2002 sc430 transmission
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 97
Likes: 15
From: al
2002 sc430 transmission
My car has 282,000 miles. The transmission slips when first used in the day. 3-4 minutes later its fine. But the problem starts all over the following day. The fluid looks dark and darker. On Chevy's its time to rebuild the transmission. However from everything I have found on this site the solution seems to be just doing a full and complete transmission fluid change. And I'm not against the cheap solution. Has anyone ever had to have their transmissions rebuilt?
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 97
Likes: 15
From: al
My bottom transmission pan has no drain plug. So is there another "easy" place to drain it from? If I have to remove the bottom pan should I go out and buy a replacement pan that has a drain plug? I like the idea of doing a partial replacement of fluid. However I think that the moment the problem disappears I am going to stop the cycle of draining and replacing.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 99
From: W
From what I recall from my mechanic he never mentioned it to be that difficult. I know on Benz you have to drop the pan and get a new conductor plate? Filter? But Lexus should have a drain hole. As the transmission fluid change wasn't much more on top of an oil change.
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,757
Likes: 355
From: CA
Yea. They should have a drain plug but in my case, (2002) they didn't. Plus they don't use a gasket. Lexus uses the form a gasket stuff. But, you can buy an actual gasket if your not feeling confident about using that method.
Paul
Paul
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Pole Position
Joined: May 2016
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From: AZ
Racer
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,757
Likes: 355
From: CA
Well. I "could" be wrong about the drain plug. Yes I admit it. 🙄 When you asked, I remembered that I also had a new filter installed. Which of course required dropping the pan. So, there you go. Of course I would have to crawl under the car to see it. But she is about due for a service anyway so I guess I'll find out then and rewire my brain. 😁👍
Paul
Paul
Pit Crew
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 132
Likes: 59
From: ca
i think i know, but can someone please educate me on differences between drain & refill (d&r) transmission fluid vs. flush, and why d&r is recommended for high mileage?
i also have a high mileage 2002 (currently at 278k) and am not mechanically inclined and am curious. thanks.
i also have a high mileage 2002 (currently at 278k) and am not mechanically inclined and am curious. thanks.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 8,213
Likes: 949
From: Fl
Well. I "could" be wrong about the drain plug. Yes I admit it. 🙄 When you asked, I remembered that I also had a new filter installed. Which of course required dropping the pan. So, there you go. Of course I would have to crawl under the car to see it. But she is about due for a service anyway so I guess I'll find out then and rewire my brain. 😁👍
Paul
Paul
Last edited by Bgw70; Mar 28, 2023 at 11:17 AM.