2003 V8 4x4 Transmission Maintenance

[ca_city_girl77]

I recently purchased a certified pre-owned 03 Limited V8 4x4 (iridium plugs) and I am checking in with you guys to see what sort of maintenance I should do on it. I just reached 30,000 so I am debating on whether to just do the service that the dealer puts in a package which includes all these things that are not advised in my maintenance guide or just order the guys what I want done.

At the same time, I have no clue what the previous owners did on this car. Would you recommend I change the transmission oil? I am so frustrated because my maintenance books says to just check it if I do not do towing and the service guy at the stealerships I call recommend a change. What do you guys say?

I have already had a horrible experience when having my car fixed for the stinky sulfur problem. The guy straight out lied to me and told me that he could do nothing to fix it! What a jerk, little did he know that I had done my research and thanks to the guys on this forum I had a copy of the TSB to throw at his face when the time came.

I love my new truck and I am keeping her for the long haul and want to make sure all is well.

So what's the deal with the transmission? Is it lifelong? Change it at 30? 60? One more detail.... I have T1 fluid.

Can anyone help a lady?

Much thanks this forum rocks!

 

[Good Times]

just follow the maintenance schedule.

it's case by case so if you feel the need to change it, then change it.

if you want to take it to a dealer to do it, expect to pay $$$ for the job.

good luck

 

[03RoadRunner]

ca_city_girl77,

Well, I have done the majority of my maintenance on my 1998 4Runner SR5 and I had the tranny fluid change at about 88,000 miles. I currently have about 110,000 on it and it runs great!

I would recommend changing it about 60,000 miles, give or take a few 1,000 miles. =)

My older brother has been a serious mechanic for over 20yrs and works for Federal Mogal (Parts company) doing warranty repair verfifications for all types of vehicles. He has given me very good advice over the past years. Its nice to have a mechanic in the family.

Anyway, check the fluid and dab it on a piece of super white paper. It should be pinkish in color. If its brown, you may have problems in the near future. Also, the stick will have a "hot" and "cold" mark. Make sure your reading the correct mark based on the temp of your engine. Best readings come from when the engine is warm (operating temperature). Then shift through all gears, then check tranny oil.

Also...you mentioned that you don't tow/off road much. That is similar to my driving habits. If you DO TOW, you may want to change the fluid more often than 60,000 miles. That also goes for oil and other recommend fluid changes. The rougher you are on your truck, the more often it should be maintenanced.

Take it for what its worth and enjoy your truck!
03RR

 

[TeryT]

Elena - The T-IV fluid in your 4R is not lifelong. You will need to follow the schedule as outlined in the book.

At 30k I drained & refilled the tranny, as I had bought the thing used with 29k, and didn't know much about the previous owner (I do now however). They recommend that if you are towing, it needs to be changed more frequently, otherwise it's not much of an issue.

BTW - A drain & refill only changes about a 1/3 to 1/2 the fluid - not like a total flushing. However, a total flushing is generally regarded as unnecesary, and can screw things up if not done right. For a flush, you have to take it to a dealer, who may or may not have the best equipment or know how to do it right. They will charge a pretty penny for it though.

Best bet is to pop the tranny pan plug, and refill with the amount that comes out. Most agree that this will do a nice job of refreshing the fluid. The "service packs" are money makers for them, and in my opinion usually do more than needed (as the factory manual testifies to as well, which you pointed out).

Have fun with your 03 V8 4x4 - I am! (got pix?)

 

[ca_city_girl77]

Thanks for your advice. It was truly helpful! Happy July 4th!