Transmission drain & fill experience
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 8
From: Kansas City
Transmission drain & fill experience
Today I used a transfer pump to remove transmission fluid from my '02 SC through the dipstick tube. The dipstick had shown a little over the full mark prior to draining. I removed over 3 quarts before it sucked dry. All my information says it's 1.9 quarts to refill when draining from the drain plug and re-filling but I am wondering if anyone's experience is different when withdrawing the fluid with a pump. After I put back 1.9 quarts it's measuring very low. This is measured with the engine running (hot), and after shifting through the ranges, with the car is level. What do you think might be causing the discrepancy? Thanks for any ideas.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 453
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From: CA
when I did my G35 it was simply drain and fill ( G35 had a drain plug and refill access, made things much easier! )
I also did this for my wife's 06 Odyssey, drain and fill back what I drained. (This too, had a drain plug and refill access)
Make sure to replace with OEM fluids! (I've read this everywhere)
I also did this for my wife's 06 Odyssey, drain and fill back what I drained. (This too, had a drain plug and refill access)
Make sure to replace with OEM fluids! (I've read this everywhere)
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,135
Likes: 276
From: CA - San Diego
Total capacity for the 5sp transmission is 9.4 qts US (1.9 Qts for drain and refill) ... the proper way to measure it with the dipstick is described in the PDF attached to this thread https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...questions.html
Last edited by VVTiBob; Oct 4, 2011 at 03:36 PM.
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 8
From: Kansas City
Total capacity for the 5sp transmission is 9.4 qts US (1.9 Qts for drain and refill) ... the proper way to measure it with the dipstick is described in the PDF attached to this thread https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...questions.html
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Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 8
From: Kansas City
As noted in my original post it did appear to be slightly overfilled - yes, checked hot using the right procedure. I've repeated the pump-out / refill cycle 4 times now and each time I've checked the ATF level after putting in 1.9 quarts. Each time it measures just at or below the lower end of the OK range when the engine/trans is hot.
Clearly there was a lot more ATF in there originally than there is now. I plan to add what it takes to get in the middle of the dipstick marks and leave it alone. The car runs and shifts fine with the level as it is (a tick low) as well as when it was over-filled a bit.
For those curious about the methodology of pumping out the ATF sump, I used an el-cheapo plastic Harbor Freight transfer pump. I think it was less than $5 on sale. It's not exactly a precision instrument but it worked OK. Each cycle to remove and replace 2 quarts took about 10 minutes and there's practically zero cleanup.
Clearly there was a lot more ATF in there originally than there is now. I plan to add what it takes to get in the middle of the dipstick marks and leave it alone. The car runs and shifts fine with the level as it is (a tick low) as well as when it was over-filled a bit.
For those curious about the methodology of pumping out the ATF sump, I used an el-cheapo plastic Harbor Freight transfer pump. I think it was less than $5 on sale. It's not exactly a precision instrument but it worked OK. Each cycle to remove and replace 2 quarts took about 10 minutes and there's practically zero cleanup.
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 8
From: Kansas City
Yes, in tems of results. Procedurally you don't need to lift the car which was significant to me because it takes 4 evacuate / fill passes to get 60% new fluid. Don't get me wrong - I do like to get under the car occasionally but didn't have a need for oil / filter change this time around.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 479
Likes: 96
From: Sydney
This is what my tranny fluid look like. The right side bottle was jet black similar to the colour of Coke or black coffee.
The fluid was SUPPOSE to be done by a Lexus dealer, ie there is a stamp in the book at about 6000km ago before I took delivery of the car.
Doesn't look like its been ever changed. the oil smells pretty bad and was really disappointed that Lexus really ripped off the previous owner as the car was service at the same place from new.
I flush over 18 litres of tranny fluid to make sure that its nice and clean.
She shifts silky smooth now.
The fluid was SUPPOSE to be done by a Lexus dealer, ie there is a stamp in the book at about 6000km ago before I took delivery of the car.
Doesn't look like its been ever changed. the oil smells pretty bad and was really disappointed that Lexus really ripped off the previous owner as the car was service at the same place from new.
I flush over 18 litres of tranny fluid to make sure that its nice and clean.
She shifts silky smooth now.
Last edited by gripau1; Oct 8, 2011 at 03:52 AM.
