A vehicle's transmission fluid operates to cool the internal components of the transmission, as well as to enable the transmission to shift gears. However, the transmission requires a certain amount of fluid to accomplish these tasks. A fluid level that's too high increases the chances of blown transmission gaskets, and a fluid level that's too low can result in erratic shifting and an increased risk that the transmission will fail due to overheating. For these reasons, it's important to periodically monitor the transmission's fluid level.
Park the Lexus on a flat, level surface.
Allow the engine to idle until it reaches normal operating temperature.
Move the transmission's gear selector through all of the gears several times while simultaneously depressing the brake pedal.
Open the hood of the Lexus and withdraw the transmission's dipstick. The dipstick is located between the engine and the battery. The handle is orange. The dipstick can be withdrawn by pulling it away from the engine.
Check the transmission's fluid level by looking at the marks stamped into the tip of the dipstick. Note that one mark reads "Hot" and another mark reads "Cold." The transmission's fluid level should be just under the "Hot" mark.
Add additional transmission fluid, if necessary, by pouring the fluid into the transmission's dipstick tube.
