LEXUS RX350 how to inspect automatic transmission fluid

2013 LEXUS RX350 with 77,000 miles , inspecting ATF , it looks like original fluid , about a time to replace it

[@SerenoOunce]

That fluid is fine. I'd call it a dark cherry yet. Not burnt or dirty so leave it alone.

[@pullcollector2714]

I have a 2016 RX350 and I did the fill and drain.. is very basic .. but will love to see more videos on RX350 new generation since a lot of people own these type of vehicles

[@SuperDagod1]

That’s what I was gonna do, no filter change, just a fluid drain and fill. It only replaces a 1/3 of the fluid. But the dealer says leave it alone, so no need to replace the filter. How did your drain and fill go. Any issues, at what mileage did you do it. Thanks.

[@pullcollector2714]

@@SuperDagod1 drain and fill was very simple and went well. Still shifting normal. I did it at 60k miles and now 80k. Will recommend using only Toyota/Lexus fluid. Just make sure you put the same amount you take out. I did it on a cold engine.

[@constantinepapoutsis6556]

There is a filter inside but Toyota mechanics never replace it because it's more of a metal screen and not a traditional filter. There's about 9-10 quarts total in the tranny but only about half will come out, which is ideal. You need to leave some of the clutch pack degraded microscopic material that floats around with the old oil to help with the shifting. Flushing and filling is a bad idea. @@SuperDagod1

[@js6752]

@@constantinepapoutsis6556the “flush” that the Lexus dealer does is via the return line - the put 12 quarts in to flush the 8 quarts out, so it’s very safe, given that you’re using the transmission pump to do the work, rather that forcing excessive pressure through the transmission line

[@mikez2501]

How about a video on replacing the fluid in these sealed transmission if you get the job.

[@lorenfok1097]

I think you could do a safe flush via tranny cooler line hooked to the radiator.

[@stevensevek6151]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5vCZ3WQpbBmnck

[@worldsfinestnegativemind9108]

Toyota manual recommends atf change only if you tow or drive in tough environment. But I think it's good to replace every 80k miles for normal conditions driving.

[@fatboynip]

That’s ridiculous. If you want to keep your vehicle for a long time and make sure it stays in good shape, you should change the trans fluid every year if you drive a lot. Or at least every two years. Their, Toyotas, service intervals are insane. I would never go that long with out change fluid.

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks Peter,for the information.

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this video. Very interesting information.

[@bobd8553]

At least the fluid still has some RED color.

[@PeterBranco]

Thank you for the teaching.

[@js6752]

I bought a 2013 RX with 89k miles and did this service immediately. I totaled that car 2 months later and purchased a 2014 with 72k miles and immediately had the dealer do this. The only thing that puzzles me is why they never change the filter

[@hokie9910]

It’s a screen on a Toyota, no need to service.

[@movietime111]

Have you done drain/fill on 4th gen rx350. The drain screw has an inner drain screw in it. Want to see what up for before cracking it open in case no straw inside.and different level check procedure? Can't find tech sheet on 4th gen atf anywhere

[@viperxbr]

Good video! Quick question for ya. I have a 2010 Lexus RX 350 with 266,000km (~162,000 miles). Transmission fluid has never been changed. I just noticed that one of the transmission fluid cooler lines that runs into the cooler(rad) has had a slight leak. Looks like the hose clamp has corroded so much that its losing its grip(I live in Canada so lots of salt roads in the winter). Not sure how much has come out but I thought I'd replace the hose and clamps and do one of these drain, fill and check while I'm down there. With this many miles, would you recommend completing this procedure? Cheers!

[@jimjakubin1759]

Enjoy your videos! Hoping a video on a 2017 Rav4 Transmission Flush may be available one day. Thank You.

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this video, interesting video on transmission oil.

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this, very interesting information.

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing your video great job explaining things.

[@MrCalifornia1234]

I thought these transmissions were very sensitive to volume.

[@koomo801]

You say you would “flush completely” the transmission. I assume you mean more than a single drain-and-fill, which would replace only 42% (3 qts of the 7.1 qt capacity, according to amsoil’s website)? I’ve done four drain-and-fills on four neglected extended-family vehicles this week and am now looking at our own ‘12 Avalon w/94k miles. Debating between dropping the pan and doing a single drain-and-flush, or pulling the return line and flushing it all a couple quarts at a time. I’m not worried about proper level if I know no one’s touched it. Measure out, measure in. Level will be good. I’m looking forward to seeing what you do. Thanks!

[@condor5635]

My experience with these is that you will only get about 2 quarts from a single drain. To get 3 you have to remove the pan as well. Just fyi

[@inverseuniverse5727]

Remove the pan and clean debris on bottom of pan . Don't "flush "

[@stevensevek6151]

@@a3skywarrior845 Don't power flush with a machine but a manual flush is simply the act of doing multiple consecutive drain and refills which will only be good for it.

