Drivetrain - Fluid Leak From Transfer Case

L-SB-0160-08

November 5, 2008

ATF Leak from Transfer Case

Service Category
Drivetrain

Section
Transfer/4wd/Awd

Market
USA





Applicability

Introduction

Some customers may complain about a red fluid leaking from the transfer case vent on top of the transfer case or between the transfer case and transaxle. The root cause of this issue is related to damage to an 0-ring during the transfer case assembly process allowing automatic transmission fluid (ATF) to enter the transfer case during vehicle operation. Production countermeasures have been implemented at the transfer case supplier. Replacement of the transfer case assembly will be required to repair the vehicle.

NOTE

This condition is an assembly-related issue and will most likely appear prior to 5,000 miles of use.

Production Change Information





This TSIB applies to vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown.

Parts Information





Warranty Information

APPLICABLE WARRANTY

^ This repair is covered under the Lexus Powertrain Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 72 months or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's in-service date.

^ Warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customer's specific complaint.








Required Tools & Equipment

NOTE

Additional SSTs may be ordered by calling SPX/OTC at 1-800-933-8335.

Repair Procedure





1. Identify source of red fluid leaking from vehicle.

A. Is red fluid leaking between the transfer case and transaxle assembly? If YES - This TSIB applies - Go to step 3.





B. Is red fluid leaking from the transfer case breather plug (vent) on top of the front side of the transfer case?

If YES - This TSIB applies - Go to step 2.

If NO to question 1A and 1B then this TSIB does NOT apply. Continue diagnosis to determine root cause of fluid leak.





2. Check the transfer case fluid level.

Refer to the Technical Information System (TIS) applicable model year RX 350 Repair Manual:

2008 / 2009 RX 350 Drivetrain - Transfer 4WD/Awd - "MF2A Transfer: Transfer Oil: On-Vehicle Inspection"

Also refer to Figure 3 to assist in identifying the transfer plug No. 1.

Confirm that transfer case fluid (gear oil) is overfilled or appears to be contaminated with ATF prior to going to next step.

3. Replace the transfer case assembly.

Refer to TIS applicable model year RX 350 Repair Manual:

^ 2008 / 2009 RX 350 Drivetrain - Transfer 4WD/Awd - "MF2A Transfer: Transfer Assembly: Removal"

^ 2008 / 2009 RX 350 Drivetrain - Transfer 4WD/Awd - "MF2A Transfer: Transfer Assembly Installation"

4. Check ATF level in automatic transaxle and confirm level is correct. Adjust as needed.

5. Test drive vehicle and confirm there is NO leak from the transfer case.