GAguitar Posted November 29, 2004 Posted November 29, 2004 I have an 01' RX300 with 37,000 and I want to change the transmission fliud myself but don't know how. Where is the drain plug? Where do I add the new fluid? How many quarts do I need? I appreciate any help.
SKperformance Posted November 29, 2004 Posted November 29, 2004 check the workshop tutorials their may be one that someon made in there
Lexusfreak Posted November 30, 2004 Posted November 30, 2004 Make sure you use the correct tranny fluid.....I believe it's Toyota Type IV fluid & nothing else.....double check your owners manual. B)
eric618 Posted November 30, 2004 Posted November 30, 2004 I just yesterday went to the ONLY Toyota dealership in the area and asked for T-IV fluid so I could change mine. The guy tried to sell me Penzoil Dexron and said it's all they use. He claimed they didn't even have any T-IV there! and this is at the DEALERSHIP! Amazing!!! The next closest Toyota/Lexus dealership is like 50 miles away.
sgriffith Posted November 30, 2004 Posted November 30, 2004 Thats crazy.....I have had many people (not on this forum) tell me that I can flush the tranny out and replace it with other (non-toyota) tranny fluids. I smile, tell them thank you, and walk away. Other fluid may work just fine, but not for me. I have heard too many horror stories.
bartkat Posted November 30, 2004 Posted November 30, 2004 Technical Service Information BulletinPlease refer to the following table for correct application of Dexron III (Dexron II) and Toyota Type T-IV Automatic Transmission Fluids or equivalent. http://www.clublexus.com/index.php/fileman.../246/tc001l.pdf
SKperformance Posted November 30, 2004 Posted November 30, 2004 most dealers use valvoline i would just buy the valvoline from walmart
RX400h Posted December 2, 2004 Posted December 2, 2004 I have an 01' RX300 with 37,000 and I want to change the transmission fliud myself but don't know how. Where is the drain plug? Where do I add the new fluid? How many quarts do I need?I appreciate any help. ← Typically, all you need to do is drive up on ramps (Rhino ramps are excellent), remove a drain plug (driver's side in most vehicles) from the tranny fluid pan(This plug is generally larger than the oil drain plug), reinstall the plug, and add the equivalent to what you removed. I bought a jug with measurement lines molded in it and pour the dirty oil into the jug. I then know how much new oil to add. I doubt that you will drain more than 6 or 7 quarts, so it may be best to drain and fill two years in a row, or within a few months of the first drain and fill. You can badd the dirty fluid to dirty engine oil and bring it to an auto parts store that accepts it.
jbarhorst2 Posted December 2, 2004 Posted December 2, 2004 My RX300 takes approximately 4 quarts of fluid when I do a drain and refill. I think it may call for 4.2 quarts or something like that in the manual. The transmission drain plug takes a 10mm hex drive to remove it. You will also want to replace the crush washer (metal gasket) when you do this so that you can be sure to prevent leaks. The RX calls for Toyota Type IV and that is all I have used.
VGR Posted December 2, 2004 Posted December 2, 2004 Drain fluid overnight when transmission is hot. Measure the amount drained in the morning using a 99 cent orange juice pitcher or similar bottle with measurement markings. Pour the same amount of new fluid in the transmission. If your dipstick is marked "Type T-IV" then use Toyota Type T-IV or risk premature transmission failure. Lexus says the following on it's websit: Automatic Transmission Fluid Question: mWhat type of automatic transmission fluid is used in Lexus vehicles? Answer: Please check the inside back cover of your Owner's Manual for the type of transmission fluid your vehicle uses. If you Owner's Manual specifies, T-II, you may only use T-II or T-IV. If your Owner's Manual specifies, T-IV, you may only use T-IV. If your Owner's Manual specifies Dexron II, you may only use Dexron II or Dexron III. If your Owner's Manual specifies Dexron III, you may only use Dexron II or Dexron III.
GAguitar Posted December 8, 2004 Author Posted December 8, 2004 My RX300 takes approximately 4 quarts of fluid when I do a drain and refill. I think it may call for 4.2 quarts or something like that in the manual. The transmission drain plug takes a 10mm hex drive to remove it. You will also want to replace the crush washer (metal gasket) when you do this so that you can be sure to prevent leaks. The RX calls for Toyota Type IV and that is all I have used. Hi Tom, Thanks for the good info. I picked up the tranny fluid today from the Toyota dealership. After you have drained the fluid from the bolt under the car, where do you add the new fluid? Thanks, Mark
lenore Posted December 8, 2004 Posted December 8, 2004 My RX300 takes approximately 4 quarts of fluid when I do a drain and refill. I think it may call for 4.2 quarts or something like that in the manual.The transmission drain plug takes a 10mm hex drive to remove it. You will also want to replace the crush washer (metal gasket) when you do this so that you can be sure to prevent leaks. The RX calls for Toyota Type IV and that is all I have used. Hi Tom, Thanks for the good info. I picked up the tranny fluid today from the Toyota dealership. After you have drained the fluid from the bolt under the car, where do you add the new fluid? Thanks, Mark Obtain a funnel from walmart for less than a buck that fits the dip stick tube, which is where you add the transmission fluid. ←
BadBrad Posted December 8, 2004 Posted December 8, 2004 No need to use ramps or a jack. Super easy front access.
RX in NC Posted December 8, 2004 Posted December 8, 2004 After you pull the transmission pan drain plug and drain the pan, be sure to pull the differential drain plug and drain it as well. The differential drain plug is located just behind the transmission drain plug, and you also pull it with a 10 mm Allen wrench. Notice the "gunk" all over the inside of the differential drain plug when you have it in your hand. That's because it contains a magnet that attracts the tiny metallic particles as they wear out and become suspended in your fluid. Be sure to wipe this plug brilliantly clean before you replace it along with your pan plug and refill your pan with fresh T-IV fluid. This job is about as easy as they come. Just be sure to add that fourth quart of fluid slowly and check your dipstick level frequently as you add that fourth quart so that you neither underfill nor overfill your transmission. Then check your dipstick regularly over the next few days as you drive the vehicle to ensure that you got it right. Good luck.
BadBrad Posted December 8, 2004 Posted December 8, 2004 Did we all finally determine that the two components are "linked" and share common fluid? On both FWD and AWD?
RX in NC Posted December 8, 2004 Posted December 8, 2004 I know that the two components share common T-IV fluid on our AWD version. I assume that the same is true for the FWD version as well.
jbarhorst2 Posted December 9, 2004 Posted December 9, 2004 Interesting... My manual says that the viscous coupling takes the same lube as the rear diff. I have a 2001 RX AWD. Thoughts? Tom
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