Dealer didn't replace AHC fluid?

[bloc]

If lexus has a service procedure titled “AHC fluid replacement” that lists doing only the reservoir, the dealer is absolutely in the right to sell it as such. That is what the SA alluded to but didn’t provide evidence yet.
If OP requests that and SA refuses, then I think we have a problem. But to claim without specific knowledge that OP is getting ripped off is ignorant and paranoid.

 

[ToyotaTrk]

Righto, like the sheet says, replace is replace.

 

[drewp04]

Probably beating a dead horse, but I just bought a 2013 LX with no documentation of the AHC service (128,000 miles) and asked the dealer to perform the service and they are telling me that it’s not recommended, just like they recommend not doing a transmission flush. Another dealership said no problem and they’re charging $170. My suspension doesn’t seem to change between sport and comfort, so this was my first step I wanted to try to revive the system.

I’ve seen this in many threads, but I’d like get the opinion from a master tech if there’s any on this forum? To flush or not to flush...

 

[32cls6speedmt]

I am not a master tech but i would flush. The metro atlanta lexus dealerships charge about $330 for the flush. i have called all of them and each one quoted the same price and stated that they would use five quarts.

 

[bloc]

The only reason a dealer would recommend not doing work that toyota says is necessary is they aren't confident they can do it without causing other problems.

You have a quite complex hydraulic system under your truck that toyota states needs fluid changes, and there are lots of anecdotes on this board about systems working significantly better after changing old fluid. I'm no master tech but this seems like a no-brainer to me.

 

[Lou Gill]

Dealer told me the same thing, not recommended..... and I am not mechanically inclined.

 

[drewp04]

It sounds like this is as simple as a brake fluid flush so if I don’t get a warm fuzzy from my dealer that they are going to do a full flush, then I’ll probably do it myself. For $170, I feel like it’s worth it if they know what they’re doing.

 

[radman]

It sounds like this is as simple as a brake fluid flush so if I don’t get a warm fuzzy from my dealer that they are going to do a full flush, then I’ll probably do it myself. For $170, I feel like it’s worth it if they know what they’re doing.

I hate to sound like a broken record, and I can't remember if it's been said in this thread, but it takes 4-5 liters to fully flush the AHC system.
it is 100% necessary to change the fluid every 60k miles. It is NOT a sealed system.
fluid alone will cost $85, and there are 4 bleeders (one per corner) according to the FSM (5 if you count the magic 5th accumulator that isn't mentioned in the FSM).

here's the procedure:

 

[32cls6speedmt]

It sounds like this is as simple as a brake fluid flush so if I don’t get a warm fuzzy from my dealer that they are going to do a full flush, then I’ll probably do it myself. For $170, I feel like it’s worth it if they know what they’re doing.

I would ask if they are going to do the drain and fill. Some have reported that the dealership drain one quart then filled.

 

[Lou Gill]

Called 2 more dealers, Toyota and Lexus....Toyota dealer said it’s not needed, but if I wanted it done $400-500.00, Lexus dealer 6 quarts, and $600, plus if any of the bleeder valves break that’s additional costs! So that’s 4 dealers all saying it’s not needed and all between $450-600.00!

 

[Sac Cerevisiae]

Called 2 more dealers, Toyota and Lexus....Toyota dealer said it’s not needed, but if I wanted it done $400-500.00, Lexus dealer 6 quarts, and $600, plus if any of the bleeder valves break that’s additional costs! So that’s 4 dealers all saying it’s not needed and all between $450-600.00!

That just sounds like they don't know and are throwing costs out that should *probably* cover the actual cost. Contractors do this all the time when they're busy. If you're either dumb enough or desperate enough to pay then they'll take on the job.

 

[drewp04]

That’s why I’m questioning the $170 charge I’m getting quoted... seems too good to be true, actual cost plus an hour of labor.

 

[04UZJ100]

This is literally one of the easiest things to PM. Can do it with a crescent wrench, funnel, and clear tubing.

HIGHLY suggest DIY if you want it done right.

 

[drewp04]

This is literally one of the easiest things to PM. Can do it with a crescent wrench, funnel, and clear tubing.

HIGHLY suggest DIY if you want it done right.

I’m leaning that way, just have to find that 5th accumulator now...need to do some more searching on the forum.

 

[04UZJ100]

I’m leaning that way, just have to find that 5th accumulator now...need to do some more searching on the forum.

Driver side rear door. Inner frame rail. Long cylindrical unit. Bleeder on driver side (front) of it.

 

[radman]

Driver side rear door. Inner frame rail. Long cylindrical unit. Bleeder on driver side (front) of it.

Behind a metal shield. Needs 3 10mm bolts removed.


$170 is so wrong. Run far away. That's how much @eatSleepWoof was quoted.

 

[radman]

Can do it with a crescent wrench

I wouldn't use a crescent wrench on the bleeder screws, and Make sure you have a good wobble extension for the rear bleeders.

 

[04UZJ100]

I wouldn't use a crescent wrench on the bleeder screws, and Make sure you have a good wobble extension for the rear bleeders.

It was a slight exaggeration but not really. Flared wrench is best.

 

[eatSleepWoof]

$170 is so wrong. Run far away. That's how much @eatSleepWoof was quoted.

This. So much this!

Run from any shop that quotes that little - they don't know what they are doing and you will be in for a nightmare.

 

[drewp04]

This. So much this!

Run from any shop that quotes that little - they don't know what they are doing and you will be in for a nightmare.

I’m convinced, I’ll do it myself. Only problem is I can’t find instructions like the ones above for the 200 series. I read that you can’t suck fluid out of the reservoir, so do you just bleed a couple of times to make up for that?