Lexus RX300 Trans Fluid change

[My442]

I used mu MityVac fluid extractor to suck the transmission fluid out of my wifes' 2003 RX300. It has 47,000 miles, and the fluid was original.

The funny thing is the dipstick says "ATF fluid never needs to be replaced".

The fluid that I sucked out looked decent, but somewhat dirty.

I used Toyota Type T as the replacement.

The MityVac fluid extractor works great!

 

[JustinH]

Never needs to be replaced, only when they overhaul the transmission I suppose.

The reason they do this, is they think you can get out of warranty period without killing the trans, so they don't make it serviceable.

Also there is an industry standard that publishes total cost of ownership of cars, the car makers are trying to keep this number as low as possible.

 

[charbaby]

My wife has an 01 RX-300 and I change the ATF with T-IV regularly(12-18 mo. drain/refill).

 

[PT1]

My rx330 has 145,000 miles and I change the same way. 4 changes will get you to 90% new fluid. The rx300's are notorious for transmission failures

 

[lexrx3]

Whether its Amsoil or somebody elses synthetic ATF I would definitely use a synthetic.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: lexrx3
Whether its Amsoil or somebody elses synthetic ATF I would definitely use a synthetic.

 

[byez]

I have been using Castrol Import ATF. At half the price of T-IV I can afford to do drain & fills twice as much.

No ill effects noted with 10,000 km.

 

[firemachine69]

Originally Posted By: byez
I have been using Castrol Import ATF. At half the price of T-IV I can afford to do drain & fills twice as much.

No ill effects noted with 10,000 km.


Try to report back at 60K with an analysis please, would love to find out if multi-grade ATF is sufficient.

 

[PT1]

Originally Posted By: firemachine69
Originally Posted By: byez
I have been using Castrol Import ATF. At half the price of T-IV I can afford to do drain & fills twice as much.

No ill effects noted with 10,000 km.


Try to report back at 60K with an analysis please, would love to find out if multi-grade ATF is sufficient.


I wouldn't do it. Too many reports of slipping issues reported on the lexus forums. Besides, a drain fill is 4 qts and I get T-IV at a Toyo dealer for $4.98/qt. Not worth the chance IMO.