transmission fluid
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 920
From: wa
If you do not intend upon keeping the car a long time, then no, a change is not necessary. If you want peak reliability and longevity, you are well overdue. It’s not your fault - manufacturer’s generally lie about this issue or mislead by omission. You are smart to ask.
You have things going on internally that are undesirable that you haven’t perceived or haven’t shown up yet. If you want to keep the car a long time, swap the transmission fluid completely (run about 10 to 12 quarts through it). Keep in mind a transmission pan is not exactly like an engine oil pan. An engine oil pan contains most all the fluid when sitting. A transmission pan contains 1/3 or less of the fluid when sitting - the rest of the fluid is elsewhere and needs to be cycled out.
You have things going on internally that are undesirable that you haven’t perceived or haven’t shown up yet. If you want to keep the car a long time, swap the transmission fluid completely (run about 10 to 12 quarts through it). Keep in mind a transmission pan is not exactly like an engine oil pan. An engine oil pan contains most all the fluid when sitting. A transmission pan contains 1/3 or less of the fluid when sitting - the rest of the fluid is elsewhere and needs to be cycled out.
Last edited by Oro; Aug 22, 2024 at 11:50 AM.
CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,145
Likes: 1,710
From: VA
Yes get the transmission fluid changed. It is not too late.
ideally you want to change it the first time at 60,000 miles. The goal is to stop wear and deterioration. Waiting until the transmission acts up and hoping that a fluid change will fix it is wishful thinking as that strategy frequently fails to provide the results that are expected.
So start changing it before there is much wear and before the fluid deteriorates too much. This will keep it working at its peak for several hundred thousand miles.
Call around to Lexus and Toyota dealers (Many members get work done at Toyota dealers) to find one that will do a fluid change. Some dealers refuse to do it and claim it is sealed for life. This is BS as they want you to buy a new car and car manufacturer life time is when the warranty and extended warranty expire.
Then you will find some dealers that are eager for your business and will change the transmission fluid. Or if you have a great local independent transmission shop or Toyota specialist shop they may do it.
ideally you want to change it the first time at 60,000 miles. The goal is to stop wear and deterioration. Waiting until the transmission acts up and hoping that a fluid change will fix it is wishful thinking as that strategy frequently fails to provide the results that are expected.
So start changing it before there is much wear and before the fluid deteriorates too much. This will keep it working at its peak for several hundred thousand miles.
Call around to Lexus and Toyota dealers (Many members get work done at Toyota dealers) to find one that will do a fluid change. Some dealers refuse to do it and claim it is sealed for life. This is BS as they want you to buy a new car and car manufacturer life time is when the warranty and extended warranty expire.
Then you will find some dealers that are eager for your business and will change the transmission fluid. Or if you have a great local independent transmission shop or Toyota specialist shop they may do it.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 544
From: CA
I like doing incremental changes of 2-4 qts at a time via the transmission cooler lines using the tranny pump to pump out a gallon of old, and a transfer pump to pump in a gallon of new. This is prudent for a vehicle like yours with high miles. A total fluid change (some call a "flush") could result in issues.
CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,145
Likes: 1,710
From: VA
What is the year, model and mileage on your vehicle? Since they combined generation forums here the answer may vary.
It also depends on the situation, mainly mileage and current transmission performance. If it operates fine, then do a fluid exchange. If acting up, then a drain and fill may be safer as it slowly introduces new fluid. Do not think new fluid is a cure all as many times folks try to do this when the transmission is already on borrowed time and will fail in a few weeks or months no matter what you do to it.
It also depends on the situation, mainly mileage and current transmission performance. If it operates fine, then do a fluid exchange. If acting up, then a drain and fill may be safer as it slowly introduces new fluid. Do not think new fluid is a cure all as many times folks try to do this when the transmission is already on borrowed time and will fail in a few weeks or months no matter what you do to it.
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