killed it? Does anyone know if there is a datasheet that verifies that Chevron Multi-ATF can't be used in these trannies? Would love to not have to pay for another tranny.

salimshah

This is going to be difficult ....
Lexus clearly states Toyota type IV Atf and recommends drain and fill.

When I say difficult, I really mean some one has to prove that the one used by shop was below the spec fluid. By doing the flush they accept the responsibility of potential damage. The vehicle did drive out oK and ran for xxxx miles and yy months in time.

Then there is the issue with owner authorizing the proposed service and at the end taking procession of the vehicle and not calling back in (reasonable) time with a complain.

All of the above play a part if the shop decides to play hardball with you. So I am giving you the worst case scenario.

You can approach them and see what they (shop) have to say. They should be the one to bring the data that says the fluid they used either meets or exceeds Toyota type IV (which is different form ATF type IV). Remember to remain polite and yet insistant.


Salim

GreenBes

Yeah told the shop today what happened. It has been exactly 3 months and 3300 miles since they did a complete flush of the transmission. They said they were going to let their district manager know.

Gonna call up Lexus on Monday and see if I can't get a tech to say that using the Chevron fluid and doing a flush would have killed the unit.

Anybody have suggestions for a tranny shop in so-cal?

-Sam