Automatic Tranny fluid change

P

pickerdd

New member
Opinions needed...

My 2008 T4R has 65k miles on it and I'd like to have the AT fluid replaced. My dealer/service has 2 methods - "drain and fill" and a "full flush."

The last time I had a tranny flush (in a different car) the tranny had issues and had to be rebuilt. It could have been coincidences, but I don't believe in coincidences...

Any opinions either way?

Thanks,
 
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Price difference?

Whats the difference in prices?
My opinion:
If your going to do it every 65K......I'd just do the drain/fill, which I'm guessing will do about 1/3 of the fluid. It should be much cheaper than the entire flush.
If the entire flush is only $20-$30 more, I'd do that.
Assumption: You are "regular" driver(not excessive towing)

Addition: For what it's worth, I have same Tranny as you and did mine(partial flush/fill) for the first time at around 110K. I'm assuming you know the "WS" fluid is rated very highly and has a long life. I'm not rich.....nor have a ton of time on my hands....or I would change it more but the fact it SUX to get to the fill hole and WS ain't cheap and these trannys are solid(not that worried i'm gonna have issues).
 
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pickerdd said:
Opinions needed...

Any opinions either way?

Thanks,
Click to expand...

I drain and fill every 20K (or mileage of your choice.)

I've always believed that tranny fluid should be changed at intervals like oil is.

Undecided whether I would machine flush the system. Haven't seen enough evidence either way to support a complete machine flush, or is needed, or is wise to do.

Just my opinion.

If your transmission hasn't seen any service, I would do a drain and fill 3 times and call it done. (Doing it every time you change your oil - 5K.) After that, do every 20K or mileage of your choice.
 
Never changed mine in any cars. I dont see what can happen to ATF. Hydravlic fluid doesn't break down like engine of differential oil.
 
The drain and fill is $89 and the flush and fill is $169 at my dealer.

I tow our 4000 pound 23' 1971 Airstream Safari on a regular basis - about 2-3 times a month and several times a year on longer trips of 1000 miles each way, so I try to keep the fluids in good condition.

I have changed the crankcase and differential (front and rear) fluids and lubed both propeller shafts, but I haven't drained or flushed the Tranny. I bought my 4Runner new in 2008.

I'm about to do a drain and fill of the crankcase and differentials with my 65k oil and filter change (and lube the propeller shafts) and I'd like to learn to drain and fill my transmission fluid unless it is something only the dealer should do. I prefer to do my own maintenance if at all possible.

Thanks for your help.
 
You definetly need to change your trans fluid periodically, especially if you tow a lot as you do. Thinking otherwise is beyond foolish.
Either do it yourself about 3 times to get it all, or have the dealer power flush it.

You should also install an aftermarket trans cooler if you haven't already.
 
fourwd1 said:
You definetly need to change your trans fluid periodically, especially if you tow a lot as you do. Thinking otherwise is beyond foolish.
Either do it yourself about 3 times to get it all, or have the dealer power flush it.

You should also install an aftermarket trans cooler if you haven't already.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. I'll have the dealer do the power flush then I'll periodically do a drain and fill on the ATF. What's the recommended interval? Every 25k miles?

I have the V8 4WD, which has the OEM Toyota Transmission cooler.

Thanks again,
 
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I'd recomend the drain & fill method over the powerflush anyday. Nobody complains of issues following a drain & fill, and from the sounds of it the powerflush has bit you in the ass once already...seems like an obvious choice.
 
There is no need to change your fluid. You have a maintenance free trans. Do yourself a favor and leave it alone.

Koz
 
This is not lifetime fluid. No matter what toyota says. It's just not. When I drained and refiled mine it didn't look so good. Quite nasty as a matter of fact
 
scojoe said:
This is not lifetime fluid. No matter what toyota says. It's just not. When I drained and refiled mine it didn't look so good. Quite nasty as a matter of fact
Click to expand...

If the fluid needed to be changed you would be reading about MANY failures. I have never heard of even ONE, in all the years. If the fluid is damaged an idiot light will come on. If you insist on changing it (and wasting money), you may want to replace it with this ( AMSOIL - Synthetic Fuel Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATL) ). It's the only replacement and it has held up to over 600HP. If any other fluid (besides WS or Amsoil) is used you will have serious problem. I highly recommend having this done by the Stealer! It is a complicated procedure.

Koz
 
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/72998-rumble-strip-transmission-issue.html I had this problem and it went away with fluid changes. 20k later no problems. I think ill waste $40 on ws every once and awhile. Cant hurt anything to have fresh fluid. jmo ,scott edit; page 12 and 24 of the maint schedule. ( change tranny fluid for vehicle that tow @60k And120k). I tow a trailer with mine frequently and have over 120k on my 06 v6 http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/docu...MS0004/pdf/06omsour/2006/schedmai/61r1smt.pdf
 
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Koz said:
There is no need to change your fluid. You have a maintenance free trans. Do yourself a favor and leave it alone.

Koz
Click to expand...

Yeah, and when the trans fails, you're out $2-3K.
Right after the factory warranty runs out.

Also, you'll never have any problems with frame rust.

And I have some ocean front property for sale in Arizona.
 
fourwd1 said:
Yeah, and when the trans fails, you're out $2-3K.
Right after the factory warranty runs out.

Also, you'll never have any problems with frame rust.

And I have some ocean front property for sale in Arizona.
Click to expand...

Show us ONE failure due to damaged fluid (WS)! There are many 4th gen 4Runners on this site with well over 100K miles. Again, there is an idiot light that will come on if the fluid is damaged. I do understand that some people want to change the fluid just to feel better. Here's the answer, at 100K miles take a sample of the trans fluid and send it for an analysis. This will save you hundreds of dollars.

Koz
 
scojoe said:
Idiot lights..... The name says it all.
Click to expand...

Relax, there is no need to be rude... Read on:
If it floats your boat (or tows it) by all means change it. The idea of the forum is opinion asked and given. It is up to you to make your choice. Don't get all bent out of shape if you didn't get what you wanted to hear. I'd say if you can sleep at night because your ATF is changed, then get it done. Good Luck.
 
Back to the original post. " My 2008 T4R has 65k miles on it and I'd like to have the AT fluid replaced". With that reasoning why would you tell him not to change it ...he wanted to know drain and fill or flush. Not dont change your wasting your money ....... I was just giving my opinion. Then was told im wasting my money.......Yes it kind of irked me.Not everyone's situation is the same.over and out,
Scott
 
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