1996 4runner 3.4l V6 - Trans Flush

[Franky_Dabbs]

Trans fluid is very dirty and I'm sure it has never been maintenanced or flushed before the160k miles on here and it needs to be maintenanced due to delay in changing gears. What would be a wiser choice??

METHOD A: get the trans flushed by the suction machine

METHOD B: drop the pan and do it manually

I've heard that flushing the trans with the suction machine can potentially harm the trans after the maintenance. . Is this a urban legend or true??

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!!

 

[19963.4lsr5]

I bought 5 gal of SuperTech Dex3 at Walmart and just drain and fill and drive.

It be wise to get a new drain plug and metal gasket. The threads are soft.

I also put a 3/8" Magnefine filter in the line between trans and cooler.

 

[Candy Sack]

I'm in a similar boat-- planning a tune up. Will be interested in people's thoughts.

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

Drain and refill typically is the best route and most economical. Dealer simply drains and refills at every 30,000 mile service interval.

 

[BlazeRunner]

I'm not sure how 'suction machine' exactly flushes, but if it's just a fluid exchange, it should be fine. Any kind of power flush can ruin the transmission, I've personally seen it happen to a few transmissions.
The best way for maximum fluid exchange is to put the trans cooler feed line into a quart labeled bucket and start the truck to get a quart or two at a time in the bucket, then have the other line filling the trans or through the dipstick. Keep repeating the process turning the truck on and off until fluid coming out of the line is as clean as the fluid going in. Can do the same with the power steering system, just be cautious of letting any system getting too low in fluid while doing this.
P.S. can take up to about 16 quarts for the transmission fluid to be fully flushed. Also keep in mind if regular maintenance has been done, a full fluid exchange is not always necessary.

 

[Franky_Dabbs]

The mech that quoted me for the flush uses a machine that has hoses that go into the trans. Feom what I understood it flushes out the old fluid and also pushes in some synthetic cleaner thatat the same time.. ive spent over $2k just to get it running good.. last thing I need is for the trans to mess up after the power flush..

But just dumping the old and adding new is pointless isn't it?? Since your adding new fluid to a dirty trans..??..??

 

[BlazeRunner]

I would personally stay away from that flush machine. If you can handle hose clamps, you can do this on your own like I described. All your ever going to be doing is mixing old and new fluid regardless of the process you chose, so no matter what there will always be some dirty fluid in there. The torque converter itself holds more fluid than the pan, so using the cooler lines vs pan drop is usually the most effective way to replace the most amount of fluid.

 

[BlazeRunner]

Also, ATF already is loaded with detergents and does a fine job of cleaning things on it's own, no need for the cleaner.

 

[gamefreakgc]

The mech that quoted me for the flush uses a machine that has hoses that go into the trans. Feom what I understood it flushes out the old fluid and also pushes in some synthetic cleaner thatat the same time.. ive spent over $2k just to get it running good.. last thing I need is for the trans to mess up after the power flush..

But just dumping the old and adding new is pointless isn't it?? Since your adding new fluid to a dirty trans..??..??

It's not pointless, since you are refreshing the fluid. If you want it to be completely clean do it 2 or 3 times.

 

[Run 4 Fun]

Trans fluid is very dirty and I'm sure it has never been maintenanced or flushed before the160k miles on here and it needs to be maintenanced due to delay in changing gears. What would be a wiser choice??

METHOD A: get the trans flushed by the suction machine

METHOD B: drop the pan and do it manually

I've heard that flushing the trans with the suction machine can potentially harm the trans after the maintenance. . Is this a urban legend or true??

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!!

When I purchased mine with 115k miles on it I opted for the dealer to do a power flush since I already was getting a couple things done to it. After 5k miles not a single problem and I don't think the previous owner changed it often before either. Now that I have all new fluid in there I plan on drain and fill every other oil change. Figured I'd get all the dirty fluid out of there and replace with clean fluid and keep circulating new fluid from now on.

 

[Franky_Dabbs]

Appreciate the feedback guys. Ill keep yall posted on what ends up happening..

 

[Ckooyers]

There's nothing wrong with a flush your trans pump is pushing around 150 psi and that Machine is barely putting in fluid to keep up with what the trans is pumping out so theeroetocly it's the same as putting your hose in a bucket and then trying to fill it up but if your trans is slipping it's too late for a flush band aide on a bullet wound good luck

 

[Franky_Dabbs]

When going from park to drive and accelerating it takes a few seconds to kick into 1st gear only.. is that a big deal?? SOB, I dont need anymore bad news..

 

[19963.4lsr5]

Google the time lag test for a AW4 in a jeep. It will tell you what to look for. Sadly if your kick down cable is adjusted correctly its worn something or other in trans.