What apps are people using to read the trans fluid temp using obd?

 

I have the Veepeak OBDCheck BLE+ dongle and use the OBD Fusion iPhone App. I believe that I had to purchase the Toyota/Lexus Enhanced Data to get full access to ATF temp data also. The hardware was cheap (like $43) and then the software was $10 and the Enhanced Data for Toyota/Lexus is $15. Well worth the cost to have all of the data and functionality that you get.

I also have a BlueDriver OBD (from previous vehicle) but as of a couple of months ago it does not offer ATF temperature as part of the data that it can access. I called the company a couple of times and they keep saying "not yet".

Probably going to do my first drain and fill (1x) this summer when I get to about 50,000 miles. I have the gaskets and the WS ATF. Pretty easy job with the Veepeak and Fusion App.

Good luck and let us know how it goes if you are going soon

 

I recently came across a great YouTube channel of a Lexus master technician showing various how to videos on the 4th Gen RX Hybrid. I was blown away to find out how easy it is to change the transmission fluid. It's the exact same procedure as changing the differential! No temperature filling, draining, etc. like on conventional trans. Anyway, I waned to see what you guys thought on using the Amsoil fuel efficient ATF fluid. I know it's WS compatible. It's not much more expensive than Toyota WS, and Amsoil makes great stuff. On the other hand, I'm nervous about putting in anything other than what Toyota calls for. Mostly because the CVT transmission. Please tell me your thoughts

 

I can only give my thoughts on WS because that's all I've ever used.

 

What year and model you have? Sorry if I double posted

 

Change transmission fluid (drain and fill with proper fluid to the pro​per level) can't be that bad if the manual calls for it under severe service. With that said... I wouldn't bet against a Toyota making it to 240k on original transmission that's never had transmission fluid changed.

 

Yes, look at this link to RAVs which has the same CVT and he went 247000 miles with no maintenance, https://www.rav4world.com/threads/20.../#post-2714597

 

Well I just completed an ATF drain and fill on my 2020 RX350.

Vehicle has 57284 miles on it. Check out the fluid pics before and after.

Followed the procedure in the video posted by Viktor above and the Car Care Nut on his YouTube channel. They both recommend a one time drain and fill at 60,000 miles.
The procedure was relatively easy....would have been easier with a dipstick, but those days are gone. Slightly more complicated than changing oil but not difficult with the correct tools.

I used my OBDii that can read ATF temp on Lexus and Toyota. Need to do the overfill procedure between 95F and 113F. The OBD and Fusion software worked perfectly. I actually have an infrared temp gun and used that to compare. It was consistently 5 - 8 degree F lower than the sensor....just an FYI is you try that method. Make sense since the heat must conduct through the metal housing. I was surprised by how much time I had to do the overfill procedure. The AT temp does not rise super fast, so you have plenty of time to complete the easy step within the window.

As discussed at length previously, many choose to not do the ATF drain and fill. That is your own decision. We owned a 2010 4Runner that the dealer refused to do the ATF. Said that it was "lifetime". At just over 200,000 miles that transmission began to slip. They said that it was not covered b/c past the PowerTrain warranty. So don't expect Lexus to replace your transmission if your fluid causes problems. I will do this for my Lexus and our NEW 4Runner every 60k or so. We keep our vehicles for many miles and many years. My Acura TL ran to 305,000 and I did the ATF drain and fill about every 50k with no issues.

Attached are a few pics.
If you are DIY and have access to an accurate temperature method with OBD or the other method that Viktor showed, then don't let the procedure scare you....very straight-forward.


Fill plug...mine was angled up a little. Would recommend a pump vs gravity fill from funnel.

Draining the overflow



Fusion software using Verbeek OBD....IR gun was about 5 - 8 degrees lower.

I like the one on the right better.

 

Without a dipstick I'm guessing you would measure what you drain out and replace the same amount?

 

You can do just that if you are sure that the transmission has the correct amount to begin with. I drained 3 quarts, added 3.5 quarts, and then overflow drained 0.5 quarts. So Lexus filled it correctly at the factory.

I think that I would be hesitant if I bought it used and was not sure. As long as drain and fill is done at a constant temp and you are confident that the level was correct to begin with, then that should work.

 

I am sure that many have already seen this, but just for the sake of keeping the thread up to date with the latest summary from The Car Care Nut....

 

Hi sz8, Quantum501 and all,

We recently got a 2017 RX350, so we did not have a chance to see ViktorG's videos. We are looking to change the transmission fluid on this RX350, but we are not clear on a few things.

From a parts perspective, sz8 mentioned getting the drain plug gasket (96721-24018), overflow tube gasket (90301-06196), and fill plug gasket (90430-18008).

I went to the Lexus dealer, and they sold me 90430-A0003 as the drain plug gasket. They said to get 90301-15004 as the O-ring for the fill plug? Also, to get 90301-08015 as the rubber O-ring for the overflow plug?

Can some one help me to understand the correct parts to get and where they would go?

Also, I have seen two unclear videos of the drain plug for Lexus and Toyota. I do not know clearly which drain plug type is on the 2017 RX350. One video shows a single large main (maybe 24mm) drain plug with a built-in inner overflow tube (maybe 6 mm hex). The second video shows a 6mm hex to remove the drain plug and a red plastic overflow plug that can be removed by the same 6 mm hex. I think it is the latter drain plug type based on the picture that I had and the picture from Quantum501 above. I did not look carefully when I was below the RX350 (picture below), but the bottom of the Transaxle shows a 6mm torx with a large round or 24mm bolt, so it was a little misleading. I do not think that it is a 24mm bolt. Can someone confirm which drain plug is in the 2017 RX350? Also, the pattern is Torx versus Hex, correct?

Misleading video is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyLB8Q5o3n8

The ATF level should be at the measure at about 104-114 degrees F at about 700 RPM with the engine RUNNING, correct?

Lastly, how hard do I need to tighten the red overflow tube or straw?

Thank you,

To remove this drain plug is this just the 6mm torx or 6mm hex only?

 

Attached is the procedure that I wrote up using Viktor and CCN videos. After I do a job I write a step by step so that I don't forget something.

Enjoy.

 

Look it over and if you have any other question, just post and I will reply.
The job is pretty easy. Just take your time.

Mine is a 2020 and the parts listed in my write up are correct for my vehicle. I do not know if the 2017 had a different set up. Mine does not have the old red straw, but the system shown in the video link that you posted. So what I did is similar/the same as the video that you linked.

 

Hi Quantum501,

Thank you so much for the instruction. It is very clear and very streamlined. It clarified my confusion on why the drain plug is round on the outside, but in actuality, it is a Allen head bolt after the Torx bolt is removed.

Based on our RX350's VIN number, all eight parts numbers from sz8, yours, and the Lexus dealer fit our SUV. Not a big deal, but how can all three different gaskets be used for the same drain and overflow bolts? Any suggestion would be appreciated. Are there any on-line site that has parts with a big diagram with various components to compare? I might have to go to the Lexus dealer and look at their part schematics.

Thanks again!