Lexus Transmission Fluid Change

[BillK2632]

I'm sure a lot of you car guy's are familiar with the trend of "sealed" transmissions that never need a fluid change. I am not a big fan of this and even on our Lexus and Volvo's that claim a lifetime fluid, I still have changed the fluid - usually around 60k miles - just a drain and fill, never a "flush". I tend to keep cars until at least the 150k mile range. My FIL recently passed away and I have been driving his Lexus 2004 LS 430 with 135k miles. Have had many Lexus's but never an LS - I just love this car! In looking through the maintenance records I noticed he had it meticulous maintained at the Lexus dealer, but don't see where a transmission fluid changes ever done. I was looking at doing it myself, but the transmission is sealed and looks like a PIA to get to the fill plug and perform the process of checking the fluid level after you are done. I called the Lexus dealer, they quoted $300 to change it - said it is not a flush, but they connect a machine that replaces all of the fluid, not just the 2-3qts you would get from a drain and fill. I thinking I will have them do this, but wanted to see what others here think.
I can't say it is from my fluid changes, but I will say I have never had a transmission problem and all of our cars (several Volvo's and Lexus's) have gone well over 100k miles.

 

[Soulshine]

This is becoming commonplace and done like a blood transfusion with a dedicated machine usually found at the dealership.

I just had one of my Infinitis done at a Nissan dealer. It was less than $200.

Get a quote from a Toyota shop.

 

[JHornsby3]

My son has a VW Jetta with a "sealed" trans. He started having slipping issues. His has a drain plug in the bottom with a tube that goes up to the full level. He had to put the whole car on blocks level and run to the proper temp. Let the fluid drain out at the specified temp and put the plug in.

Not a fan of this at all. At 160k, that fluid was nasty. He got it changed and the slipping was cured. And he tweaked the pressure a little for a better shift while there. That German fluid was spendy at over $20 a quart. He was told that the VW/Audi trans are not flushable.

 

[fwebster]

I Just sold an '05 LS-430, my 3rd LS, and I changed the transmission fluid at 90K miles......just because "I'm old school". Our dealer in Nashville has the habit of adding all sorts of aftermarket additives to any service they do. A simple oil change has about $60 worth of additives, they put an additive in washer fluid, brake fluid etc. etc. and I don't believe in adding stuff not clearly mentioned in the Lexus Owners manual. I found a Toyota/Lexus only shop owned by 2 ex-Lexus technicians and their prices are reasonable. My last transmission service on the LS was $180. Look around and you may find a local shop that see's the opportunity available by competing in the Lexus store's pricing.

 

[douglee25]

I personally would not recommend changing it. As mentioned above, it's like an IV transfusion machine that they connect to the cooler lines. It's fairly simple. It's a good process when completed at regular intervals from the beginning of a car's lifespan. If the vehicle is at 135k miles and nothing has been done, leave it alone! I have actually seen transmission flushes on high mileage vehicles CAUSE issues after the flush. It tends to cause dirt to dislodge and they can clog up ports or cause solenoids or shift valves to stick. If the fluid is not burnt and doesn't have any funky smells or colors, just drive the vehicle. In addition, I would not recommend any flush/improver additives either. Many 'improver' type additives for transmissions cause the seals to swell which 'can' improve things if you have a sloppy trans, but again, if there's nothing wrong with it, just drive it and sell it in another 15k miles.

 

[BillK2632]

So that is my main question - does anyone know if this machine the dealer uses does a flush or is it just replacing the fluid like a drain and fill. Dealer seems to be a bit vague when I asked if this is a flush or drain and fill. As mentioned I am on the fence, really if this was going to be done it should have been done starting around 60k. The car drives fine, perfect actually - FIL was meticulous about service - pretty much gave the Lexus dealer an open checkbook.

 

[scoflaw]

Done at the tranny cooler line, not really a flush but all fluid gets replaced. Unlike a screw on the pan which leaves all the oil in the converter which holds a lot.

 

[Pirate Lady]

Had an ‘01 Eclipse, changed trans fluid at 90k even though book said was no reason to. 1 week later it exploded, like a bomb, threw pieces thru the case. Last time I’ll have that done if book dont say to. Maybe no connection, who knows.

 

[JHornsby3]

Due to heavy hauling with pick ups, I have always flushed the trans. Change filters at the same time then again shortly after. Been lucky I guess. Now I have the Allison and the filters are changed every other oil change. At $80 for just the filters, it's cheaper than a trans.

 

[Pirate Lady]

Due to heavy hauling with pick ups, I have always flushed the trans. Change filters at the same time then again shortly after. Been lucky I guess. Now I have the Allison and the filters are changed every other oil change. At $80 for just the filters, it's cheaper than a trans.

Can say this, the Allisons WERE built right down the street from me at the new plant in MD. Had a buddy transfer from Tarreytown NY Plant to work there. They had to dress in space suits. Only 350 per shift. Lots of robots. Amazing place. GM closed it last year after sucking billions of tax favor $$$ out of my county. GREAT transmissions. GM on the other hand, should be in prison next to Bernie Madoff lying pieces of shit. That company needs to burn in hell.

 

[Blueone]

Can say this, the Allisons WERE built right down the street from me at the new plant in MD. Had a buddy transfer from Tarreytown NY Plant to work there. They had to dress in space suits. Only 350 per shift. Lots of robots. Amazing place. GM closed it last year after sucking billions of tax favor $$$ out of my county. GREAT transmissions. GM on the other hand, should be in prison next to Bernie Madoff lying pieces of shit. That company needs to burn in hell.

Don’t blame GM ...some politician allowed them not to pay

 

[Pirate Lady]

Don’t blame GM ...some politician allowed them not to pay

Ya i guess you right about that.

 

[330DA]

We’re on our second Lexus. I asked the Service Writer one time about changing the trans fluid. He said it is a sealed system and in 7 years, he hasn’t had to change a transmission.