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Do I change transmission fluid?

Tiny
CHABD56
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 LEXUS ES 300
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 125,000 MILES
1995 Lexus ES300 with 125K miles. No record of transmission fluid/filter change, current fluid NOT bright red and I have been told changing it can cause serious problems, what should I do?
Thursday, January 27th, 2011 AT 6:59 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,882 POSTS
Here is the old saying. If you never changed your trans fluid and it is really dirty, new fluid (with their detergent) will clean the residue from the clutch plates and cause it to slip.

To be honest, I have heard it many times, but in 30 years of working on cars (including transmissions), I have never seen it happen.

If the fluid is discolored and not bright red, I would recommend having it done.
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Thursday, January 27th, 2011 AT 7:50 PM
Tiny
CHABD56
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks. Have had lots of conflicting advice and I am somewhat afraid to do anything.
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Thursday, January 27th, 2011 AT 8:20 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,882 POSTS
How dirty is the trans fluid? Can you see through it at all? Does it smell burnt? I have to be honest, when the trans gets to the point that servicing it could cause the trans to slip, it is close to that point regardless. What I'm saying is if it is that bad, chances are it will start having issues soon. Unless it it is black and burnt, I would try to service it. If the clutches are still good, at least you will help save thrust washers, bearings.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe
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Friday, January 28th, 2011 AT 3:33 AM
Tiny
CHABD56
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It is not black by any means. More of a reddish-orange color and it does not smell burnt.
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Friday, January 28th, 2011 AT 10:25 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Service it. That sounds line nothing more than it is due (not overdue).
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Friday, January 28th, 2011 AT 2:23 PM
Tiny
CHABD56
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  • 5 POSTS
OK. Going to do just that! Thanks!
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Friday, January 28th, 2011 AT 7:32 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,882 POSTS
Glad to help. If you have other questions, let us know. Please make sure to have the work done by someone that knows what he is doing.
Joe
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Friday, January 28th, 2011 AT 7:34 PM
Tiny
CHABD56
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Will do. Filter and fluid change is all I will have done, thanks again Joe!
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Friday, January 28th, 2011 AT 7:38 PM

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