Priorities of fluid changes

Tiny
TROY KIEFFER
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 LEXUS ES 300
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 105,042 MILES
I bought this car used in December. The ABS light was on, and Trac off light was flashing. I drove it home, and the next day the check engine light came on. I have resolved the check engine light, the code was p0171. Expensive fix! Now the engine oil is clean. But the brake fluid is very dark! I have no idea when the coolant was last changed, nor do I know when the transmission fluid was changed last. I live on a fixed income, and I am currently broke from getting p0171 fixed. Once I get paid again, I can only afford to change the fluid out, only in either the brake fluid, or coolant, or transmission. Cannot afford to do all three with that check. I plan to have all of these fluids changed, as I have the money to do so, but it will take three months of checks to change them all. As I am on disability. Which fluid should be the first to be changed? The car has not overheated at all. But the brake fluid is super dark! Transmission fluid looks okay. Does not look new, but not bad like the brake fluid. Also transmission seems to shift okay. Sorry I am not mechanically inclined. I have to pay a shop to do these services. Thank you for your time, and any suggestions. PS: brakes do work, and there is still a decent amount of brake pad left.
Saturday, February 2nd, 2019 AT 2:58 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good evening,

I suggest the following order.

1. Transmission fluid

2. Brake fluid flush

3. Power steering fluid flush

4. Coolant flush

Roy
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Saturday, February 2nd, 2019 AT 4:30 PM
Tiny
TROY KIEFFER
  • MEMBER
  • 29 POSTS
Okay. Thank you very much!
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Saturday, February 2nd, 2019 AT 4:39 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Saturday, February 2nd, 2019 AT 4:45 PM
Tiny
TROY KIEFFER
  • MEMBER
  • 29 POSTS
Which do you reccomend replace transmission fluid and filter, or flush transmission and filter replace?
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Saturday, February 2nd, 2019 AT 5:47 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Just the fluid and filter change. No flush.
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Saturday, February 2nd, 2019 AT 6:07 PM
Tiny
TROY KIEFFER
  • MEMBER
  • 29 POSTS
Okay great. I appreciate that information. Thank you, and have a good night Roy. 2CarPros are great!
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Saturday, February 2nd, 2019 AT 6:11 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Thank you for the kind words.

Roy
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Saturday, February 2nd, 2019 AT 10:55 PM

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