[@stevensevek6151]

@@condor5635 actually I believe it's only 56 it 57 ounces that comes out with a drain and fill. Instead of having that stupid straw in there they should have two separate plugs one for adjusting fluid level and one for maximum drain which I believe is what Nissan does.

[@condor5635]

Steven Sevek yeh but that would make sense Steven! And sense is not what this whole removal of the dip stick is! The stealerships just want to make it harder for us DIYers to work on their car!

[@sirsweetness8332]

Do you have a video on how to change knuckle bushings on a Toyota? Doing trailing arms on a 2002 highlander and bolts are frozen to sleeves and bushings are dry.

[@frankarvia634]

There is periodic vibration on mine and ideas what it could possibly be?

[@southerncharity7928]

Torque converter starting to go

[@miryamamar3420]

Thank you for sharing the video. I have 88000 km (Canada) on my 2010 RX 350 and Lexus dealers recommend the transmission fluid change at 95000 km. One dealer specified a transmission flush (4.5L) while another dealer recommended replacing only what's in the transmission pan (3L). I have checked with the Lexus dealer where the car was purchased and mainly serviced, and the transmission fluid was not changed before. (I bought the car about 3 years ago with 62000 km). Could you please advise, should I go with the 4.5L flush or with the 3L fluid change?

[@johnazhderian5734]

This is a California car with no rust; the same car driven in the north (without proper maintenance) would be a rust bucket.

[@atheistmecca971]

Not really. I have a 2013 Rx here in Connecticut and it doesn't have any rust at all. It's not even garaged. These are very well built cars. Mine has 135,000 miles on it and it still runs perfectly.

[@hap1n355]

Great Video. I was wondering if you would recommend that I remover 3qt (what ever comes out) of the transmission fluid and then add 3 qts of new transmission fluid when engine is cold. Then drive the car for 5 miles and do the same procedure for 2 mores times. I know they recommend to check the temperture with OBD scanner to check the correct level but rather not if possible. What would you recommend?

[@fatboynip]

Well that’s better than doing it only once. By doing that you’re removing more old fluid.

[@SuperDagod1]

I think I’m going to do a drain and fill at 60k. It will replace 1/3 of the fluid. If the dealer says don’t touch it, then I can leave the filter alone and just do a fluid drain and fill.

[@olivervaldes4223]

How do you check the fluid with the stick? Does the car have to be in neutral? Does the car have to be on? Why don’t you finish checking the fluid levels.

[@on-site4094]

I’m thinking of getting an rx350 it doesn’t have a dip stick like my is 350 but I have to get a 2012 or newer that’s the year they started using regular fuel earlier years use premium fuel ⛽️ that Rx 350 is in great shape underneath thanks for sharing

[@stevensevek6151]

I burn premium in my RAV4 only because I'd rather use ethanol-free fuel and I can't find ethanol-free regular.

[@koomo801]

@@stevensevek6151 Just curious, why stay away from ethanol? Ethanol is a slightly better cleaner than gasoline, so your valves will have a slightly reduced chance of buildup. Most cars since the early '00s are designed for it, and many more before that. It may not have quite the power and get quite the gas mileage of ethanol-free gas, but where I am it sells for about 25-30% less, more than making up for the small loss in efficiency. Would really like to hear your thoughts!

[@stevensevek6151]

@@koomo801 I definitely get better fuel economy with ethanol-free gasoline. I figure that in itself is evidence that it's burning more efficiently and should be better for my engine. I believe if it's more efficient it should result in increased longevity. Even if it cost me more for the fuel I like that benefit. Also ethanol attracts considerable moisture. One of the recent cars I owned had the fuel tank rust to the point that it began to leak and had to be replaced. I was using regular gas with ethanol at the time (E10). Since I've been retired certain times of the year the same gasoline sits in the tank for extended periods, with ethanol free fuel I don't have to be concerned with water build up in the fuel tank. I know it makes about a 5 mile per gallon difference. I normally get 30 mpg locally and 32 to 35 on a trip. I let our daughter take our vehicle on a 5,000 mile trip recently and she averaged only 25 mpg using E10 fuel. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHbJanmaq92SicU

[@darksolara6750]

love the Channel! Quick question that seem to be a mystery… What is the most efficient way to safely check the transmission fluid level in a 99 Toyota Solara V6 with an a541E transmission… There seems to be such confusion on how check this properly. thank you for a response.👍

[@Do-iz6qd]

So you judge the ATF buy the colour and transparency? How do you know for 100% certain that over time the red dye hasn't just broken down to a darker colour, however the oil is still in good nick?

[@BELHORIZON31]

Impossible to drain it like this, u should removed the red straw!

[@SuperDagod1]

That’s actually not that bad. , drain a few quarts , add a few quarts every 50k . But always use genuine tranny fluid

[@zaidalmymoni6902]

I have a Lexus 2014, model Es250. Unfortunately, I haven't changed the transmission oil, since I bought the car. The car is a single owner, and it currently has 180, 000 km.. The agency says that if they change the oil, they won't guarantee the transmission or the repairs. Some mechanics say that I can change the oil with no problems to the transmission, others say that it is a high risk. What can you recommend? Thanks!

