hardimen

Hi all,

I just bought an 05 RX330 last week. I am the 3rd owner. The 2nd owner bought it at 58k and he showed me a receipt for a transmission fluid replacement from Sears at 58k. The mileage on the RX when I bought it was 68k. I went to my mechanic yesterday and I decided to redo the drain and fill of the transmission fluid because I did not know what kind of fluid was put on at 58k. My mechanic used Toyota fluid and it really made a difference. My RX runs a little smoother now and he showed me the old fluid and I was surprised how dirty it had gotten at only 10k miles - the fluid was already dark brownish in color. My mechanic had suggested to replace the trans fluid every 30k or even every 15k. I feel I should replace it every 15k because of what I've witnessed from the other fluid - regardless of whether it was aftermarket fluid or not.

How often do you guys replace your transmission fluid on yours?

Chris

hypervish

Although I have an RX300 with a different transmission I drain and fill every 15k miles. I would do the same, if I had an RX330.

mobile4000

im interested too. i just got a 96k 06 rx330. i know some cars, its hard to change the trans fluid after 60k miles.

neelnaik

This is an almost common problem in vehicles that have the 3MZ-FE motor (RX330, Toyota Sienna, Toyota Camry, et cetera). On some of them, the transmission BURNS through ATF fluid. I have talked to several Toyota mechanics about this issue, and no one seems to know the cause of it; they all told me that they have heard of the issue before though. I haven't been able to spend a whole lot of time looking to see if anyone has solved this issue yet, but I couldn't find much on Club Lexus when I looked. I would try searching Toyota Nation (toyotanation.com) and see if anyone there knows anything. I have two cars with the 3MZ, and I think one of them is starting to do the same thing. Good luck and keep us posted as to what you find out.

Neel

mandyfig

Change (drain and fill) every 15K or if the fluid starts turning less pink and smells burnt. Can not go wrong. Check tranny fluid condition every 1,000 miles.

lexus114

I mentioned this before and got flamed for it. I change mine every year, which turns out to be around 15K. Fluid always looks new. Cheap insurance to me.

RockfordRX

I agree! Especially if you do it yourself (it's no harder than engine oil change, just more expensive fluid and you do it 3 cycles in one day to replace it all).

lexus114

The only other way to do it is through the cooler line. But I dont want to mess with that, for one thing you need someone to help you do it. My wife is out of the question for that. Picture Tilda Swinton trying to help you do this.

dcdyd

How about 350? Is it necessary to do it ore frequent than 30K miles? And how about the filter?

lexus114

You mean the RX 350? I`d still try and do it at least every other year. Transmissions are the weak link in today`s automobiles. And the filter, well I still didnt get around to changing mine yet. I dropped the pan at 58,000 miles cleaned out the silt (which was not bad at all) and buttoned it back up. I just change the fluid once a year.

dcdyd

Thanks for the response. Yeah I was refering to RX350. My 08 is at 60K and I am considering to do a drain and fill. However it seems to me that I never can get the trans fluid level measured correctly. Everytime I pull the stick, the fluid level is always above 'cold max'. It runs well.

lexus114

I have noticed that in cooler months, the fluid is lower than hotter summer months. The RX330 trans takes a tad over 4qts. I`m not sure what your`s takes. Look in your manual. it should have it in there.