2007 LC 215k miles....full tranny service or just drain and fill?

[Francis K]

Hi fellas would appreciate some guidance here, I picked up a 2007 LC for my mom and I finished collecting all the parts and fluids she's now at the shop getting a laundry list of work done....anything I couldn't do myself which is unfortunately most of it haha.

I'm hung up on the tranny, I can't find anywhere in the records where it's serviced and I'm not sure if we should take the risk go full blown drop the pan change the filter flush it all out or just do some drain and fills.

What do you guys think?

 

[LXfromTX]

There are strong opinions on this subject. It's been asked before and I saw responses on both sides, including someone who claimed to have flushed theirs with over 200K and had no issues. Myself, I would first do a drain and fill with the intent to examine the existing fluid. Check for burnt smell, metal, etc. If nothing bad comes of it, then I would run the new mixed fluid for 10K or so. If all is still well I would flush it all at that point. But again, strong opinions on both sides of this question.

 

[baltistyle]

Drained and filled a few times over a few months with 250,000 miles. As well as a full drain on another at 200k. History was unknown but fluid was very clearly old. I do this on all my vehicles. NEVER one problem. Transmissions don’t develop problems from new fluid. A shop doing this with warranty has a different tolerance risk..

 

[Landman2000]

I bought my 2000 with 285K miles. Didnt see any history of the trans being serviced. I bought 20 quarts of Valvoline Maxlife and did 5 drain/fills in a row getting out 4 quarts each time and adding 4 quarts back in. In between each drain/fill I drove around for about 20 mins. Old fluid was completely flushed and I’ve had no issues in 5K miles.

 

[TahoeZ]

I would do a full fluid exchange. Not a flush.

 

[2001LC]

I've done many full 12qt flush. In 100 series, with from 25K to 400 miles. Many with no prior records of every being flushed. Many have had drain & fills, with who knows what mixed in.

If pan drop in 04-up which they use Toyota WS ATF. For sure flush all 12qt, as Toyota warns in a TSB: Toy WS ATF is hygroscopic.

But generally, I say dropping pan, not worth effort. You risk breaking bolt, for one.
Here's a good reason to drop pan.

Thread 'Alert, Alert, Alert----- Transmission valve body wire housing block! --- Have you looked into yours? Capillary action drawing ATF in!'

Nov 23, 2025

This automatics transmission's (A/T), wire housing block on driver side (LH) of A/T. Which connects to solenoids & temp sensor(s) within A/T case on valve body. Is heavily coated inside with a gray/green GOO. What is this GOO?

Any guesses what thick appearing oil substance is?

Anyone have pictures or can comment on theirs, they care to share here?

Edited 12/14/25:

As you read through this thread. It will become apparent we've ATF capillary actuation issues with: Transmission wire, that come out of A/T case from inside transmission. It's the wire housing, that connects all valve body...

• 2001LC
• Replies: 62
• Forum: 100-Series Cruisers