My 2007 RX-350 has 200 K. Does the Transmission fluid need to be changes? My non-dealer service said that they would flush the transmission. I've heard bad stories about flushing transmissions.

 

Good question. Perhaps just do a series of drain and fills and nit a flush

 

Drain and fill is the way to go. The 330 can be drained and filled. Does the 350 have a sealed tranny now?

 

The RX350 uses only Toyota World Standard Transmission Fluid. Lexus says the fluid is good for the life of the vehicle. Many on this forum disagree with that and change it anyway. In any event, do not flush the transmission, just drain and fill.

 

I would at the least change the fluid if it hasn't been done before.

 

I don't know why a fluid flush/exchange gets such a bad rap. We have 178K on our RX330 and have had a fluid exchange every 30K since new.

 

A lot of the problems with the flush services are with individuals, unlike yourself, who wait until the vehicle has 90K miles on it to have this performed. Varnish build up along with other contaminants can break free and gum up the works. Having this done early and often limits this problem.

The other problems are with the individuals and shops which perform the work in a sloppy manner. Would never allow this work to be done by a quick lube shop.

 

True. I always use the same independent Toyota/Lexus specialist and have used them for years.

For me, they perform a fluid "exchange" with 14+ quarts of Type-IV fluid, no other chemicals/fluids. I have read where the fluid "flush" involves extra chemicals, and the shop I use doesn't do that.

Thanks.

 

Most of the shops performing the flush with additives are using BG chemicals and equipment. Not necessarily a bad thing, for example I know the local Lexus shops offer the same service using BG products. My point being is that you cannot wait until the vehicle is 10 years old or has 90K or more miles on it do perform these types of flush services. Even more so if this is the first time the transmission, in this case, is receiving any new fluid. You need to get the varnish and contaminants out slowly and over time. Why the drain and fills are mentioned more often as a first line of defense. Do some drain and fills get the fluid in good shape and then perhaps it would be OK to flush with a competent shop.

Sounds like you have a good shop there, cdnewton.

 

Change your fluid!

My dads car RX330 108K had never been serviced. When I changed it it looked like hersheys sauce mixed with cranberry juice when it should be a pink/redish in color. Luckily no burnt smell but the car now shifts a little smoother. And that's only with one drain and fill (3.8 quarts). Two more drains and fills and it gets a new filter!

DO NOT DO A FLUSH!

 

Could not have said it better myself

 

Have been doing drain-fill ever since I bought the car. In the beginning of course it was cruddy, today it stays fresh for a long time (means pinkish and no burnt smell). I still do the drain and fill, but I am closer to 15K miles apart. I started at 5K, to 10k and settled at 15K. I believe it is 3 quarts on the RX330. I have done about 4 drain-fills at least.

Do it on my Honda cars, too.

 

07+ Rx use toyota world standard transmission fluid - 1ook is the interval (under normal driving-not towing), drain n fill is sufficient and don't use the wrong fluid! The shop who perform the service should know how to service it correctly and with proper equipment, I wouldnt go cheap on this sort of service as a transmission replacement is too costly for mistakes by smaller independent shops who do not care about customer service and most likely deny any wrong doings and they will certainly not care if you ever come back!