surferbum

The "updated" maintenance guide for my 2010 RX350 describes, in detail, what things need to be done and when they should be done. The things to do are categorized by "normal" driving conditions, off-road/dusty and trailer-towing.

I was trying to find out when I should change the transmission fluid for the "normal" conditions but it is never mentioned to be changed. It does mention "checking" the level for "normal" conditions.

The only place it mentions changing the transmission fluid is if you are trailer-towing.

I am planning on changing it at 30K miles. Is this appropriate?

Thanks.

timlrx11

According the Warranty and Services Guide, you will not need to replace transmission fluid until you hit 72 Months or 60,000 Miles.... see Owner's Maintenance Manual at Lexus Driver site

At 30K miles, you only need to inspect for transmission for signs of leakage...

Evitzee

You physically can not change the fluid, only a small portion of the fluid can be drained out and replaced. Don't worry about it, it is a lifetime fluid, Lexus engineers know more than you. This issue continually comes up with owners fretting about wanting to 'do something' and wanting to change the fluid. You can't, get over it.

happy1977

It only says replacing it under special conditions, nothing for normal driving.

LeoDLion

I can not see any way of draining the tranny fluid. There is no dipstick that you can suck the fluid off and there is no drain plug. I would not recommend loosening any bolt down there because you may get into big trouble and loosen the wrong plug. (I can be wrong on the drain plug?)

99rx

iTrader: (6)

I know on our older RX's the fluid change is recommended by members to change every 15-30k miles. I wouldn't let the car go without changing the fluid at least once. You can never be too safe.
And there is normally a drain plug underneath the car and a Transmission Dipstick that you can refill the tranny using the specified fluid. And when you get to higher mileage, 80k miles+ I would change out the filter that is in the pan. I'm not sure if the new ones have that but worth a look.

txt

My 2009 RX350 transmission still has dip stick and drain plug so it won't be too bad.
I have a long way to go before even thinking about whether I want to replace the life-time ATF.

The 201x models have sealed transmission with life time ATF so changing the fluid is not going to necessary unless the trans develops problems.

But if you really want to DIY::
One option is via the 2 hoses connecting the trans and the radiator.
One hose bringing fresh ATF into the trans, the other hose pushing old ATF out of the trans.
You'll need a lot of ATF bottles, probably 15 or even 20 quarts (It'll cost a pretty penny here)..
You'll need 2 large containers (probably at least 5 gallons) to hold new ATF and old ATF.
You'll have to add another length of hose to go between the containers and the original hoses.
You'll start the engine and let the pump do the work.
Stop the engine when clean fluid flows out of the trans.
This doesn't look easy to me and it could become a mess (with ATF spraying all over the work area)