05 GX470 - Add a Transmission Dipstick?

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

7schulz

7schulz

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Dec 9, 2008
Threads
223
Messages
2,664
Location
Zionsville, IN
I recently purchased an 05 GX470 loaded with maintenance record from Lexus from 5-130k miles, but obviously not tranny service, I know it has a sealed Trans but I remember reading about adding a dipstick in like an 04 land cruiser. Can I do the same with this GX? I did the tranny service in that 04, is it the same procedure?
 
What dose servicing the trans and needing a trans dipstick have in common? I mean you can service the trans without the dipstick. And you can check the fluid without a dipstick as well I'm just saying it seams like a lot of work to go through just to have a little convenience...
 
Looks like if the pan is the same, which it should be. I just need a tube and stick from the 03-04

image.webp
 
Do we know for sure the fill height is the same for the sealed vs non sealed tranny. Is the hole you open to allow the excess to drain the same hole the dipstick goes into?
 
No they are different holes the hole you open has a "stove-pipe" so that it's set at the proper height. The dipstick should come into the side of the pan. The fill/level plug is in the center of the bottom of the pan.
 
I have to replace my pan because of rusting bolts which caused the rim to rust in a spot, causing a leak. Obviously, a dipstick would have been nice to monitor level (and occasionally topping up) until I get around to replacing the pan (which will be done shortly).
It's not like these transmissions can live on the same fluid forever, so why they decided to leave out the dipstick is beyond me. Maybe another example of the general "dumbing down" of cars, leaving less information in the hands of a conscientious owner, and making him more dependent on the dealer to monitor the condition of his vehicle.
One thing I did almost immediately on my GX is remove the stupid plastic covers in the engine bay (I left the one on the engine for looks), so I can readily see see and access the various components.
 
7schulz said:
I just got done doing a drain and fill on mine I used 4 quarts and then drained about 1/2 a quart from the overflow after I warmed it up. Really pretty easy to do.
Click to expand...

I have searched and not found any threads showing how this is done...can you provide details? Thanks.
 
See pics above, open fill plug 24mm I believe. Open drain plug and drain. Install drain plug. Snake hose/clear tube from engine bay into fill opening. Fill with x quarts of WS fluid. I measured the amount that came out it was roughly 3.5 quarts. I put for in through hose funnel from engine bay. Put fill plug bolt back in. Run the GX around until the tranny is at normal operating conditions. Pull back into flat garage and leave running in park. Remove the overflow plug approx .5 quarts should come out. Good to go
 
7schulz said:
See pics above, open fill plug 24mm I believe. Open drain plug and drain. Install drain plug. Snake hose/clear tube from engine bay into fill opening. Fill with x quarts of WS fluid. I measured the amount that came out it was roughly 3.5 quarts. I put for in through hose funnel from engine bay. Put fill plug bolt back in. Run the GX around until the tranny is at normal operating conditions. Pull back into flat garage and leave running in park. Remove the overflow plug approx .5 quarts should come out. Good to go
Click to expand...

You pic does not note a drain plug. Where is the drain plug? Is the overflow plug and drain plug the same?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom