efuji

I have a 2000 RX300 AWD and the Lexus dealer suggests a total drain and flush every 30,000 miles for about $300 and a half drain and refill (4 quarts) in between the total flushes. The half drain is $150 at the dealer. I find the dealer prices and recommendations to be outrageous.

The local Quicklube will do a flush for $80 with Valvoline transmission fluid and the proper additives to bring it up to Lexus specs. I question whether they can do it right that way and the Valvoline web site does not suggest a transmission flush for the Lexus. The Lexus dealer charges over $10/quart and $450 per 30,000 miles for their recommended transmission maintenance.

I found that Toyota T-IV transmission fluid is also used in Mazda's 6 speed Auto. transmission. According to a Mazda bulletin the following fluids are compatible with the Toyota T-IV transmission fluid. ATF type JWS 3309 produced by Mobil and Exxon.

Mazda also adds that this fluid (JWS 3309) is available thru GM part#GM9986195, MOBIL JWS 3309, FORD XT-8QAW, and Toyota T-IV.

Mazda North America adds the type of transmission used in their vehicles is one that is manufactured by Aisin Warner. I think the U140E/F transmission used in the RX300 is a Aisin Warner transmission.

So I'm under the impression that we can use something that Toyota's type T-IV.