Hi, I’ve watched plenty of Scotty’s videos about not getting your transmission fluid flushed, but just getting what’s sitting in the bottom of the pan changed, especially if it’s never been changed before. I bought a 2010 Lexus RX350, AWD, automatic, with 142k miles on it. The previous owners never had the transmission fluid changed, so I called and set up an appointment at a Lexus dealership in Utah to get it changed, specifying that I do NOT want it flushed, and even asked if they would let me watch (partly because I’m interested in how to do it properly, but mostly to make sure that they don’t flush the dang thing)… they said I probably could and would just have to ask i person when I get there. So I take it there at the scheduled time, specifying again that I just want what’s in the pan changed and not the entire transmission flushed. The service rep acknowledges what I say and says he’ll let the mechanics know. But when I asked to be able to watch he turned me down, saying for “safety concerns and liability purposes” they can’t let me back there with all the lifts and stuff. So I wait for it to be finished, get the car back and book it back to my dental school lecture (as I used my hour lunch break to get the fluid changed) and am 15 minutes late. So, it’s not until a few weeks later (which is now), that I read the description in my invoice for what they did and it says they “emptied virtually all fluid, ran a cleaner through the system, and refilled with the WS ATF…” which to me sounds like a transmission flush.
I haven’t noticed any slipping at all but am terrified by what I’ve heard flushing can do. I almost want to call the dealer back and ask for warranty on my transmission, as I went to them in the first place because I was skeptical of any other mechanic doing it right (as this transmission has the dumb plastic cork that sets the proper fluid level only when it’s between 104-113degrees Fahrenheit)…. but then they go do this.
Should I worry about this and contact them or anything, or should I just let it be since I haven’t noticed any issues?
If it's shifting fine then you don't need to worry. I wouldn't expect it to be an issue at 140k.
But you specifically said "no flush" multiple times. If I were you, I would have refused to pay for it. This is why you read invoices before handing over any money.
It's the same as if you went for a haircut, and instead they gave you a perm or something.
Firstly, the "no letting customers in the shop due to liabilities" is NOT nonsense. If a customer falls/slips/bangs their head on a lift, the dealership insurance does not cover it and the owner would be on the hook for whatever lawsuit comes forth. I don't allow customers in my service area for these (and MANY other) reasons.
Secondly, always check your invoice before you pay to make sure the service done matches what was requested. It may or may not have been flushed based on that description.
Thirdly, I wouldn't worry. Flushing a Lexus trans isn't like flushing a domestic one. As you've noted, there have been no issues and I would expect that to continue. I would move on and not burden yourself with unnecessary worry.
You're probably wasting your time with the dealership. They have a single purpose to be profitable on the customer's dime.
I hate to say it, but even if you start to have transmission issues the dealership will have no liability, and most certainly will take zero responsibility.
Shops are always quick to state "safety concerns and liability purposes" nonsense.
The bottom line is, you really don't know what they do once your vehicle is in their possession and out of your sight.
Unless you have something in writing on the work order stating "No Flush" and an acknowledgement from the service department to that order, you are probably SOL. Like MountainManJoe said, you're probably OK for now. Of course, you now know never to go to that dealer again for anything. Find a good, independent mechanic who will partner with you to keep your ride in good shape.
I wouldn’t trust the dealer for anything.
Yep, sounds like a flush to me. Here's how I look at it...
It's possible that they were trying to upsell you, deliberately trying to squeeze you for $. But it's also possible they were just accustomed to giving high-end service to high-end customers, and their techs have been trained to not cut corners. The Lexus dealers I have dealt with (admittedly small sample) take customer service and satisfaction seriously.
I think you might learn a lot by contacting them (you might not have to go in; a quick call or email might do) and telling them just what you said, that you specifically requested "no flush" but they did it anyway and charged you for it. If they rectify it, you know it was just an honest mistake and they are serious about keeping you as a customer. If they don't, then you know they don't respect you and you can act accordingly in the future.
Otherwise I agree with MountainManJoe, other than the charge, no harm done.
Imagine a world where the stealerships were honest enough to get their mechanics to wear a body cam so you could watch them work on your car. I say your car because I'd still think twice about dealerships.
It's always been interesting to me that we have these massive leaps in technology, but it's never used to protect the everyday guy and consumer. Imagine a governement making it law. Overnight the cost of a service would go up by about 10 times.
