2004 4th generation transmission service

[Kanab]

Owners of 2004 4th generation 5 speed transmissions with the sealed transmissions (no dip stick) and the new "WS" world service transmission fluid. Toyota states that it does not need to be serviced because it is a "life time fluid"? This "WS" fluid can't be mixed with any other fluid and there is no substitute fluid on the market. I know that the only reason to change transmission fluid is to eliminate contaminates and to refresh old fluid that is damaged by heat. With this change the 2004 transmission is now a sealed unit that keeps contaminates out of the transmission and the new WS fluid being a life time fluid gets rid of the risk of getting contaminates into the transmission and Toyota must feel it is more heat resistant then previous fluids, since they recommend servicing it only if you tow. It seems like progress, Toyota eliminating the dip stick and upgrading the type of fluid with the 2004 V8 model. Dealers even recommend agains't changing the fluid on these units.

Have you serviced or do you plan on servicing your 2004 V8 5speed transmission?

 

[TechWrench]

Owners of 2004 4th generation 5 speed transmissions with the sealed transmissions (no dip stick) and the new "WS" world service transmission fluid. Toyota states that it does not need to be serviced because it is a "life time fluid"? This "WS" fluid can't be mixed with any other fluid and there is no substitute fluid on the market. I know that the only reason to change transmission fluid is to eliminate contaminates and to refresh old fluid that is damaged by heat. With this change the 2004 transmission is now a sealed unit that keeps contaminates out of the transmission and the new WS fluid being a life time fluid gets rid of the risk of getting contaminates into the transmission and Toyota must feel it is more heat resistant then previous fluids, since they recommend servicing it only if you tow. It seems like progress, Toyota eliminating the dip stick and upgrading the type of fluid with the 2004 V8 model. Dealers even recommend agains't changing the fluid on these units.

Have you serviced or do you plan on servicing your 2004 V8 5speed transmission?

Maybe I'm just too old fashioned, but I am skeptical about this whole "sealed" unit thing. From what I can see, the only difference between the 'old' 5-speed and the sealed unit is the type of fluid used, and the dip stick. As for being 'sealed' against contaminates, the 'old' dip stick had a rubber seal at the top of the tube, so any contamination would almost have to be as a result of someone putting it down the tube, or from internal wear. Both units have external vents for pressure regulation, so "sealed" really means just no dipstick tube. I seems more likely that the idea of a sealed unit is so Toyota can better its chances that the trans will make it past the warranty period. I'm sure the bean counters at Toyota have figured out that spending a little more on the fluid, and increasing the chances of the trans outlasting the warranty will pay for itself. It wouldn't surprise me if the 'new' fluid isn't much different from the Type-IV, but if it is priced way outa sight most people will think twice about changing it on their own thereby lessening Toyotas potential liability. Lets face it, the auto manufacturers would rather that no one do any service on their vehicles. They want you to bring it to the dealer so the dealer makes money, and you get only 'trained' technicians touching it. They won't admit it, but everything they do to make it harder or more costly to do it yourself points in that direction.

I have nothing against anyone who doesn't want to get greasy and lets the dealer do all the work, just let me be able to DIY if I want to.