Lexusfreak

Then tell us specifically what ExxonMobil fluids available in retail stores are chemically identical to a genuine Toyota fluids and show us a virgin chemical analysis to back your claim up. On practically every Toyota forum there are independent shop mechanics who speak out and say "Toyota fluids are just "rebottled / rebranded auto part store fluids and that's why we don't use them and why even Toyota dealers don't use them in their own service bays." But these same independent shop mechanics never provide a virgin chemical analysis of a Toyota fluid pitted against available auto parts store fluids. ← It's intresting monarch, mburn over the months has been providing proof via oil test results with regard to Amsoil & you even then still dispute the claims! Even though you don't provide actual test data to back up what you claim. :whistles: 82DM, I agree that alot of ths is in fact as you put it an 'urban ledgend' as nobody has stated or come forward with proof that Amsoil ATF (which clearly states is compatable wth Toyota IV fluid) has caused any kind of damage when re-filled at the proper lever & changed at the correct intervals. B) btw, GM is coming out with a new & improved ATF this summer called Dexron VI & it will be available this summer over the counter at GM dealers & other auto parts locations. It will also be 'factory fill' on all 2006+ GM vehicles with 'hydra-matic transmissions. ;) The article is below: April 4, 2005 GM introduces improved automatic transmission fluid Pontiac, Michigan - GM, in conjunction with Petro-Canada and the Afton Chemical Corporation, has developed a new, improved automatic transmission fluid for all 2006 model year Hydra-Matic automatic transmissions. Called Dexron-VI, the new fluid improves viscosity, shift performance and fluid durability. In tests, Dexron-VI delivered more than twice the durability and stability in friction tests compared to existing fluids, with superior performance in pitting, foaming, oxidation and shear stability tests. The fluid will be available through GM-authorized dealerships and service centres in summer 2005, and is approved for retrofit use in all Hydra-Matic transmissions prior to model year 2006.

Around a quatrer tank or slightly below that. In the winter (in cold climates) it's not recommended to go far below 1/2 a tank due to the fuel lines freezing. B)

i'm not holding my breathe. :whistles: steviej ← I suspect the tranny in the next gen ES will be a 6 speed automatic. B) We shall see. :whistles:

Correct Lexls, timing belt change at 90k. Best advice, make sure you have all maintenance, service & warranty records (preverably 1 owner) for the ES in question especially oil changes because of the engine gelling issue. You should be able to find a pretty good selection of 2000 ES well under 100 k miles. Good Luck & keep us posted. B)

If your worried about that Henry, I suggest sticking with the Toyota recommended fluid. I wll be switching to Amsoil ATF simply because it's synthetic, has a longer drain interval.......IS compatable with Type IV fluid (and Dexron III) & have yet to hear anybody that has had any tranny damage as a direct result of using this fluid instead of the actual Toyota fluid. I have heard other folks notice a pretty big difference & improved shift quality as well.......it's smart to change the fluid when it's warm or hot (my owners manual does not suggest to change the fluid when it's cold) to get old fluid & more 'gunk' out if you will. B)

None yet, I've contacted a lot of people & auto magazines.......there is nothing, not even spy shots. There should be some this summer coming soon. ← if they're even built somewhere, they're being tested i assume...thats if theyre even built ← I am sure there are prototypes that exist yes......in Japan under lock & key right now I'm betting. Also keep your eyes open for the next gen Camry, the ES will be based on that from what I have heard. B)

lol bart....makes 2 of us.

Never had a tranny failure ever.......an engine & tranny should last the life of the vehicle. ;)

None yet, I've contacted a lot of people & auto magazines.......there is nothing, not even spy shots. There should be some this summer coming soon.

