Dealership Service Recommendations and Price?

[MikesToy]

Tinted Bottle. Compare to the white bottle (top right) for the brake fluid.

 

[ilovethedealer]

your dipstick will tell you what fluid it takes in 07 they started turning most yotas into ws like 08 tc has dipstick but takes ws..

if your really that concerned about the fluid just take one of the hard lines off the rack and fill it up. toyotas really dont have issues with steering racks.. unless its a hybrid highlander

 

[TC4Rnr]

Well, you have a '99 model (3d gen). I have the '03 model (4th gen).

I also have an 04 in my sig :whip2:

this picture is showing when the bottle is empty, with no fluid. that's for a 4.0 V6, exact same bottle as your V8.

best way to check it is to read the cap. the center of the cap says "power steering fluid", but the smaller print below it you should see "Dexron ATF"

 

[asm]

I could be wrong on this, but if your V6 tranny has a dipstick, then it uses Toyota T-IV.

WS is only used in sealed transmissions.

Yes, I'm aware of that. She does not have a dipstick.... It did confused me the first time I saw it. I was like WTF?!?!? where the hell is the tranny dipstick....

 

[asm]

I also think that if you wait til any fluid is too dark or discolored you waited too long.

Since we are going medieval on something as modern as power steering fluid, I would suggest tasting it, instead of going by color. If tastes sweet, you are good. If it tastes slightly bitter and strong aroma of smokyness, time for change. :lol::lol::lol:

 

[blaniac22]

Yes, I'm aware of that. She does not have a dipstick.... It did confused me the first time I saw it. I was like WTF?!?!? where the hell is the tranny dipstick....

:lmao:

I thought the same thing. I was at the dealer and asked him to pop the hood...Salesman says "All the fluids are pretty easy to get to, brake, power steering, coolant, oil and filter." I said "Where's the transmission dipstick?"

He stood there dumbfounded - "Wow...I don't know".

At least he didn't think I was calling him "dipstick".

 

[Nuke]

I just love when people mistakenly take "dark" oil as no longer being adequate. The color of a motor oil has NOTHING to do with whether it's various properties are no longer adequate. None. Nada.

If I didn't despise the oil companies so much I'd have bought their stock years ago and made a fortune on those that change oil due to color or that change synthetics wayyyyyyy too early.

 

[TC4Rnr]

you can find Toyota factory vehicle service info here:

Toyota Parts and Service

 

[03v8sportt4r]

I don't get it. So your saying you change your oil at the recommended 5k per some synthetics or 7500 or even some at 25k but when the company recommends changing say power steering fluid or trans fluid or even brake fluid you don't cause nothing seems wrong the system? I change my oil ever 5k and use regular oil. It is only slightly darker going out as it was when i put it in. I know i could go 7500 on the oil and that everything is going to be ok or even go to synthetic and go longer but I like knowing my motor is going to be fine. Its called preventative maintenance not after the fact maintenance. Everyone is going to do what they want and I personaly would rather do it too soon than too late.

I just love when people mistakenly take "dark" oil as no longer being adequate. The color of a motor oil has NOTHING to do with whether it's various properties are no longer adequate. None. Nada.

If I didn't despise the oil companies so much I'd have bought their stock years ago and made a fortune on those that change oil due to color or that change synthetics wayyyyyyy too early.

 

[asm]

when the company recommends changing say power steering fluid or trans fluid or even brake fluid you don't cause nothing seems wrong the system?

Take it easy, dude!! No one is disagreeing with the fact the fluids needs to be change sometime. The concern here is some dealer or service writer, not all, see fluid change as easy way to boost profit. This in turn, increase overall cost of ownership for a vehicle.

For the record, I don't not recall Toyota have a recommended change interval for power steering fluid and the new WS transmission fluid. So, who do I believe, the guy whom built and warranty the car, or the guy that's making money off the service I'm now paying?

B

 

[03v8sportt4r]

Take it easy, dude!! B

Sorry I wasn't trying to come across in a bad way. I just always see these post about change or not to change. Trust me I'm in the auto service industry I see it all the time. If your in doubt about changing a fluid ask to see the fluid and why they want to change it out. If it comes down to them lying or trying to boost there sales walk away and find another shop. I just would trust my shop to make the right decision. If I can't trust them to tell me I need a fluid exchange I sure wouldn't let them be the judge of anything else. Hope this doesn't come across wrong just trying to inform.

 

[FireEngineer]

Ok, so i'll summarize what i've read so far:

EFI/Fuel Induction Cleaning - Not necessary since I rotate gas stations (get the benefits of all the different additives that the different oil companies use) and since I am not experiencing poor gas mileage.

Alignment - Not necessary since I am not experiencing any uneven tread wear or pull from side to side.

Differential Service - Pseudo-necessary since I bought the car with 40k miles and don't really know the service history. I'll look into DIY'ing this one.

Power Steering Fluid Flush - this seems to be the controversial one. Based on discussions here and on this website, I will look into this in more detail. Per the toyota parts and service website, I do not see a manufacturer recommended interval for power steering fluid flush at any point up to 120k miles (as far as that website goes).

Transmission Fluid Flush - Not necessary since I do not tow or drive under heavy load conditions per the toyota parts and service website. I may change this in the future anyway, I'll probably look into DIY'ing it.

I really appreciate everyone's responses!

-Brandon

 

[bokmeipai]

Differential maintenance question

I have 19400 miles on my 2006 T4R. with such low mileage should I have front & rear differential fluids changed ? My Indy mechanic said since I have such low mileage I should leave it alone for now. What should I do? Is this expensive to have done at a Toyota Dealership?