Hi Everyone,
Last month I bought a 2005 Lexus Es330 it has 87,000 miles. I noticed that when the car is still warming up I can feel it change gears nothing crazy once it’s warmed I can’t feel the shifting. I have all the service records and the transmission fluid hasn’t been changed since the 2nd year service interval. I checked the fluid it doesn’t smell burnt but it is a red brown. I was thinking of changing the fluid. The dealer stated it could cause slippage. What is everyone’s thoughts should I drain the fluid and add new Toyota fluid, if so should I drop the pan and change the filter screen and gasket, or should I leave it? I am not considering a transmission flush.
I have an update I found in my service records the fluid was changed in 2010 at 27,000 miles. My assumption is I should be able to change the fluid then it’s only 60,000 miles like Lexus states in manual.
Yes change it. It is always best to save the old fluid incase you need to put it back in.
Thank you would you drop the pan and replace the filter screen or just the fluid?
I am not sure how accessible the filter is on your vehicle, but if you can get to the filter to change it definitely do it.
I waited a very long time to change my ATF on my 2011 Mazda3. I went from kinda rough and slow shifts and knowing I had bad fluid, to having a lot of slippage in 1st and 4th gear but better everywhere else. I know they aren't the same vehicle, but if the transmission would be affected in the similar way, you're probably better off not changing it.
How long did you wait to change your fluid?
.....10 years, 78k miles.
I swear I'm a better person now. I've changed. Please forgive me.
That’s okay, cars are just crazy now I just want to protect my investment at this point.