# Letsuck dealer: "Change 'Lifetime' transmission fluid every 30k." **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [February 13, 2021, 9:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/letsuck-dealer-change-lifetime-transmission-fluid-every-30k/174953 "2021-02-13T09:01:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Robert-Gift](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/robert-gift/32/356_2.png) [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2021, 9:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/letsuck-dealer-change-lifetime-transmission-fluid-every-30k/174953/1 "2021-02-13T09:01:27Z")
Letsuck wants over $350 to change the transmission fluid. Trusted transmission place charges $215. (Accepted $200 cash.) 2016 RX350 135k miles Is there some way I can periodically drain transmission fluid until it stops draining, then add thexact amount of new correctransmission fluid? How and where is it added to the “sealed” transmission? Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![COROLLAGUY1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/corollaguy1/32/7575_2.png) [@COROLLAGUY1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/COROLLAGUY1)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2021, 11:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/letsuck-dealer-change-lifetime-transmission-fluid-every-30k/174953/2 "2021-02-13T11:36:47Z")
Use this video…its for a Toyota. [![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/3/13b07797bd2841b16be1a70e604bbf26cd148009.jpeg "How to Service a Sealed Toyota Transmission") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej_6BZpK3gg) ---
**Author:** ![Robert-Gift](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/robert-gift/32/356_2.png) [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2021, 12:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/letsuck-dealer-change-lifetime-transmission-fluid-every-30k/174953/3 "2021-02-13T12:06:32Z")
Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2021, 3:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/letsuck-dealer-change-lifetime-transmission-fluid-every-30k/174953/4 "2021-02-13T15:38:24Z")
> [@Robert-Gift](#): > > Trusted transmission place charges $215. (Accepted $200 cash.) The 15.00 was worth it just to have you go away . ---
**Author:** ![bcohen2010](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@bcohen2010](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bcohen2010)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2021, 5:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/letsuck-dealer-change-lifetime-transmission-fluid-every-30k/174953/5 "2021-02-13T17:02:55Z")
Am I the only person who thinks that $350 to change the transmission fluid and filter–at a dealer, nonetheless–is not unreasonable? Say for the sake of argument, the job takes an hour of labor, 6 quarts of OEM transmission fluid, and an OEM filter and gasket set. If the dealer charges $200 an hour for labor, it is not unreasonable to think that the materials and shop supplies would come to another $150. Now if you had said the price was $450 or $550, then I’d agree it’s high. ---
**Author:** ![asemaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@asemaster](https://community.cartalk.com/u/asemaster)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2021, 5:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/letsuck-dealer-change-lifetime-transmission-fluid-every-30k/174953/6 "2021-02-13T17:23:52Z")
> [@bcohen2010](#): > > Am I the only person who thinks that $350 to change the transmission fluid and filter–at a dealer, nonetheless–is not unreasonable? I think prices at independent shops vary widely depending on where you are located and what kind of shop it is, due to factors too numerous to discuss here. But no, a pan and filter service at a dealer for that price isn’t outrageous. Where I am, at our rates, that service at an indy shop would be a little under $300. Somewhere else here there’s a thread and someone posted that he got a wheel bearing replaced on a 99 Corolla for under $200 using quality Timken parts. I can tell you $200 would barely cover the labor charge here. ---
**Author:** ![Robert-Gift](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/robert-gift/32/356_2.png) [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2021, 6:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/letsuck-dealer-change-lifetime-transmission-fluid-every-30k/174953/7 "2021-02-13T18:47:53Z")
> [@bcohen2010](#): > > Am I the only person who thinks that $350 to change the transmission fluid and filter–at a dealer, nonetheless–is not unreasonable? … Lexus dealer only drains and fills. They do not back flush concerned that may cause more harm than good. Transmission shop said same. Only drained and filled. (Now Stat blood transport) ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2021, 6:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/letsuck-dealer-change-lifetime-transmission-fluid-every-30k/174953/8 "2021-02-13T18:54:51Z")
> [@bcohen2010](#): > > who thinks that $350 to change the transmission fluid and filter–at a dealer, nonetheless–is not unreasonable? A friend of mine got a quote of $700 to do a trans oil and filter change on his E-class Mercedes at the dealer. I paid $175 to get my Chevy truck done at an indy shop. Yeah, I think $350 is a bit much to charge. ---
**Author:** ![Robert-Gift](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/robert-gift/32/356_2.png) [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2021, 6:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/letsuck-dealer-change-lifetime-transmission-fluid-every-30k/174953/9 "2021-02-13T18:56:49Z")
> [@VOLVO-V70](#): > > _The 15.00 was worth it just to have you go away ._ It’s worth more than that. ---
