Ascari_2

So I am just past 100k on my AWD LS460L and while the car drives great, I can feel that the downshifts are slightly more noticeable that they used to be. Based on some reading, many people seem to be in agreement that it's okay to do the drain-and-fill service at this stage and I'm ready to go for it. The only question is do I do a simple drain and refill, or do I have them (Lexus dealer) drop the pan also. I was quoted $120 for the drain and fill and $270 for the pan drop. So with that, what is a better approach. Can they get more of the oil oil out if they drop the pan? Can I have them look at the magnets and replace the filter element if they drop the pan? Or am I basically getting the same result in the end with a new seal on the pan (not something that I necessarily want) and my wallet being $150 lighter?

Thanks
-Y

PS, I have the Lexus VSA until 2019/125k miles. So if the trans granades soon after the fluid change I am not terribly concerned.

texas008

$270 or $120, sounds very good price from a Lexus dealer.
drop the pan will replace one more quart of fluid,

johnnyg66

I say drop it and hope that includes a new filter too.

Doublebase

Dropping the pan should get you a new filter, gasket, more fluid changed and magnets cleaned. I think it's worth the extra money. I did mine this way and I now have 160,000 miles and it shifts great.

DavidinCT

Hmmm... I am going to have to call my local Lexus dealer to see what they are charging. My car with 159K on it (today) is not shifting as smooth, sometimes pressing it a little I can feel it shift through each gear. I also noticed that my car is a calibration behind (Techstream 12+ will detect the current version and if there is a new one available but, I don't have an account to access it).

I hope it's around the same price...$270 to do that sounds very reasonable and they should update the calibration as well..

Kbueno

I actually would say just do a fluid drain and replace. My pan wasn't all that dirty after 100k. Don't know about the filter since my dealer thought it was metal and "cleaned" it, just to pull the pan again to replace after it started shifting strangely...sigh.

Kennyr44

Find a new dealer or independent shop. The filter is paper and cannot be cleaned so they lied to you.

Doublebase

I was just going to say the same thing, this is a blatant lie.