Transmission fluid is necessary to not only allow the transmission to shift through the gears, but also to cool the transmission. Over time, the chemical properties of the transmission's fluid begin to break down, thereby reducing the fluid's effectiveness. Even if the fluid is in good condition, leaks can quickly result in serious damage to the transmission. It is therefore imperative to ensure that the transmission has the proper quantity of fluid, and to be able to add fluid to the transmission if necessary. It is important to note that the Lexus ES 300 should have its fluid changed every 30,000 miles, but the fluid's level should nevertheless be checked periodically between changing intervals.
Park the ES 300 on a flat surface.
Start the engine and allow it warm up.
Depress the brake pedal and shift through the gears several times while allowing the car to idle.
Open the hood and remove the transmission's dipstick from the dipstick tube. The dipstick's handle is orange in color, and is located next to the vehicle's battery. The dipstick can be removed by simply pulling it out of the dipstick's tube.
Determine the transmission's fluid level by reading the two marks which have been stamped into the tip of the dipstick. Note that one mark reads "Cold" and the other mark is "Hot." The fluid level should be at the "Hot" mark.
Place a funnel into the dipstick tube.
Pour Type T-IV transmission fluid into the dipstick tube to top the fluid level off by pouring the fluid directly into the funnel. Pour only a small amount at first to determine how quickly the fluid's level on the dipstick rises to avoid overfilling the transmission.
Shift through all of the transmission's gears while depressing the brake pedal. Then check the fluid level again. Add additional fluid if necessary.
