Tranny Fluid

[silvermistLS]

Hello everyone,

Here's my question. I want to change the tranny fluid on my 93 ls400, but can't decide on what method. Some people say to replace 3 quarts at a time?? that doesn't make sense to me.. because it's still being polluted or mixed no? is there a way to dump the whole thing (as the dealer claims THEY do it - albeit for 150.00) Is there a way to do it myself? I can but the case of toyota type 4 transmission fluid.

Thanks,

Al

[jcrome04]

There should be a tutorial on lexls.com

I was thinking about doing it myself as well..

[steviej]

Hello everyone,

Here's my question. I want to change the tranny fluid on my 93 ls400, but can't decide on what method. Some people say to replace 3 quarts at a time?? that doesn't make sense to me.. because it's still being polluted or mixed no? is there a way to dump the whole thing (as the dealer claims THEY do it - albeit for 150.00) Is there a way to do it myself? I can but the case of toyota type 4 transmission fluid.

Thanks,

Al

you would need a power flush machine....which the dealership uses.

This is not always a good idea if the tranny has never been power flushed before or it has been a long long time since it has had any service before.

In that case, then it would be safer to do successive "drain and fills" over a period of several thousand miles.

Drain 3-4 quarts, add same volume new, drive 500 miles, repeat, repeat, repeat.

It won't do a total exchange transfusion but it will gradually replace old with newer. Because it is a simple drain and fill, there is no force behind the fluid entering or exiting the tranny which has been known to damage older trannies by dislodging built up sediment.

steviej

[silvermistLS]

I went to toyota yesterday and bought the case (12 quarts) of ATF IV fluid. Got a pretty good deal too 42.00. I'll ask my mechanic to change it soon... can more fluid be drained by running the car as the fluid is seeping from the drain? I want to replace as much of it as possible.. since I think it'll be a waste to mix new with old???

Thanks,

Al

[Lexusfreak]

I would just stick with the 'drain & fills' as steviej mentioned. For an absolute complete flush, you will need more than 12 qt's I'm afraid.

[silvermistLS]

ok..just had my mech do it yesterday... He drained the pan, 2+ quarts came out.. Then, he unhooked the other hose, and had me start the car.. another 3 or 4 quarts came out... added new 2 new quarts.. drained some more... drained about 7 total.. so the entire fluid had a brand new red hue to it. Shifts sooooo smooth now. Almost feels more responsive in the acceleration dept... weird.