MrBruin09

Just wondering how many miles does everyone go between a transmission flush?

Also, How can I tell if my transmission fluid is still good or not?

Lastly can I take it to an independent shop or is it better to be done at a Lexus or Toyota service center?

hypervish

Do NOT do a FLUSH! Be sure to do a drain and fill. How many miles do you have on your RX? What color is the fluid? It can be taken to an independent shop as long as they use a fluid which is compatible with the RX's tranny.

For the RX330 I would say to drop the pan and change filter at 60k, and then change only the fluid every 30k, till you reach around 135-140k miles and then change the filter again.

infinirx

every 30K? Why so soon? Is it different with lighter cars?

MrBruin09

My car has 115,000 miles on it. I purchased it with 98,000 miles on it and I believe from the previous owner that the last time it was done was at 90,000 miles.

So Whatever shop I call I should make they do a whole drain and refill instead of flush, correct?

I will check the color of the fluid tomorrow.

tomit

I'm sorry, but what is wrong with a transmission flush? Had it done twice on a '95 Avalon with good results - cleared up a slow 2-3 shift. Does a flush cause problems with the Lexus transmissions?

Tom

cdnewton

I am curious about that also. Our 04 RX330 has had a fluid exchange at 60K, 90, and 120K.

Rainbird

About every 30k on RX 2006 or earlier. Starting with the 2007 model Lexus went to "World Standard Transmission Fluid", that synthetic fluid is good for the life of the vehicle.

MrBruin09

Well I have a good shop that will do a transmission drain for $120 dollars. I rather do it every 30,000 miles like everyone says to just be on the safe side.

lexus114

Ya think? No fluid is a lifetime fluid.

phlfly

If you have synthetic brand in there, I would do at 100 K but if conventional oil I would do 60,000 to 80,000 miles. Lexus dealer does flash, at least at Pohanka Lexus and it cost 350 something.
On my BMW is also said life time on oil pan, but I will replace at 100K.

MrBruin09

Well I just called a Toyota service, and they said that they only do drains now because Toyota doesn't recommend flushes because the pressure from the machine can cause leaks in components of the engine or something like that. Sorry I don't remember what he said verbatim.

Rainbird

We have discussed this here extensively. Read the manual for the 2007 or above. No transmission service is required on any maintenance schedule unless you are towing or going off road (neither of which is recommended for the RX). Lexus says this and I assume they know what they are talking about.

hypervish

That is NOT TRUE! You need to change the ATF even if it is the World Standard fluid, there is absolutely no fluid in this world which will last the car's lifetime! On "Bob Is The Oil Guy" we usually regard the "lifetime fluid" as until the car's warranty is over.

hypervish

A flush is bad for any transmission not just Lexus. The reason flushing the transmission is bad is because it sends "sludge" and other debris through the tranny, including the valve body which is basically a bunch on tiny holes at the bottom of the tranny these "holes" are extremely easy to clog, and can easily ruin your driving experience and eventually kill the transmission if they become clogged, or if they start to "stick".

Someone mentioned "Fluid Exchange" this is different than a flush, and usually safer, but It's better to just to do it the old fashion way and do drain and fill's, because many people confuse Fluid Exchange and a Flush and mixing those two words up could lead to a very expensive mistake.

mandyfig

Drain and fill, every 20K miles. In fact, my fluid is still so fresh, I will bump it up to 25K.