jankanah

So I just bought IS250 2007 with 97000 miles on the clock, and was reading horror stories about failing transmissions starting at 100k miles, solenoids, horrible burnt transmission fluids etc.
For now, I have no problems with it, no error codes, only a thump/clunk sound when switching from P to R.
I'm thinking to bring it to dealer for a full fluid change, but I'm afraid, that it could cause problems and I will ruin perfectly running transmission. I'm also afraid, that old fluid could cause problems sooner or later. They're asking £400 for parts and labour.
Please share your experience. If you did go for full fluid change, did you see any improvements, or did it cause any problems? Thank you.

kevin3344

I know of no issues with the 2IS transmission, in fact, we just purchased a 2008 IS250 with 151k last week. Not worried at all. We actually own 3 Lexus vehicles with over 100k on them and the transmissions are fine.

The one time I had my transmission fluid drained (not flushed) was on my GS400 about 10 years ago...to me it didn't make much of a difference. Remember, a drain and fill is recommended over 100k not a flush. I'm at 232k now and it runs just fine.

However, if the clunk is bothering you have it checked out at the dealer. Sounds like it could be the linkage and not necessarily the transmission.

jankanah

Thank you. That clunk only happens, when switching from P to R, and gear lever seems heavy by doing that. From D to N or R or any other way is fine.
Not sure, if drain and fill is worth it for me, as it removes only small amount of fluid, and need to do multiple drains over some period of time, to all be replaced eventually. As I can't do it myself, overall that would be more expensive than doing full flush at the dealer.

kevin3344

Yeah once I had a thump when shifting from P to D and it was my motor mounts going bad, totally unrelated to the transmission. So it could be that as well. I would have a mechanic look.

Mike_1GO

iTrader: (2)

i thought my trans fluid was fine too at 78k. Until i replaced it and now I'm getting at least a 4 mpg improvement combined city/hwy driving in moderate traffic. Shifts smoother too. Im running valvoline synthetic ATF and im sure its keeping trans temps cooler than the old WS. Id say it should be replaced at 60k intervals. All that lifetime talk is BS. It gets burnt..

Mike_1GO

iTrader: (2)

Oh and make sure to drop the pan, replace the filter, o-ring, and gasket of course. I get my OEM parts from Amayama. With shipping from Japan to NY, still considerably cheaper than any Lexus parts website.

jankanah

I thought, you can use only Toyota WS fluid and nothing else, or you'll ruin your transmission.
I'm not planning to do it myself though, as I have no tools, basic garage or any skills. That's why I just wanna do the whole flush in one go at the dealer.

kevin3344

As long as it says formulated for Toyota you are ok. However, remember to let your mechanic know your symptoms. Your issue is when shifting from P to D, not while driving. This could or could not be related to the transmission. It could be in the linkage. Don't assume you need a flush because you hear a sound. Lots of times I've had friends who thought it as the transmission and it was something else. Get it checked out.

jankanah

I don't wanna do it because of the clunk, but to hopefully extend transmissions lifetime, prevent future problems. Some say, that at 100k that fluid is pretty much ruined, and it's supposed to last no more than that.

Mike_1GO

iTrader: (2)

Regardless, you should replace your fluid. Must replace the filter as well tho. You will notice a difference right off the bat. I wish i replaced mine at 57k when i purchased it..

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

I've said it many times....
Dump the pan and filter.
Start the engine for like 5 seconds. This will get you nearly half the fluid out in one shot.
Assemble.
Add no more than 3 qts and start it.
Add remaining fluid...

The only bad from a fluid change on these stickless transmissions is having to rely on software or blinking lights to know when the trans is at the right temperature to overflow. Beyond that, change the fluid!

Some places do a fluid flush by bolting on an adapter in place of the heat exchanger. I'm not sure what they use to monitor fluid volume as you can't check it by the book once it idles for 30min getting a flush.
Something to ask if this method is used.

MikeFig82

iTrader: (13)

I'm thinking of switching to Valvoline MaX Life over the Thanksgiving Holiday. Below is the specs for Valvoline, and Amsoil. The viscosity seems to be about the same. I'm not sure of the friction modifiers though. Countless threads on "Bob is the oil guy" many have used MaX Life with no reported issues. For swapping out from Toyota WS fluid.

Can anyone here update how many miles on the fluid swap?

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

I got nothing. But it will be one of those two!

MikeFig82

iTrader: (13)

Ok I found this on the "BITOG" forums some say Toyota WS is made by ExxonMobil. So I'll probably just stick to OEM fluid for now.

XSV

iTrader: (1)

I've drained and filled my tranny fluid twice. The second time I dropped the pan and replaced the filter and gasket. I used Toyota WS tranny fluid. No problems. For reading the tranny fluid temp, I use the ScanGauge II. It's a bit expensive but worth the money if you don't want to do through the hassle of putting the car mode to read the tranny temp. You do have to program the gauge to read the temp for our cars, it's pretty simply. All you have to do is put in some numbers and letters.