Hey Scotty,
I have a 2007 Lexus es 350 w/67k that I had the transmission fluid replaced (drain fill) about 9 months ago at 58k. After it seemed like it shifted a bit harder but couldn't really tell. Went back to the shop for an oil change today and asked if they could check it. They called me and told me there are flakes and the fluid is dark. They didn't say either of those things when the fluid was changed 9 months ago.. I asked how full it was and they said it was at its lowest acceptable point. I believe they didn't fill the fluid all the way up when changing it. What are my options going forward as far as damage it caused or what I should ask them for to make sure I'm not stuck with a broken transmission in the next 20k to 30k miles? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Brent
You are completely SOL.
Unfortunately if there are flakes in the fluid that means the internal clutches and bands are worn out and shedding friction material. Trans needs to be replaced, preferably with a factory rebuilt unit. (Most shops are unable to successfully overhaul today's complex automatic transmissions.) They may well be at fault but proving it is a big problem.
If this is your first visit to this shop with this car, get a second opinion. If this isn't your initial repair to this mechanic, you should still get another diagnosis from another reputable establishment before spending a small fortune to replace the transmission. A transmission with only 58K miles should be fine after a flush unless it was abused. A simple drain & fill is meant for high mileage transmission that never had it's fluid changed. I am also an owner of an 2007 ES350- just passed 155k miles. If the fluid was too low, it would barely move if at all. I had leaking axle seals that eventually made the fluid level too low and the car crawled while the engine turned at 2k RPM, until I added a pint of WS (world standard) fluid to it. A while later, I had to add more again until I got the leaks fixed.
There was a TSB, technical service bulletin, L-SB-0027-09 that was performed on my ES350, it was called calibration procedure in the service notes but it actually was an ECM, electronic control module, update programed to version 895363304300 from 895363304000. It was done by a Lexus dealer. I wish you success.
