Sealed Life-time Transmission Fluid Change & Temperature Level Check - Toyota Lexus - Step by Step

# Sealed Life-time Transmission Fluid Change and Two Methods to Check Temperature & Level - Toyota Lexus

Vehicle in video: 2017 Lexus RX350 Base

## Supplies

1. Toyota WS ATF: 4 quarts
2. Filler plug washer, #90430-A0003
3. Drain plug o-ring, 96721-24018
4. Overflow tube o-ring, 90301-06196

## Tools

1. Ratchet and/or breaker bar, likely 3/8'' drive AND 1/2'' drive
2. Torque wrench (to set at 6, 35, 36, and 76 ft-lbs)
2. 10mm, 21mm and 24mm sockets
3. 17mm allen bit
4. T40 torx bit
5. Funnel and/or fluid pump
6. Infared temperature gauge (used in this video)
* Or scan tool to monitor transmission temperature, used in this video
* Or a paper clip (jumper), not used in this video
7. Extensions

## Safety and Preparation

1. Raise car.
2. Make sure it's level.
3. Safety check!!!

## Remove Filler Cap

1. Remove transmission side cover with 10mm socket.
2. Take off the filler cap with 24mm socket, with an extension.

## Remove Drain Plugs

1. Place catch pan under the transmission.
2. Remove transmission overflow tube plug ("drain" plug) with T40 torx bit.
3. Let it drain... This is only the overflow so it isn't a lot.

## Remove Overflow Tube

4. Once drained, remove overflow tube with 17mm allen bit.
5. Let it drain again...
6. Replace the overflow tube with a new o-ring, lube it with fluid, put it back after drained, and torque it to 36 ft-lb.
7. Replace the tube plug ("drain" plug) with new o-ring, and put it back (not too tight)
8. Add from funnel, OR pump about 3.5 quarts of WS ATF via the filler hole.
9. Replace the filler cap washer with a new one, and put the cap back (torqued to 36 ft-lbs).
10. Start the engine, and monitor transmission temperature until it reaches 104 F (NOT operating temperature):
* Transmission fluid level should be measured in the temperature range 94 - 114 F
* Note this is only a WARM (low) temperature. So don't get the engine/transmission too hot.
* You can use a SCAN tool (e.g. Tech Stream) with features to read transmission temperature.
* Or, you can use an Infrared gun to measure it (compared in this video).
* Or, use a paper clip as a jumper to the OBD port for the D indicator procedure (not shown in this video).
11. With engine running and transmission temperature reaches 104 F, remove the tube plug ("drain" plug) until the fluid trickles.
12. Replace the "drain" plug, and tighten it to 7 ft-lb.

## Final Comments

1. There is NO need to replace the transmission strainer:
* It is a high-quality strainer, NOT a filter, which will last a VERY long time (perhaps a life-time of 300,000+ miles if fluid is replaced regularly).
* Need to remove pan bolts and perhaps replace pan gasket, and you may break them.
* If you have to replace strainer, DO these:
1. Get OE Toyota strainer and pan gasket, NOT any aftermarket parts.
2. Be super careful with the pan bolts. Spray penetrating oil on them and allow time for it to work before you attempt to take them off. If you snap them, it takes hours if not days to get them out. Don't ask me how I know.
2. Fluid change intervals
* First change at 60,000 miles
* Change every 30,000 miles afterwards
3. What fluid: best to use original factory fluid (Toyota WS) for that year & model
4. There is no need for a flush; if you change it every 30k miles, that's good for the transmission.
5. Fluid color means little; it becomes dark the moment you start the engine.

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Be safe, stay dirty. Enjoy the work!

God bless!