Two questions - I have a 2013 Lexus ES 350, auto transmission with 122,000 miles. I've decided I will have the transmission fluid replaced, drain and fill. I read in the FAQs, that someone says dealerships have "greenies" who don't know what they are doing many times. On the other hand, dealerships have the appropriate tools needed. The independent mechanic I spoke to, says they use a "machine" to pump in the fluid to match what is taken out. When I asked if I could have the left over fluid, he said there would be about 5 gallons? or quarts? of fluid. That sounds like a "flush" and not a drain to me. First question: Which is better? The independent mechanic ($120)? Toyota dealership ($219)? Or Lexus dealership ($305)? All three say they will warranty their work for 1 year, unlimited miles. Second question: Generally what does a warranty cover? For example, if my transmission starts to act up, after the fluid change - would they be responsible for fixing it?? Appreciate any expert advice...
A "flush" implies an external pump forcing fluid through the transmission. That can lead to transmission damage.
A "fluid exchange" runs the engine so the transmission's own internal pump moves the fluid. This subjects the transmission only to normal pressures and is safer.
In both instances this is normally done by tapping into the transmission cooler lines. A drain and fill only changes about 1/3 of the fluid. Most of the fluid stays in the torque converter. (Some very old automatic transmissions had drain plugs on the torque converter but that's a thing of the distant past.)
An advantage of doing a drain and fill on a transmission which has not been serviced at high mileage is that fresh fluid is introduced gradually. If a problem develops you can drain some out and put the old fluid back in if you save it which may help. The disadvantage is that you need to do drain and fill 3 or 4 times, driving for a while between times, to change about 90% of the fluid.
On a 10-year-old vehicle with well over 100,000 miles it's not likely that any shop will fix the transmission if it starts acting up after changing fluid. All they would warranty is that they did the job correctly, putting in the right amount of the correct fluid and properly hooking the cooler lines back up in the case of a flush or exchange.
Ok thank you for clarification. I think I'm going to take a chance and go to the Toyota dealership.
go to a dedicated transmission shop.
Generally what does a warranty cover?
everything in the fine print
