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Hybrid TechnologyUnique topics related to the GS450H model hybrid drivetrain and other features/options found only on the GS450H. Please use the main 4GS forum for discussion about shared components with other fourth generation GS models.
I talked to my mechanic about changing the trans fluid in my GS 450h (156k miles). He said there was no way to check and no recommended interval from the manual. Is it not meant to be replaced? I know I had the fluid changed on my '13 ES 300h and the mechanics and the mechanics never said a word. Also, I always assumed there were two transmissions, one for the ICE motor and one for the E motor. Is there just one?
EDIT: left the actual issue out of the title
Last edited by NiceWheels; 04-19-24 at 10:50 AM.
Reason: EDIT: left the actual issue out of the title
I talked to my mechanic about changing the trans fluid in my GS 450h (156k miles). He said there was no way to check and no recommended interval from the manual. Is it not meant to be replaced? I know I had the fluid changed on my '13 ES 300h and the mechanics and the mechanics never said a word. Also, I always assumed there were two transmissions, one for the ICE motor and one for the E motor. Is there just one?
EDIT: left the actual issue out of the title
There is a totally different transmission for the GS 450h, which is a technology-advanced CVT. It's so good it's like NASA designed and built it. The transmission fluid is not to be changed; never, ever... I bet it'll still be going strong in another 12½ years when your 2013 GS450h is 25 years old and considered a 'classic' in most states and pushing 400k miles.
There is a totally different transmission for the GS 450h, which is a technology-advanced CVT. It's so good it's like NASA designed and built it. The transmission fluid is not to be changed; never, ever... I bet it'll still be going strong in another 12½ years when your 2013 GS450h is 25 years old and considered a 'classic' in most states and pushing 400k miles.
Our GS450h 2020 was purchase second hand so I don't know the driving history even though it has less than 30k km on the clock when purchase. I tend to drive in severe conditions, ie in heavy traffic and towing a couple of motorcycles. All our vehicles we pay in cash as I'm allergic to car payments and don't finance or lease so we tend to keep them past the manufactures warranty. We usually keep vehicles for about 12-18 years and give the cars away to family members as their first car etc if they need them.
The hybrid transmission is simple compare to a 6/8/10 speed torque converter or dual clutch transmissions. The hybrid transmission uses planetary gearsets and a couple of electric motors which keeps them simple and reliable as there are no clutches, valve bodies or torque converter which tends to fail in transmissions or TCM bath in oil. Heat is the main cause of the trans additive fluids breaking down. When the fluid additives breaks down the transmission will fail quickly as the fluid is no longer doing its job and you get thermal runaway situation.
Like I said I drive and put my vehicles in severe conditions for long periods of time and for piece of mind I service the transmission myself. Below is how I did the DIY transmission service but DO IT AT YOUR OWN RISK AND I TAKE ZERO RESPONSILIBTY FOR ANY DAMAGE YOU DO. Its your vehicle do what you want to do or not do with it.
I'm not here to argue the definition from the factory of what "fill for life" really means but if you want to know the procedure to do a transmission change here is the process below. Its not hard to do the transmission service and its not rocket science.
I keep one spare in the trunk (along with basic tools to fix my mtb and/or take off the intake cover to easily get to all coils), but my mk3 is >400,000km and is still on the original ones. That said, my mother's Yaris (2zr-fe 2006 or smt) blew one at ~220k-ish.
As for the transmission - "lifetime" depends on what "lifetime" means. I'd change the oil - following the proper procedure. Your call. Go on priuschat if you want even more flamewar discussions on the topic, but add a two-speed automatic gearbox (i.e. clutch packs, valve body & solenoids - good luck finding spares), a not-so-cheap auxiliary oil pump to our mix and a couple times more powerful car to the mix. Yes, you'll probably do this only once, even if you own it for 200k miles or something. No, I wouldn't skip.
Proper procedure for the 3rd gen (& the ls600h). Transmission supposedly hasn't changed for 4th gen 450h. Check techinfo just in case.
04-19-24, 10:49 AM
2013 GS 450h transmission service interval
I bet it'll still be going strong in another 12½ years when your 2013 GS450h is 25 years old and considered a 'classic' in most states and pushing 400k miles.
