2005 4Runner Transmission Fluid

[XBMWOwner]

Hi Gang - I'm new here. Quick question. I have a 2005 4runner with 6 cylinder engine. The vehicle has 92k miles on it. I picked it up with 20k miles pre-owned. I never used it for towing don't know about the previous owner. It did come with a hitch. The car has been 100% flawless. Zero reliability issues.

I have never changed the transmission fluid. Do you recommend that I change it now, at 100k miles, or just leave it? I understand that it's a sealed unit. I do want to keep the car going 'forever'...or at least 300k miles.

Is there anything else that I should consider changing/doing at 100k miles? I have really only done routine stuff like coolant, oil, brakes, tires, battery. That's it.

Thanks for your help.

 

[sport05]

A lot of people on here will tell you that you should change it; however, I have a local, smaller mechanic that I 100% trust and he has told me that he does not recommend changing the transmission fluid with that high of mileage.

I am right around the same as you as far as mileage goes.

 

[williamZ]

Yes I would have it exchanged. Also make sure you change out the front/rear diff fluid as well as the t-case.. Brake fluid should be flushed out when dirty and PS as well.

 

[NJshadow93]

A lot of people on here will tell you that you should change it; however, I have a local, smaller mechanic that I 100% trust and he has told me that he does not recommend changing the transmission fluid with that high of mileage.

I am right around the same as you as far as mileage goes.

Either you're misunderstanding, or you're mechanic is dead wrong. There is nothing wrong with replacing the fluid; a simple drain and fill. Flushing is a different story. It should not be flushed with high mileage (or at all on these transmissions).

OP, a drain and fill is a good idea. I had mine done about 600 miles ago and it's smoother now.

 

[ridefast]

I would do at least 2 or 3 drain and fills. ive got 80k and i am gettin ready to drain and fill mine.

 

[ebg18t]

I would also suggest the drain & refill. Not a flush though.

 

[Desert Fox]

I am adding another post in support of drain and fill. I did research on this subject a while back, questioning several shops. They all had the same answer- drain and fill. Flushing the system may cause particales to get loged in critical internal components.

The hardest part of doing the drain and fill was the fill part. I could not find the right funnel so I did a drain and spill/ fill. Good thing tranny fluid is a good cleaner.

Lesson learned- make sure you have everything needed to do the job before starting it.

 

[Robs08Runner]

I usually do a trans. filter change about every 40k. If you're gonna do a drain and fill, why not do the filter at one of them?

 

[MikeInNH]

A lot of people on here will tell you that you should change it; however, I have a local, smaller mechanic that I 100% trust and he has told me that he does not recommend changing the transmission fluid with that high of mileage.

Find a new mechanic. 100k miles is NOT considered high mileage. There is no reason what-so-ever you can't change the tranny fluid. I can think of several reasons why you definitely should.

If you want the transmission to last 300k miles then you need to change the fluid. If you only keep your vehicle 150k miles then by all means never change it. But be sure to tell the suspecting buyer that you never changed the tranny fluid.

 

[CXS]

Do not flush is my opinion too. DW let a shop flush her Accord, a week later the tranny was toast.

 

[MikeInNH]

Do not flush is my opinion too. DW let a shop flush her Accord, a week later the tranny was toast.

Flushing and replacing are two different things.

Yes you should NEVER flush a tranny. But you should drain and fill the tranny. That means drop the pan...clean or replace the filter..the refill with fresh fluid. If the fluid hasn't been changed in a while...then I'd follow up with another fluid change in a couple of months. Replacing the tranny fluid you're just getting the fluid in the tranny. MOST of the fluid is in the torque converter.