Checking Transmission Fluid Level in an Early 100 Series - LC/LX470

[@adrianw3985]

I have an 03 with a 5 Speed. It has a dip stick on the A750F. Not sure when they removed it, but the first year of the 5 Speed came with a transmission dip stick.

[@LexusOverland]

Idk why they removed it either - very useful! Although, I did recently set fluid level on a non-dipstick 100, and it wasn't all that bad. It's a procedure for sure, but it gets the job done!

[@barryissa171]

Hello bro I have 470 Lexus. The rpm begin 4 and the car don’t move quickly can you tell me me the reason please

[@xtralekker1]

My 99 lx470 has been shifting roughly lately, I checked the transmission fluid level and it seems fine. The rough shift seems to happen when I'm decelerating and the vehicle downshifts from 3rd to 2nd I think. Any ideas of what to do?

[@LexusOverland]

Have you done a fluid exchange? Drain and fill a few quarts at a time, repeating that a few times? Also, if it’s more of a clunk, it’s likely related to the typical causes of clunk more so than the transmission itself.

[@xtralekker1]

@@LexusOverland i asked my mechanic about a fluid exchange and he said he didnt reccomend doing a flush because he said it sometimes makes things worse. That sounded weird to me. What are the potential typical causes you mention?

[@LexusOverland]

There is a difference between a drain and fill and a flush - a “flush” in the context of your mechanic’s advice is a powered removal and replacement of the fluid in the transmission. This is bad because it can stir up and/or remove material in the transmission that is either not hurting, or helping the transmission do what it does. By stirring up/removing, you could introduce concerns. The method I am referring to is simply draining the fluid using the drain plug and refilling using the dipstick. This removes and replaces fluid passively, and allows for fresh fluid to be introduced while preserving any sensitivities the transmission may have. I have done this on multiple vehicles with excellent results every time. The crucial aspect is correct fluid type and level (which this video conveniently discusses) 😁

[@xtralekker1]

@@LexusOverland aha that makes a lot more sense. I'll drain and replace soon, thank you. The rough downshift when I'm slowing down has me worried about potentially needing a new tranny or something. Is that an unlikely/worst case scenario thing or a probability? The truck has 205k miles

[@LexusOverland]

Happy to help! Too many variables for me to advise accurately, but typically if there is a transmission issue you’d feel it more than just at a particular downshift. Keep an eye on it though!

[@vqdriver]

RAT540 engineering blog has that same Mobil1 Synthetic ATF as his #1 as far as wear protection is concerned. What a coincidence as I’ve started to use that ATF as my goto as well. I’m trying to decide if using this on newer transmissions is OK. RAT tests the newer fluid (Mercon LV, Maxlife Dex/Merc -my old favorite-, Castrol Transmax, Mobil blue bottle) as thinner and performing poorly. I’m sure there’s more nuances to ATF than absolute wear protection, like coefficient of friction, but right now my theory is in overall it does not matter. The thin stuff is just for fuel economy

[@vqdriver]

So the Mobil1 mixes perfectly with LV. I’ve had it sitting for the past week 50/50 in a clear plastic bottle. Theres no separation or particulates whatsoever. Used it on a Mercedes 722.9+ transmission that required blue thin stuff. Also working well in an Acura MDX 9sp ZF trans. This spring it’s going in a RWD ZF 6HP Maserati

[@LexusOverland]

Oh wow, that’s really good info! Love to see the compatibility!!

[@vqdriver]

@@LexusOverland the shocking trend is thinner and thinner fluids. Modern liquid cooled engines are “better served” with 5W30 ranked high on his list. Cliffsnotes: So 540RAT’s #1 wear tested engine oil is currently Quaker State Full Synthetic 5W30 (not Ultimate Protection, must be 5W30).$22 jug at Walmart or Amazon. Used that in friends Subaru and Toyota “requiring” 0W20 and 0W16 respectively. Owners report smooth quiet operation. Lol sorry I’m obsessed with streamlining my garage