Lexusfreak

Use OEM....period which are iridiums. And as for the interval.....look at the owners manual. ;)

Sorry for the delay on responding to your question, I have been on call this past week. Toyota and many others are going to the "filled for life" moto on their transmissions. As a service provider I don't like it, as if a customer comes in once a year for an oil change, how do I assure that they have not had a leak and that their transmission level is in the proper operating range. I think they are simply saving a few dollars on installing dipsticks, due to the fact that most of the people out there today don't ever lift their hood to check anything.

There are ways to drain and flush many of these transmissions, but again the OEMs are trying to make it difficult and want the work to come back to the dealership. One of my friends had a new Caddy and the dealership did not have the tools or knowledge on how to service or flush the transmission. The transmission had 50K on it and the guy wanted it serviced. Well it got serviced by his AMSOIL dealer and is working fine today.

If you are one of those folks that strives to keep up on vehicle maintenance and fluid changes then there is a way to do it. Only time will tell how long a filled for life transmission will run without routine service and oil changes. I know of folks that ran the old GM transmission 150K without a service, but they were toast in the end. I know folks with old GM transmissions with over 300K that flush them routinely and don't have any issues.

In closing AMSOIL spends a lot of time and money on research and product development. They give one of the longest drain intervals on the ATF fluids that I've seen. I like to get the break-in oil out between 30-50K and change the original filter/screen. Then refill with AMSOIL ATF and your set for 100K of normal driving.

Thanks,

John

Thanks for your reply John.

I'm also in the same camp.....I don't buy into 'life long fluid' personally.....eventually it will have to be changed. I've used Amsoil products for years now & swear by them....including their universal ATF.....it's good to know that Amsoil is staying ahead of the curve bringing this WS fluid to market. At least I will know I can get it down the road when I buy my next 2010 Lexus down the road. B)

Now if Amsoil will only make an EAA air filter for my current 2005 ES (and related Lexus / Toyota models with the 3.3L V6) things will be just perfect. ;)

OMG! Bren. I am peeling like a moulting snake due to a sunburn, just got back from NYC with 85° weather and come home to you bumping a thread promoting snow tires. ARE YOU CRAZY MAN!!! let me finish the summer. :P

steviej

lol Steve.....I saw some of your pics.....looks like it was a blast bud! B)

Many Canadian members will know why I bumped this thread up :P

I'm about to get a 1992 LS 400 and am having some work done on it by a certified lexus mechanic before I drive it away.

I am getting very confusing information, where ever I look, about whether or not to use a synthetic oil in a LS 400 with 118,000 miles on it, or not

I'm brand new to this group and I'm feeling good about this groups information...but even the forums are inconsistent on this point.

I've driven Hondas since 1973 and am anticipating even better things in a swithch to this Lexus. I'm also kind of a maintainemce nut and want to be sure I'm doing right by this vehicle. I have had my Hondas rountinely go 350,000+mi. and have used synthetic exclusively.

Can you help me with a definitive answer on this point?

Daniel,

Welcome to LOC.....is the engine on your LS mechanically sound with no leaks?

Toads

Looking forward to seeing them on the car! B)

I would go the proper interval as per the owners manual....many have suggested that if you want to use synthetic to properly break in the engine first with dino oil at around the 10k mile mark before making the switch.

Changes to the 2010 ES 350...& quoting...

What's New: "A mid-cycle revamp nets this midsize, entry-lux 4-dr new head / taillamps, upgraded interior trim, leather front seats with memory function, and rear-seat side airbags. Other changes of note include a VSC cutoff switch, ECO indicator, Bluetooth, iPod/USB inputs, and Safety Connect, plus a revised nav with the new Enform telematics system."

Cool Fact: "Primo ES 350 options include Mark Levinson audio, the Pre-Collision System, Intuitive Park Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control."

Sum Up: "How to pay too much for a gussied-up Camry."

2 out of a possible 5 star rating & they should hit dealer lot's around mid to late September 2009. The pic of the car was a 2009 model just so you know.

I will post any significantly different or additional items from Car & Driver once I get it. :)

I went to don valley north lexus and those suckers want 139 bucks just to read the code..

That does not suprise me in the least....bandits!

Ugh, some reviewers are so biased.

New 19" wheels for the IS-F means that the F-sport wheels are getting an update huh? Cool, cuz I kind of wanted a different option in 19". Thanks for the info!

Glad I could help. :)

Of course you only have about a month or so I would guess until the model is on dealer lots & the new brochures are available.

How much to fix the rear main seal or how much longer do you plan to keept the car? The leak won't get any smaller with time & a slightyly thicker oil.

