Would you recommend changing the automatic transmission fluid for the first time at 196k miles? Is it too late and live with it? Or should I take out a quart of ATF and use Lucas? AT shifts fine there are no issues. Car is a 99 Lexus GS300.
It had to have been changed once, I don't see it being clearish never being changed, I could be wrong
I have never seen a vehicle have nearly 200k on it with the original transmission fluid still looking pink and clear. Ever. Across all brands. And I've seen a lot through the shop.
@jimz, you win the award for the worst piece of advice I've seen on the forum thus far. You DO NOT want to "just turn the key and drive" until something breaks. I'm guessing you do not believe in preventative maintenance at all.
If it were my car, I would immediately do a drain and fill on the transmission fluid and consider myself lucky not to have had issues for driving it that far on the original fluid. I'd say that it was likely changed at least once before.
Amazed that it’s still shifting smooth honestly.
that would be very impressive if the original fluid was still pink and clear at 196k miles. In your case, yes I would not hesitate to drain and refill the fluid.
At what point would you hesitate to change the ATF?
If it ain't broke do not touch it. Turn key, place in gear and drive.
if the transmission was starting to slip or show other signs of advanced wear, or if the fluid had a lot of clutch material suspended in it, then I would hesitate. Since yours is ok, I would continue to change the fluid to keep the tranny going as long as possible.
Thank you @jimz for interjecting your opinion into my answer. Would you also leave the filter in there to get clogged up too?
I wouldn't touch it.
@jimz can you please state that in your own answer so I can downvote it?
"aint broke" doesn't apply here. This transmission isn't broken because it was looked after. You don't fix a transmission after it breaks. Changing fluid isn't fixing something. It's maintenance, and you maintain it so it doesn't break.
Thank you all for your feedback. I reached out to a mechanic in my area that I trust and I’m going to schedule an ATF and Differential Fluid change. My only issue is finding OEM parts (Trans Oil Pan Filter and Gaskets), and buying the amount of fluid I need since it doesn’t make sense to waste money buying in bulk for something I will not be using.
If he's a professional mechanic, he will supply all the parts and material.
@mountainmanjoe and @mod_man thank you both! I had my ATF changed and replaced the transmission strainer. Not experiencing any issues with slip or any other issues with my AT so I appreciate the advice.
glad to hear it. Hope you get many more miles out of 'er
Awesome. Glad I could help.
I should have added: car has an AT dipstick. Fluid still looks clearish pink and does not smell burned.
are you sure it would be the first time?
Not 100% sure. I bought the car at 110k miles and I do not have confidence that the previous owner ever had it changed. I know I have not for the last 86k miles.