So, I finally had the tranny flushed last week. I should have asked to see the condition of the old fluid from the tranny. Next time I'll do a drain and fill myself instead of having it done at the dealer. The tranny definitely shifts more quietly and smoother now.

I experienced the same thing when I did my drain and fills.

More proof that there are no magical pixies inside our so-called 'sealed' transmissions.

I always get a good laugh when people post the ATF fluid never needs to be changed in our trucks.

As the miles start to rack up, transmission fluid breaks down. Period. I don't care what kind it is.

The thing that pissed me off a bit was the mechanic who worked on my truck at the dealer was sloppy. I had them do a power steering fluid flush (probably a stupid thing to do, but that's another story) and the mech got power steering fluid all over the engine compartment and some grease on the seat.

I tend to keep my truck (inside, outside and engine compartment) clean, so this kind of tweaked me. I believe sloppy work is a sign that folks don't care.

LOL. What are you, crazy?


There's an exact procedure for checking the trans level. However, it needs to be in a precise temperature range, and the truck (perferably) should be on a lift to make it easier to access the fluid level plug. When it's in the range, it' should be a constant drip. If there's nothing, then add. If it's pouring out, let it.

If the temp is too hot, then then engine needs to be shut off to let the fluid cool for a bit.

With tthe assistance of my brother, I replaced all of the old fluid in the transmission by using the fluid ereturn line as the drain.

There is a sticky detailing how to do it. Because my truck has the dipstick (2003 4speed) , I had my brother start the rngine, and the fluid would pump itself out of the return line into a pan, about 4 quarts each time. I would dump the fluid into a gallon container (old windshield washer bottle) that I had already marked with marker showing quart levels. This way, I knew exactly how much to put back in each time.

After I reached the 13th quart , fresh fluid was starting to come out. So I refilled to the cold mark on the dipstick, and drove around until it was warmed up (about 1/2 hour) . Checked the fluid level, it was down about a quart, and filled.

It's been fine and does shift just slightly smoother. I will say the old fluid did NOT look all bad. It still had some red color to it and smelled just like the new stuff. No burnt smell. I don't know how long a transmission would last without the fluid change, but it must depend on how hard it's used. If the truck is a daily driver with no towing or hard wheeling, it probably would last a long time like Toyota says. BUT it's easy enough to change out and have that insurance that fluid problems won't be an issue.

But, doesn't your fluid change to black in color from all the wear?

But don't get me wrong. I wonder if ATF needs changing at all!

Changing it makes sense but Toyota recommends it only if severe use such as towing. I've heard people having issues after messing with old transmission and would be better off if left it alone. Ill just stick with factory recommendation and let it be unchanged for normal driving.