I am anxiously awaiting the chance to become a part of the Lexus community... after a broad search of the various sport sedans out there. I decided the Lexus IS 350 is the best for my needs. I've decided to wait for the 2010 models to become available but I just can't get a peep out of anyone or even find a blurb about what to expect in the new models or even when to expect them. (One dealer had the audacity to tell me it might not come out until december 09, I hung up on him).

So to kill time, I thought, why not start a rumor mill.

Here's what I have gathered.

1. Release date will be near the end of August.

2. I might have to wait until August before I am able to custom order. Why custom order? Because apparently, the rumor is the the Mark Levinson systems will not be equipped in most shipped models... they will have a "premium" audio system but not true ML unless special ordered.

3. There will be some minor changes to the grill, so the exterior will change slightly.

4. Nav will be hard drive and incorporate XM traffic.

If anyone can confirm these rumors or add to them, you will aid in my misery of waiting. How miserable am I? I'm driving a 2000 Accord that is falling apart.

If you have any rumors/info about changes to the F-sport line or accessories, that would be of interest as well. The setup I'm looking for is 2010 IS 350, Starfire pearl, Lux package + Nav + ML, 18" G-spider rims, F-sport exhaust, ground kit.

Lexus & Toyota are almost impossible to get any info out of before the next model year is released & not much accurate info is ever 'leaked'.......I did just get my September 2009 issue of Motortrend however that has a quick run down of any significant changes or brand new models...

Other than the IS drop tops & the IS-F getting a new limited slip diff & 19" wheels....the regular IS models get (Drum roll please)...

- Bluetooth, iPod/USB inputs, safety connect & new Nav packages with Enform telematics...

Sum Up & I quote... "Close to a 3 series, but still no cigar" with a rating of 3.5 stars out of 5 (no mention of any cosmetic changes on the exterior or interior). Best I can do. :)

Hmm, didn't even think to bother asking them. I'd assume they'd charge a premium.

We don't have regular services done at our local dealer, unless it's warranty work... My father had an argument with one of the managers over a decade ago and he refuses to have anything to do with them unless absolutely necessary...

I did stop by one of the Town Fare Tire places around here, and the guy said, "Well we usually charge $99, but for you i can do it for umm..... $69".

So i guess that's good? lol.

Sounds pretty reasonable to me.

Hi Guys

So today I went to the gas station to check if my tire pressure is right. Right after I left the gas station, the check engine light/trac off light came on! Has anyone had this before? Is it caused by me checking the tire pressure? Thanks a lot. I am scared that I bought a le-sux instead of a lexus.

Welcome to LOC mcshen.....what part of Toronto are you from? Just curious.

I don't think one has anything to do with the other......just a coincidence.....might want to get the code(s) read & let us know what they are.....that will help us better diagnose the problem(s) & steer you in the right direction....check to make sure your gas cap is on tight first. ;)

Did you at least adjust your tire pressures?

These guy's seem to have the better prices on regular maintenance stuff over Sewell.

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/ind...amp;catalogid=0

Steviej, any idea how much of a discount is offered when that code is used?

Just for giggles, did you call your local Lexus dealer to at least see what price you are starting from? If you are a regular (speak with the service manager) perhaps they will give you a good deal....My Lexus dealer did.

Welcome to LOC.

Tape weights should not make a difference if they have been installed properly & I assume all tires have the correct air pressure (don't assume the tire shop put them at the correct pressure, they are usually 'in the ballpark' at best)? Any idea what kind of balancing machine your shop is using? Might also want to use the 'search' feature on our site.....you will probably come up with a wealth of info. :)

Once the issue is fixed, a 4 wheel alignment will be a good thing in the long run too.

Well, I tried it. Bought the PB Blaster; disassembled the unit. Sprayed the electrical contacts and reassembled. Unfortunately, the driver side window still does not work. What next, new Master Window Switch?

Get a price from your Lexus dealer for a new one (if they still can get them?)......but before purchasing, check auto wreckers & E-bay.

I think it's fair to post this...

Wow! That's something else......I just can't show the Wife!

John,

I was under the impression that the factory Toyota WS fluid was a 'life long' fluid & based on what I have read & heard never needs flushing / replacing?

I can't quite put my finger on it.....but maybe it's this that bothers me about BMW...

Sorry folks.....I couldn't resist.

Nicely done Josh. :)

That's a sweet looking ride! B)

I know you did not say all Lexusfreak. We are good was just pointing out some of us BMW owners are still OK!

Hey by the way I have the Lexus incase the BMW breaks down! J/K :whistles: :D

I know they are :) My BMW buddies are on that list too (even though we routinely exchange friendly jabs about each other's rides).....good to see we all have a good sense of humor too.