**Author:** ![asemaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@asemaster](https://community.cartalk.com/u/asemaster)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2021, 7:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/letsuck-dealer-change-lifetime-transmission-fluid-every-30k/174953/10 "2021-02-13T19:47:03Z")
> [@Mustangman](#): > > I paid $175 to get my Chevy truck done at an indy shop. > > Yeah, I think $350 is a bit much to charge. That depends on the age of the truck. Sometime in the last 10 years or so it got a little more involved. On a late model 4WD Tahoe/Silverado, etc., removing the trans pan involves jacking the trans up off of the crossmember and lowering the exhaust Y-pipe. It’s something like 2.2 hours, so labor alone can be over $250. 6 qts of Dexron6 and a filter kit and you’re over $350. ---
**Author:** ![bcohen2010](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@bcohen2010](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bcohen2010)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2021, 8:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/letsuck-dealer-change-lifetime-transmission-fluid-every-30k/174953/11 "2021-02-13T20:09:38Z")
> [@asemaster](#): > > On a late model 4WD Tahoe/Silverado, etc., removing the trans pan involves jacking the trans up off of the crossmember and lowering the exhaust Y-pipe. It’s something like 2.2 hours On my 2000 Silverado with just RWD, it was a major pain to get the transmission pan off, and required taking apart an exhaust pipe. I looked at the instructions for doing the same procedure on a 4WD model and was very thankful that my truck is not 4WD. ---
**Author:** ![Barkydog](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/barkydog/32/2470_2.png) [@Barkydog](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Barkydog)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2021, 8:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/letsuck-dealer-change-lifetime-transmission-fluid-every-30k/174953/12 "2021-02-13T20:10:41Z")
I paid $190 at the dealer on our 2017 at 30k miles. The fluid was tan, probably fine, I felt it was worth it even though 97k is the recommended interval. Figured the towing might shorten he life. ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2021, 8:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/letsuck-dealer-change-lifetime-transmission-fluid-every-30k/174953/13 "2021-02-13T20:42:32Z")
> [@asemaster](#): > > late model 4WD Tahoe/Silverado, etc., removing the trans pan involves jacking the trans up Must be GMT900 trucks… My 2004 GMT800 4WD pan slipped off without removing anything. I did the first change at 80K, paid for the 2nd one at 120K because no matter how careful you are… it still makes a mess. And ATF is nasty, IMHO. ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2021, 9:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/letsuck-dealer-change-lifetime-transmission-fluid-every-30k/174953/14 "2021-02-13T21:38:58Z")
> [@Robert-Gift](#): > > Lexus dealer only drains and fills. They do not back flush concerned that may cause more harm than good. > Transmission shop said same. Only drained and filled. The pan should be dropped and filter changed every 50k miles. 30k miles drain and fill is overkill. Wife has well over 250k miles on her 07 Lexus and my 14 Highlander has over 150k miles…and both follow the drop pan and replace filter every 50k miles…no issues what-so-ever with tranny. ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2021, 12:45am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/letsuck-dealer-change-lifetime-transmission-fluid-every-30k/174953/15 "2021-02-14T00:45:31Z")
At least your Lexus dealer wasn’t trying to talk you into changing the fluid every 15,000 miles, like mine did. Last time I went there for service. ---
**Author:** ![Robert-Gift](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/robert-gift/32/356_2.png) [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2021, 1:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/letsuck-dealer-change-lifetime-transmission-fluid-every-30k/174953/16 "2021-02-14T01:34:37Z")
> [@Barkydog](#): > > _I paid $190 at the dealer on our 2017 at 30k miles. … Figured the towing might shorten he life._ Good idea if towing. Wish there were a dipstick so the transmission fluid quality could be discerned. At 135k, the transmission shop said the fluid was not bad. The RX350 attainsome high speeds but I accelerate gently. ---
**Author:** ![Barkydog](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/barkydog/32/2470_2.png) [@Barkydog](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Barkydog)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2021, 2:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/letsuck-dealer-change-lifetime-transmission-fluid-every-30k/174953/17 "2021-02-14T02:15:39Z")
Luckily I have one, I understand your concerns, ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2021, 1:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/letsuck-dealer-change-lifetime-transmission-fluid-every-30k/174953/18 "2021-02-14T13:01:58Z")
Get a syringe and put a clear, flexible plastic hose on the end. Open the fill/drain hole, put the tube in, and withdraw a small amount of fluid. After you look at it, you can put the fluid back. ---
**Author:** ![Robert-Gift](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/robert-gift/32/356_2.png) [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2021, 9:21pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/letsuck-dealer-change-lifetime-transmission-fluid-every-30k/174953/19 "2021-02-14T21:21:48Z")
> [@MikeInNH](#): > > The pan should be dropped and filter changed every 50k miles. Have not dropped a pan since our 94 Jeep Cherokee which would have a lot more room. All I have is Walmart plastic ramps I use for changing motor oil. (If I could, I’d cut a work trough in the garage floor cement. Buthat will never happen.) ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2021, 9:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/letsuck-dealer-change-lifetime-transmission-fluid-every-30k/174953/20 "2021-02-14T21:38:18Z")
Your RX350 does not have a pan on the bottom of the transmission to remove or drop. [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/letsuck-dealer-change-lifetime-transmission-fluid-every-30k/174953.md?page=2)