[@rolandroland1485]

If it’s still running great and smooth don’t change it ... if it starts slipping then you have no choice but to flush it 👍🏿

[@LittleJimmyNorton]

Please help! I have a 2014 es350, I have to swap out the transmission, I just swapped and flashed the TCM, but it did not fix the problem. I thought the TCM was damaged from water. When I put in the salvage yard transmission, can I just use the existing TCM or does the valve body need to be programmed/flashed ? Thanks!

[@tardeliesmagic]

I changed my ATF on my 2002 Yaris 4 yrs ago at about 82,000 miles and anyone should do the same but definitely no more than 100,000 miles.

[@rolandroland1485]

How do you know if you need to change the fluid based on car performance?

[@tardeliesmagic]

@@rolandroland1485 I don't drive fast,nor excellerate fast,i do mine every 5 yrs on my 2002 Yaris here in the UK.You should change it before that miles (50,000m) if driving hard with proper ATF,i used Toyota Type4 as stated/recommended.

[@tardeliesmagic]

@@rolandroland1485 Replace the ATF every 5 yrs MAX.

[@boypanot1509]

I can see i need the change mine,i bought at 69k miles lexus rx350 No record in carfax so i need to change it

[@robertbonner5973]

I have a 2010 RX350 , and I changed my transmission fluid at 80k . I did 3 complete fill and drains , to try and complete replace the majority of the fluid . I am very curious on how you will perform this service, if the customer okays the recommended work . Will dropping the pan and replacing the filter be a part of your recommend service on this transmission?

[@CP-pb3pj]

Robert Bonner I hope the customer ok’s the service for a fluid drain and fill. Hopefully a filter change too. You never know if there are any blockages in the filter.

[@robertweber3140]

I went thru same thing. Do not drop the pan. Very difficult to reinstall. Doing 3 drain n fills starting at 50k, then repeating every 50-60k will be fine. Flushing is not best.

[@tuoitreomaha9096]

Please show me where to fill?

[@fatboynip]

@@robertweber3140 why is it not good to flush? Really flushing is the only way to exchange 100% of the fluid. I did a drain and fill in my is350 and I noticed right away the transmission was shifting smoother. I would have loved to be able to change 100% fluid however …

[@PauloRLustosa]

Vídeo muito bom. Obrigado.

[@rayemanuel7460]

Are you aware that you can look up the entire service history of a car on the Lexus website (assuming it was serviced at a Lexus or Toyota dealer)?

[@r.d.4662]

It doesn’t work for used cars (doesn’t show prior owner service). I added a used Lexus to my account and nothing shows under service history even though I know it was serviced at Lexus dealerships from the carfax by the prior owner.

[@keithc8108]

Good video! Do you know if Valvoline maxlife atf is safe to use on Toyota and Lexus?

[@mjk9674]

I would never do a flush. Just do a drain and fill initially with filter change and then again 2x more at 5k intervals

[@aliabohdma]

Hello please i have rx 350 model 2015 the counter 55000 miles, i dont change oil , found problem or no ? How can i inspction? Please how can help me ? 🙏

[@vicentefuentes67]

How is that automatic transmission filled?

[@luckylucky344]

When my car is Running, it’s spits Transmission oil out. But when the Engine stopped and parked overnight, I don’t see any Transmission oil leaks. What seems to be the problem? Thanks

[@Jerry-tq3be]

It expands when heated. You check the level with the transmission being between 95-115F. It is probably at the right level just level with the level straw when cold which is why none comes out and expands a bit and comes out when heated as it expands

[@peterboissiere9684]

What about the brake fluid

[@Brsrafal]

i had camry over 300k orig fluid so did my friend ford van and lexus orig fluid changing it these days with sealed is a job and always a chance more cars u safer stay original . I got new camry now with sealed idk if im going to touch it maybe at 100k still researching . Whats the highest anyone go with original trans fluid?

[@SuperDagod1]

I think I’m just gonna do a drain and fill every 50k on me Lexus rx350. If they want you to leave it alone then don’t worry about the filter. But new fluid would be nice. Each drain and fill replaces 1/3 the fluid.

[@user-jc4yv7eg7c]

Flushing is not good changing yes. Don’t move the dirt around the inside the tranny. Leave the dirt where it is and not on the clutch disks👎

[@yousseflahbil679]

Can I use aftermarket transmission filter or has to be oem

[@stevensevek6151]

Not recommended.

[@axispowerdiesel]

Wait a minute....this isn't a diesel mercedes!

[@manueltran1964]

video made me dizzy

[@juliosdiy3206]

Thats bad color.

[@mikeschmidt6843]

Hi, very informative videos, thank you. I have a 2009 rx350 6 speed. When changing from p to r or p to d there is a chink sound. Best described as hitting a chain lightly against a pipe. I cant tell if its in the transmission or a part of the driveline moving. Drives fine just annoying. Cheers mike.