tomthebomb

Hey all,

I just had some service completed at the dealer. One of the items I wanted changed was the tranny fluid. However, the dealer strongly recommended against changing the fluid as it is "lifetime" i.e. 100k miles rated. Maybe this has been brought up in the past but I know of no fluid that can truly last that long. Should I just wait for this to go out of warranty in a couple of months and have an indy shop do it per my request or just trust the dealership techs and not bother changing it until their proscribed time?

Looking for any input!

Thanks in advance,
Tom

coolhand

100K miles... are they crazy? I would change every 30K w/ 100% fluid exchange.

The G Man

Its a long life fluid, very expensive stuff. Most high end cars are now using these kind of fluid. Changing it sooner will just be a waste of money. Unless you have some transmission seal problem, I would not change it till at least 80000 miles.

AM1

iTrader: (6)

i changed the fluid in my rx300 at 60K and the fluid was black and sludgy. mechanic recommended to do it earlier.

The G Man

Only the newer RX has the long life transmission fluid, need to refer to the owner's manual.

RHODY401

The dealer I trust in MA had me change mine at 30k, even though the book said otherwise. Another (closer) dealer wanted me to replace it at 15k!

(04 330)

The G Man

Does the 04 RX have the long life transmission fluid? What year did they started using that.

xfirechief

Changed tranny fluid completely at 50K with 100% synthetic fliud. Also did all the other drive fluids with synthetic too.
Good to go for mega miles now.

Grumpa72

Quite honestly, your service interval should be in your manual. I am at 29000+ and will be changing the fluid in my AT this week. With the history of trans failures, this is cheap insurance.

Gary
'05 330

Zodiac

iTrader: (1)

What type (name and brand) of Transmission fluid is recommended for RX330?

cdnewton

Toyota Type IV is what I used.

AM1

iTrader: (6)

it also depends on the roads and how you drive.

Grumpa72

I am pretty sure that there aren't many non-Toyota Type IV equivalents out there. One is Mobil ATF 3809 and their ad states:

High performance for specific requirements:

Specially selected friction modifiers and highly refined base oils to meet the demanding requirements of Aisin slip controlled lock up converter automatic transmissions.

Meets key OEM requirements:

For many Toyota, Lexus, Volvo, Saturn, VW and other imported and domestic vehicles where Aisin transmissions are used.

Meets key Type T-IV for Toyota/Lexus vehicles

Mobil ATF 3309 is recommended for use in transmissions made by Aisin AW requiring a fluid approved against Type T-IV, JWS 3309, GM 9986195 and Audi G-052-025-A2. These Aisin AW transmissions are used in CERTAIN domestic and foreign vehicles, including Toyota, Lexus, Audi, Saturn, Ford, Volvo, Volkswagen, Saab, Porsche, and Mitsubishi.


However, I think I will just call it cheap insurance and go with Toyota's brand. I do like Mobil products, especially their synthetic ones but there are not any Toyota specs in their Mobil 1 ATF.

Gary

Lexmex

Only fluid in our vehicles that can last 100,000 miles is the windshield wiper fluid and the tranfer case/differential oil for those of you with AWD.

If Lexus won't do it for you, find someone independently who can.

While we are on the subject of fluids do take a look at Amsoil ATF...I would be using this if it were available down here (importing is red tape ) and it has been used in the RX300 without issues...one of the RX300 members, TunedRX300, has been using it for some time.

xfirechief

I too have been using Amsoil for years & just put in their tranny fluid at 50K. With the gears getting Amsoil too we are 100% synthetic.
Even the brake system was flushed & refilled with synthetic. It a shame you can't get it in Mexico. Why is that?? Just too much paper work?