RX 350 transmission: change fluid?
 

Hi all,
I am trying to get definite information about whether the ATF in my '07 with 60,500 miles (AWD model) should be changed. The car has only been driven on-road, no towing or harsh use (except my fiancee's lead foot!)

I've seen some posts indicating that the Toyota WS ATF is "lifetime", or only needs changing at 100,000 miles but the fluid on the dipstick looks kinda dirty and oxidized.

Thank you for any insights!

I would suggest following the service interval in the owner's manual- no fluid is 'lifetime'

yes no life time fluid yet, best thing is to get hold of toyota type iv fluid from toyota dealer, cost around $4.50 to $5 a quart, will use 4 quarts changing the fluid should be easy, it is a matter of taking the plug out, and pour the fluid. Will be good for another 2 years.

If you decide to replace the fluid in a RX350 you should use Toyota WS fluid.

For the 350, I would not use Type IV, I would use WS fluid.

The RX350 uses WS fluid. RX330's can use WS and it can be mixed with T-IV. But the 350 must use WS.

07-09 must use the WS. if you don't you will be a very unhappy lexus owner some miles down the road.

I am trying to get definite information about whether the ATF in my '07 with 60,500 miles (AWD model) should be changed.

The manual states 100,000 miles I beleive, however if there is any area of your car you want to keep costs down it's your transmission. I typically recommend changing it every 45,000 miles. It's cheap insurance. The RX uses rather expensive transmission fluid and I find (and I do A LOT of things myself) it's almost a wash money wise to take it to Toyota (not Lexus) and have them do a Flush & Fill. Many of the newer cars do not have a dip stick nor drain plug and must be "pulled" out with a pump. If I remember right, the last one I paid for at Toyota was $150. DO NOT take it to IffyLube or any Generic place or you will be looking at a new transmission in a few thousand miles. The Toyota/Lexus fulid is VERY specific and the correct fluid MUST be used (even if they claim it is compatible).

As a valuable routine maintenance, we (many among here) have done drain and fill on our tranny fluid. Personally, I do it every 30K miles. I have done it on the 30K service and will do it again shortly (I'm at 54K now) when I hit 60K.

FYI, my tranny fluid is still pinkish and smell good so far. Once it turns brown and smells burnt, time to drain and fill.

This is good advice mandy, if you own an RX330 (which you do).

The RX350 manual only requires a transmission service if you are towing. Many 350 owners don't believe in lifetime fluid and have service done at about 60k. Nothing wrong with that, only make sure it is refilled with Toyota World Standard fluid.

Whatever gives you peace of mind, go for it. It is not going to hurt if RX350 owners have their tranny fluid serviced @ 60K.

Define service?

As in drain and fill?

or

Flush, as in drain, evacuate all tranny fluid, fill with flushing fluid (sometimes they use WS fluid as well), run, run and evacuate one more time and then fill with WS fluid?

I was going to change it, called the dealership and heard this--drain it and then put exactly the same amount back in, or it will not work and they will have to work on it. Never heard of anything like that. I should be able to drain, fill to spec on the dipstick and you should be good to go. Anyone ever hear of this before?

i have read on multiple rx forums that flushing the transmission is a big NO NO!

Thanks :-)
 

I appreciate all the posts in response to my question. My manual specifically states Toyota WS ATF, but unlike many other items, states no "replace at" mileage for the ATF. So I'm going to go ahead and replace it as soon as the weather lets up. As one post said, it's cheap insurance :-)

Thanks again!

The manual states exact amount you need to fill in. Drain and fill. No guess work.