LiquidLunch

So I have an 04 TL that I bought with around 66k miles on it. I now have 82k and figured it was time to change the transmission fluid. I didn't know the service history on the car so I had no idea if the fluid had ever been changed. I was going to do the 3x3 method (replace three quarts three times in a row).

As I unscrewed the transmission drain plug, I noticed there was no metal gasket around the drain plug which clued me in that the prior owner did change the fluid at some point. As the fluid drained, I noticed it still had some translucent color to it but overall it was pretty dirty and looked worn out. At this point I decided to only replace the three quarts that drianed out. I was afraid that by replacing 9 quarts of fluid I may damage the transmission and cause the need for replacement. After I did the first change, I did notice a smoother shift and the overall performance of the transmission was better.

So what would you do- would you just leave it as is for now and maybe swap out another three quarts at the next oil change or would you go ahead and finish the job and replace all of the fluid now?

please.

LiquidLunch

Anyone? Bueller?

Will Y.

Button the car up, then do another 1 x 3 in 20K more miles.

Some mechanics advise against the 3 x 3 unless the transmission is actually exhibiting symptoms.

Bearcat94

If the fluid looked pretty new (still kind of pink-ish), I might do another 3 qts with each of the next couple of oil changes, then set an interval (say, 30k; although some do sooner).

LiquidLunch

I think I am going to wait for two more oil changes then do another 1x3.