Changing transmission fluid today. Tips? (Rookie)

[Jakeskate]

Hey y'all! happy friday. I found out yesterday that my transmission fluid has probably never been changed on my 02 4Runner 2wd auto. It was BLACK! so needless to say i will be changing it today. does anyone have any tips or tricks? is there a transmission filter i need to worry about? and how much fluid should i put in? is there anything extra or something most might forget when changing transmission fluid? This is my first time dealing with trans fluid. I've done several oil changes in the past. Thanks for all you advice!!!

 

[WeakSauz]

Here's everything you need to know:

YouTube

 

[beklemmung]

Take a look here, specifically videos number 21, 40, and 70.

 

[plcfcng]

Do watch the suggested videos but be sure to pull the pan and clean out the bottom of the pan. I also would pull the filter look inside you will see a screen spray it off with some break clean and make sure it is no plugged up. Also go and get a inch pound torque wrench so you don't strip out anything and have to figure out how to repair the threads.:bounce:

 

[phattyduck]

Eh, I'm gonna go opposite here. If the trans is still shifting well, just do a drain/fill and go from there. You'll probably want to do one say, every oil change for a few rounds (3 or 4) and that should really help things.

No need to pull the pan, etc. unless you really want to...

-Charlie

 

[Jakeskate]

I'm thinking i might do the whole pan and filter job just because the transmission seems to slip sometimes. They have a filter and gasket for $34 at autozone. might be the best fix here as the fluid has never been changed. naturally i doubt the filter has ever been serviced or replaced either

 

[thegipper]

I'm thinking i might do the whole pan and filter job just because the transmission seems to slip sometimes. They have a filter and gasket for $34 at autozone. might be the best fix here as the fluid has never been changed. naturally i doubt the filter has ever been serviced or replaced either

Are you going to replace all of the fluid or just do a drain and fill?

If you're going to replace all of the fluid, you might as well drop the pan and replace the "filter" (its just a fine metal mesh screen). Make sure your filter comes with new gaskets and that they stay in place when you re-install it. Follow Tim/Seans video for doing a full fluid exchange.

If you're just going to do a drain and fill, no need to drop the pan.

You said that in your other post that when you get on the gas (passing someone etc) that it just revs up and doesn't move the truck.

I'm going to agree with just doing a series of drain and fills over the next few weeks. You may not want to go from black burnt ass fluid to brand new fluid all at once. Kind of ease into that newer fluid if you catch my drift. After lets say, 3 or 4 drain/fills over time, if your slipping problem has gone away, you could do a full fluid exchange (the max life tranny fluid is pretty cheap at wallyworld).

Good luck either way and let us know if it fixes your slipping problem.

 

[phattyduck]

They have a filter and gasket for $34 at autozone. might be the best fix here as the fluid has never been changed. naturally i doubt the filter has ever been serviced or replaced either

The filter is just a fine mesh screen and shouldn't be a normal service item. Dropping the pan is usually only useful to check the condition of the transmission (check/clean pan magnets and check for build up on the 'filter').

There is a 2WD and a 4WD filter/pickup - they are different. Also, it has been reported that the aftermarket pickup/filters don't always fit right, so watch out... you have been warned.

-Charlie

 

[WeakSauz]

filter and gasket for $34 at autozone.

the aftermarket pickup/filters don't always fit right, so watch out... you have been warned.

+1 phattyduck
[MENTION=87570]Jakeskate[/MENTION], if you're going through all of the trouble of dropping the pan, just save yourself the headache and use an OEM toyota strainer (filter)

 

[market525]

Ugh. Black, burnt fluid, and trans already slipping? I suppose a fluid / filter change is worth a shot, but I have a feeling you're going to be replacing or rebuilding the trans pretty shortly ....

 

[bootown]

I'm thinking i might do the whole pan and filter job just because the transmission seems to slip sometimes.

Two things to consider. Toyota transmissions like to delay shifting until the temp is warmed up so if that's the "slip" you are feeling it could be normal. Other is to check the ATF level. If it's neither of those then I would consider dropping the pan next.

 

[jgue467]

... my transmission fluid has probably never been changed ... 2wd auto. It was BLACK! ...

Givent these 2 facts, I would highly recommend a pan drop/filter swap, don't bother trying to clean it, the stuff can't all come out thru the 3 smallish holes. It's only about $30, full flush would be best but if you can commit to annual drain/fills, then just do that. Check out the timmy video if in doubt about the filter, he cuts one open, you'll see how it would be difficult to clean it thoroughly. Luck.

 

[plcfcng]

replacing the filter or cleaning the filter is a personnel choice some will look up at the fine screen and clean it and put it back others will just chuck it and not worry about the 30 dollars and move on. :artist2: