How often do you need to change transmission oil for an IS200 auto? Can you DIY? thanks.

Just had a search mate and on one post it says every 20,000 miles or 2 years for a change? not sure on how easy/hard it is to do though as mines a manual

this is where i got those figures in case anyone thinks i pulled them out of the air....

oh btw you can DIY but it's a messy job, taking off the pan and cleaning off the old gasket etc, I got my mechanic to do it as he has a lift whereas i wouldn't even consider doing it at home, proper T-IV fluid from Toyota is costly too ....

roughly how much is it for the transmission fluid?

Hi mate.

I have done the transmission fluid change on my Auto and i can tell you it's not cheap. however it's worth being a bit sly and doing your homework and it could save you a few bob.

Firstly check what colour your oil is, if black and smells burnt it's due for a change. and be prepared to be done over by the stealers called Lexus..
So what i did was buy the right Oil from the main dealers (best to do this has it will last you the next 3 to 4 yrs) so worth investing in the correct oil and it cost .......... £45 . i had an independent garage who had a bit off commonsense do the job and I provided has much info has possible so they can not balls it up.. Plus ask them to Flush the wire mesh filters in terps to clear any gung and grit or fillings.. a must.. once nice and clean them they should be able to replace the fluid in and mine took the lot not has it states in the description.. start it and let it warm up change all the gears with out moving several times etc.. then slowly set off and move up and down till you think the oil is i all the nooks and cranks etc.. and then check the oil level again and if needed top up..

I will have a rummage to find the information and email it across mate..

best speak to some independent Toyota specialist to have the job done right..

Good luck mine cost me £45 for the oil and 45 for the change plus the mesh filter clean too (there is no replacement mesh you can buy from the dealers, hence the clean-up)

Dibs

i managed to find some breif Text which might be usual to someone:-


There is no equivalent fluid... although Mobil, Amsoil and other oil companies will disagree, they want you to buy their product after all..

ONLY use the genuine Toyota T-IV from the dealer.. (lexus or toyota) it comes in a 5 litre container.. but just happens to be very expensive. £38.63 plus VAT = £45.39 for 5 Litres.. and just for a heads up..
The Super longlife pink coolant is £27.12 plus VAT = £31.87 for 4 Litres. (that was only £14.86 plus VAT for 5 Litres)

Because the tranny is computer controlled, it is expecting T-IV fluid inside, anything different can cause the computer to think it is slipping or grabbing, leading to jerky changes and vibrations..

You will notice that you are only replacing 2.4 litres, even though the transmission contains about 8 litres or so.. and normally this is fine if done regularly, and you have no problems with the tranny... and the fluid is in good condition..
If the fluid is burnt, and discoloured... it is better to completely change it.. usually this means stripping the tranny, however from reading the posts on here, it can be done by disconnecting a cooler pipe, and pumping about a litre out, refilling, pump another litre out etc until the fluid coming out is nice and red..

While you have the sump off, you are supposed to change the filter.. this is a fine mesh strainer, and in my mind should be able to be cleaned and re-used... that will save about £60.. there are 3 small gaskets that should be replaced though.. I was quoted £15 each, so I'm reluctantly skipping these..

I never replaced the gaskets but has the mesh filter flushed out.

Please note i can not accept any issues that might arise from the text above if you or the mechanic mess things up.. it is for a rough guide and only. sorry but the relevant disclaimer has to be noted

How do you check for oil condition. Is there a dipstick somewhere?

the dipsick is at the back of the engine to the left of the battery,
the oil should be redish in colour
check handbook if you have one

Where is the drain plug for the system? Do I need to take bottom engine covers off?

the plug should be just behind the engine at the bottom....its right below the dipstick for trany oil slightly to the passenger's side. i would suggest get the car lifted... its almost impossible to do it properly otherwise... very tight conditions done it with my mate ones... took me a good 1 hour and a bit lol.

you dont really need to take off covers no. optional but you will have to be carefull cos you may spill the oil on the cover next to it.