Lexus RX300 - ATF Change or Not?
Discussion
Hi All,
We have an 110k mile Lexus RX300 (2nd Gen) which we use for family workhorse duties. Its been 100% reliable so far, no issues at all, when it completed is 100k service (big one) I asked my independent if the auto-box should have a refill at this mileage. He told me its sealed for life and not to bother with a change, now I can see it has a drain plug so I expect Lexus would want you to change it at some point. No major issue with the gear change but it can be slow witted at times (but I think that's a trait), just more interested in long term preventative maintenance.
Thoughts welcome.
We have an 110k mile Lexus RX300 (2nd Gen) which we use for family workhorse duties. Its been 100% reliable so far, no issues at all, when it completed is 100k service (big one) I asked my independent if the auto-box should have a refill at this mileage. He told me its sealed for life and not to bother with a change, now I can see it has a drain plug so I expect Lexus would want you to change it at some point. No major issue with the gear change but it can be slow witted at times (but I think that's a trait), just more interested in long term preventative maintenance.
Thoughts welcome.
lexusboy said:
I would imagine he said that due to having to fill it via the dipstick iirc which is a pain in the ass.
Again from what I can remember on the service check lists it's only ever a check and then a change if deemed appropriate.
Yep the book says only change if you regularly drive in harsh conditions or tow.Again from what I can remember on the service check lists it's only ever a check and then a change if deemed appropriate.
Can you inspect the fluid? Is the a dipstick? Have a smell, any burnt smell then change it. Wipe the dipstick with a white cloth, is it a bright pink colour? If the fluid is turning into red, or even worse brown, then change it.
If you plan to keep the car long term, then change it. It is a good preventative measure anyway.
If you plan to keep the car long term, then change it. It is a good preventative measure anyway.
- check if it takes special fluid though and don't under or over fill - use competent mechanics or DIY. Reason I add this is because some cars, like the CVT in Murano, take special fluid and not standard ATF
My wife owns a BMW 120d auto. BMW use ZF gearboxes on these cars.
BMW have told me that they do not recommend any servicing (as in, they dont have it down as a service item, its sealed-for-life blah blah).
However....
...being a chemist, I understand that organic compounds / materials degrade with time. And in fact, I would think that anyone dosnt need much education to grasp that so long as they are told it by someone. Heat and mechanical stresses increase the rate of degredation, as does temeprature. So I got on the email to ZF themselves.
They highly recommend a service around 80,000 miles. And that it is an easily serviceable unit.
SO I'll be having my wifes ATF changed at some point by an auto transmission specialist
BMW have told me that they do not recommend any servicing (as in, they dont have it down as a service item, its sealed-for-life blah blah).
However....
...being a chemist, I understand that organic compounds / materials degrade with time. And in fact, I would think that anyone dosnt need much education to grasp that so long as they are told it by someone. Heat and mechanical stresses increase the rate of degredation, as does temeprature. So I got on the email to ZF themselves.
They highly recommend a service around 80,000 miles. And that it is an easily serviceable unit.
SO I'll be having my wifes ATF changed at some point by an auto transmission specialist
Gassing Station | Japanese Chat | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff