Most of my cars have been stick shift...trying to get back to thinking through issues for an automatic transmission. I've got some basic questions about how to best service the auto in my newly purchased '99 Limited 4x4 with 116k miles.
First, what's the definitive opinion on doing a fluid flush? Should I avoid flushes altogether? I took it by the local Toyota dealer just to see what they had to say and they told me to NEVER do a flush...if I did, I'd be looking at getting a new tranny within a few months. I don't know the service history of the vehicle so I don't know if it's ever been done. The fluid level and color look fine (though I don't want to check it again anytime soon -- getting that dipstick back in took like 30 minutes!). Instead of a flush, should I just drain and refill? Or just let it be? I know some people say don't mess with an older auto transmission until you have to...
The transmission seems to shift pretty smoothly once the truck is on the road. But when you first shift from park into drive or reverse it has quite clunk. It goes into gear pretty hard. Any suggestions how to solve that issue? Is that a tranny issue or could it be something else?
Also, I've read up on the strawberry shake issue. Obviously I want to avoid that. I cannot afford a tranny rebuild. What's the best brand or model tranny cooler? I've seen the install threads, and I'm not sure I want to try it myself, but I at least want to price it out.
Thanks for any help you can give this newbie!
First, what's the definitive opinion on doing a fluid flush? Should I avoid flushes altogether? I took it by the local Toyota dealer just to see what they had to say and they told me to NEVER do a flush...if I did, I'd be looking at getting a new tranny within a few months. I don't know the service history of the vehicle so I don't know if it's ever been done. The fluid level and color look fine (though I don't want to check it again anytime soon -- getting that dipstick back in took like 30 minutes!). Instead of a flush, should I just drain and refill? Or just let it be? I know some people say don't mess with an older auto transmission until you have to...
The transmission seems to shift pretty smoothly once the truck is on the road. But when you first shift from park into drive or reverse it has quite clunk. It goes into gear pretty hard. Any suggestions how to solve that issue? Is that a tranny issue or could it be something else?
Also, I've read up on the strawberry shake issue. Obviously I want to avoid that. I cannot afford a tranny rebuild. What's the best brand or model tranny cooler? I've seen the install threads, and I'm not sure I want to try it myself, but I at least want to price it out.
Thanks for any help you can give this newbie!