I don't think it's due to be changed yet at 20k miles........check the owners manual for the correct interval. B) ← i mean "should" it be done @ 20k miles.? Sometimes the manual gives an under estimate. It can't hurt to do a flush? can it? rather replace it while the fluid is still good fefore it goes bad! ← It won't hurt no, preventitive maintenance is a good thing. B)

You will see an all new ES in about a year as an early 2007 model ;) ← :whistles: Oh well, they need new styling i guess.... B) ← yup. B)

Canadian ES with the 5 speed automatic don't have the problem as we have different emisson regulations than the U.S. The problems should be eliminated with the 2007 ES. I say should be! ;)

Well, he is not german, he is bavarian... so he could pray for a bmw... ← And where are the Bavarians from? :whistles: ← :whistles: The Bavarians are from Bavaria...so they believe... ←

This issue has been covered hundreds of times on here.......there is a sticky for it too boot.....due a search you will find more info. B)

I don't think it's due to be changed yet at 20k miles........check the owners manual for the correct interval. B)

You will see an all new ES in about a year as an early 2007 model ;)

It makes a smokers car smell like a non smokers car.....or at least to my nose! lol ;)

it was some kmind of urine LOL And it wasn't the fabreeze that made it smell, the smell origionally was so potent nothing could cover it LOL ← Well Kia's, what can you do? lmao!

I doubt it was because of the fabreeze......if there was already a stench there to begin with.....it should have been cleaned up first (IE switch cars). I have used Fabreeze auto now for about a year and a half (I'm a smoker to boot) & I love the stuff. B) Cat urine is worse than dog urine btw.

There are no others. ;)

And what makes Toyota Dexron III fluid so different from Amsoil? & how much does it cost to do a 'drain & fill' at your dealer or mechanic? Time that by 3-4 times & you could do a 100% fluid change for the same cost, once! I said to drop the pan & replace the tranny pan gasket as a preventitive measure.....I would not wait until 150,000 miles to do that & why not clean the filter mesh screen at the same time the gasket is replaced since it's right there. :whistles:

Well, he is not german, he is bavarian... so he could pray for a bmw... ← And where are the Bavarians from? :whistles:

Most of the changes between 04 & 05 are cosmetic......the front facia & rear tail lights have been changed (for the better imo) as the apprerance looks better. The mechanicals are pretty much the same, but not 100% sure if they have upgraded the 5 speed automatic in 05 over the 04 version. B)

I have tried many different air fresheners........the best by far that I like is Fabreeze Auto! B)

If your ES is due for a 'complete' fluid change, I'd take this chance to replace the tranny pan gasket while your at it & clean the filter mesh screen at the same time (this should be good for several years before you have to change the gasket again as a preventitive measure). In between that time (sounds like your very fussy like me with fluid changes) I'd just do a 'drain & fill' methon every 30k miles or 2 years whichever comes first........especially if you switch to Amsoil synthetic ATF as it will last much longer than the conventional Toyota Type IV fluid. Just my suggestion as that is exactly what I will be doing. B) ← OK, so let's say that I own an ES300 MY97 that has the discolored tranny fluid and is low mileage for the age, but hadn't had the tranny fluid changed in 40K? Total mileage is about 80K right now. The car has not been abused in the sense of stoplight burnouts (or attempts there of) or acting like it's a manual and unnecessarily shifting from low to drive for instance . All the other fluids, oil, brake, and coolant has been changed at scheduled times, but my wife neglected to do the Tranny fluid afte our last visit to the Lexus shop at 30K. All other work was done third party, i.e. Goodyear or some other shop and that is why no one came out and mentioned anything to her about it. :chairshot: So what options and steps should I take? I do have the smell from the tranny case and the fluid is a dark color. I like to change it out ASAP, but confused whether to flush the system or not. Any suggestions. Also for an older car should synth in the tranny be ok as opposed to the regular dino stuff? Thanks for any help. - Henry PS: first post at this forum, hope it will be a start of many. ← Welcome Henry! B) Based on what you have mentioned here, I would do a 100% tranny fluid change, clean the filter mesh screen & replace the tranny pan gasket (as a preventitive means). Then ist's your call if you want to go with dino or synthetic (I recommend Amsoil synthetic ATF as it is compatable with BOTH Dexron III & Toyota Type IV fluid). It won't be cheap with this maintenance item, but then again, neither is about $4,500 for a rebuilt tranny. ;) B) Here is a link with some detailed info about Amsoil synthetic ATF. I will be switching to this myself later this yearf for my 01 ES. Good Luck! http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atf.aspx