Originally Posted by mj1pate;[url=tel:11900551

11900551[/url]]The “lifetime fluid” debate has been a topic for almost 2 decades in all the forums I participate in.
Fluid degrades with heat and condensation, which is physics, not automotive technology or marketing.
If we anticipate owning our Lexus for 100k miles or less, that’s likely within Lexus corporate’s “lifetime” definition.
If we expect to own our Lexus for 12years/200k, then multiple fluid exchanges over that time are appropriate… many of us believe.
My Lexus dealer will not consider a flush of my Lexus 3yrs/36k, even though at this young age the fluid would be particle free… but will drain and fill ~3.5 quarts for $800.
Muliple drain/fills will exchange most of the old fluid, but not all. And will certainly do no damage…if done properly. But I’ve never settled for drain/fills in the past.
I have the tools, and the necessary competence, but I need to first resolve how many drain/fills equal a likely improved environment inside the transmission, so as to make the whole effort worthwhile. It seems like such a compromise.
… and maybe consider saving the entire costs of servicing and add that to the cost of a transmission replacement >100k down the road. So much cheaper to do a unit replacement than replacing the entire car.

Originally Posted by rmak;[url=tel:11901003

11901003[/url]]Great thread. My daughter just purchased a used 2019 RX 350 F Sport. I drive a 2016 ES 350 and change the trans fluid regularly. Glad to see the information here that I need to do the drain/fill for hers. Thanks to all who contributed. I have several post in the ES forum about the importance of fluid and filter changes.

One point I would like to make about these transmissions (ES 350 and RX 350) is that they have a filter that has a paper filter element, not a screen. My 2015 4Runner has a screen, no need to change. The paper element filters do require changing for proper fluid flow. I have changed the filter on my ES with 100k twice now. I also cleaned the transmission pan and magnets thoroughly while it was dropped. The filters can last a very long time, but will eventually reduce the flow as they filter out clutch debris. Just something to think about. I plan to change her RX filter after a couple of drain and fills.

Again, thanks to all who contributed to this thread. Just what I needed !

Originally Posted by GS4_Fiend

The filter is in an area where it is difficult to access. The pan is also made out of hard plastic.

Originally Posted by rmak;[url=tel:11901005

11901005[/url]]I also am researching that now. Is it true that they use a FIP (form in place) gasket?

Originally Posted by Quantum501

See post #143 above in this thread. Many Toyota/Lexus techs (CCN and Viktor) recommend a single drain and fill (approx 3.5 quarts of WS ATF) around 60,000 miles. See their YouTube channels for the procedure. CCN does NOT recommend multiple drain and fills. My post above shows pics and outlines procedure....I have a printed procedure if you want it. BTW, $800 is robbery for this job. Fluid is maybe $75 and labor is one hour at the most. DIY if you feel comfortable doing the job or find a Toyota/Lexus dealer who will do it for less. Only use WS ATF and only follow the TIS procedure.

Originally Posted by mj1pate

Interesting…. Thanks

My warranty states it supports the drive train for 6yr/72,000mi. Is it safe to assume Toyota Highlanders use the same trans as the RX350? Therefore Toyota techs have the same experience?

Do we know the Toyota techs work on our cars is compliant with the Lexus warranty requirements? You might think so..

Originally Posted by mj1pate;[url=tel:11901099

11901099[/url]]Interesting…. Thanks

My warranty states it supports the drive train for 6yr/72,000mi. Is it safe to assume Toyota Highlanders use the same trans as the RX350? Therefore Toyota techs have the same experience?

Do we know the Toyota techs work on our cars is compliant with the Lexus warranty requirements? You might think so..

Originally Posted by GS4_Fiend

You will not experience problems until after 100k miles.

Drain and refill procedure will be the same. The difference will be the capacity, if any. Or unless it’s a hybrid or CVT.

Originally Posted by rmak;[url=tel:11901639

11901639[/url]]Good points. I have found that for me, doing a drain and fill early (30k) keeps the fluid newer and also gets some of the break-in particles/fluid out. I do this with every one of my vehicles because I keep them and run them forever. I also do this for the transfer case and differential as well on my trucks and 4Runner. It does not hurt anything to wait until 60k, but changing the fluids is the life of the equipment. I have had many neglected engines and transmissions on the floor of my shop that could have been prevented with proper care.

As always, to each there own. Just one mans opinion.

Originally Posted by Jiggz858

4th RX 350 and even the previous gens uses "sealed transmission" (no dip stick or fill tube) and requires no changing of filters or fluid. However, due to old practices and maintenance culture, some people continue to change transmission fluid and filters in the same way that some people continue to change engine oil every 3K miles despite using 10K/1yr full synthetic oils. Personally, I just leave the transmission alone.

Originally Posted by ilan53ry7

this is terrible advice