Used Car transmission Flush or drain and fill?

[Kurtatron]

Wow! I would service all the fluids, pull a plug, etc. Maybe start with a fresh set of Michelins, if it's in the budget. Of course inspect everything.

Spend a few hours on the paint and headlights. Lexus paint in those years was German quality!
Going forward, I would stiffen it up with some Bilsteins...

You will flat out love that RX. It will spoil you.

I tested the brake fluid and coolant using those test strips. Both tested good.

Like I said, the brake fluid reservoir is one of the cleanest I’ve ever seen on an old car. Prior owner did a good job.

I am amazed at the paint. 20 years old and no clear coat chalking.

 

[thescreensavers]

If the trans just has a screen I wouldn't even waste my time removing the pan for it. Id spill and fill or cooler line method and install a Magnefine filter.

 

[Rock_Hound]

I do believe your transmission just has the screen-type filter. It is not really necessary to replace if the fluids have been changed regularly and you are not having problems. It is not like an oil filter; it only catches bigger chunks, particles flow right past it. Regularly changing the fluid is what keeps the system clean.

Very nice looking vehicle! Quite a step up from the Rogue.

 

[64bawagon]

I would do a filter and a Superior products drain plug then in a few months do a spill and fill and then be done with it. Thats likely way more than any non BITOG owner would do. https://superiortransmission.com/product/superior-k032/

 

[michaelluscher]

Drain and fill a few times with Toyota T-IV/Mobil 3309/TLS ATF
It's a 10mm hex for the drain, and you get a pack of crush washers off Amazon cheap enough

I wouldn't panic to change the filter, maybe after D+F 2

I've got the same U151E (5AT) in my Camry, 214k of 18 year old city abuse on it
Still has all 5 gears
Be thankful you didn't get the previous MYs unreliable 4 speed U140 with poor quality planetary gear's

The PCM reflash would be nice, if affordable

 

[Kurtatron]

If the trans just has a screen I wouldn't even waste my time removing the pan for it. Id spill and fill or cooler line method and install a Magnefine filter.

No it’s not a screen filter.

I do believe your transmission just has the screen-type filter. It is not really necessary to replace if the fluids have been changed regularly and you are not having problems. It is not like an oil filter; it only catches bigger chunks, particles flow right past it. Regularly changing the fluid is what keeps the system clean.

Very nice looking vehicle! Quite a step up from the Rogue.

Thanks, it certainly is.

The filter for the U151E is not a screen. I definitely would not be doing this if it were.

 

[Rock_Hound]

Well, I stand corrected. Just about the transmission filter thought and not about the vehicle being nice. That is a very nice vehicle.

 

[paulo57509]

I would second, refill with either Mobil 3309, Toyota T-IV or Idemitsu TLS, only.

 

[Donald]

I tested the brake fluid and coolant using those test strips. Both tested good.

Like I said, the brake fluid reservoir is one of the cleanest I’ve ever seen on an old car. Prior owner did a good job.

I am amazed at the paint. 20 years old and no clear coat chalking.

I would still flush the brakes. You have tested what is in the brake fluid reservoir. Not what's in the calipers.

 

[John105]

Multiple drain and fills

This is the factory method, 3X. It will leave about 19% old.

 

[Kalle.J]

I would drain n fill for neglected transmissions, flush if within normal interval.

I would second, refill with either Mobil 3309, Toyota T-IV or Idemitsu TLS, only.

+ Ravenol T-IV.

 

[barkingspider]

When we bought my daughters 08 RX350 earlier this year, I did a pan drop, filter change and fill w Valvoline ATF extended protection. Trans runs good and normal. I suggest you do the same. Then another drain and fil on next oci. Should be fine at that point.

 

[martinq]

Bought a used Lexus 2004 rx330 to replace my infernal Rogue. The car has been maintained very well. Brake fluid and even power steering fluid are pristine.

Automatic transmission fluid doesn’t look too old, doesn’t smell, and is dark red. In other words, it looks used, but not ancient. I want to replace the filter, but I’ve been corrupted by Scotty Kilmer. Flushing used fluid may be detrimental to an old transmission, right? It’s got 200k miles on it. The transmission doesn’t slip, but it is slightly jerky. Jerky meaning very weak lurching between shifts. Nothing serious I’d say.

Should I flush it or drain and fill? Flushing is pretty easy. Just have to disconnect one of the transmission lines and run the vehicle until no more fluid comes out.

Definitely drop the pan for cleaning / inspection along with the filter / magnet. Post some pics if you're not sure how to proceed.

 

[Kurtatron]

I got the old transmission filter out. Some pics.

The gasket came out in pieces. Does that look like the OEM Toyota filter?

 

[clinebarger]

Filtran is a OE supplier to many manufacturers, I've seen many problems with using aftermarket sump filters....YMMV.

 

[Kurtatron]

Filtran is a OE supplier to many manufacturers, I've seen many problems with using aftermarket sump filters....YMMV.

I’m using Wix. Rated highly on Amazon.

 

[clinebarger]

I have no faith in Wix transmission sump filters & way less faith in the rubber gaskets they supply.

 

[Kurtatron]

Filtran is a OE supplier to many manufacturers, I've seen many problems with using aftermarket sump filters....YMMV.

Against my wallet’s will I followed your advice and bought a Toyota filter. It was $80. I figured since I won’t do this again most likely for the length of ownership, may as well get the OE assurance.

I did a partial flush. I ran the engine with the cooler line disconnected and extracted an additional quart. 6 quarts total changed.
Still a few quarts of old fluid remain, but I’ve seen too many videos of how old fluid with clutch debris masks a dying transmission. So I’m going to do this first and see how it goes. If no problems, I will do a full flush next time.

there’s no slipping in the transmission as it is, but still, 195k miles is still a lot.

 

[Patrick0525]

I got the old transmission filter out. Some pics.

The gasket came out in pieces. Does that look like the OEM Toyota filter?

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Any metal particles on the pan’s magnet?

 

[Kurtatron]

Any metal particles on the pan’s magnet?

Yes. About a pea’s worth.