Fluids - Canada vs US models

[Tony Tacoma]

I live in Canada and bought a 2007 SR5 V8 4runner from the US.

According to the maintenance schedule on the us toyota website, the coolant has to be replaced at 100,000 miles. No mention as to when the diff's, tranny or transfer case oil should be replaced - only inspections.

On the Canadian toyota website, both diff's & transfer case must be replaced at 64,000 km or 40,000 miles. In addition, the transmision oil must be replaced at 96,000 km or 60,000 miles.

Anybody know why in the world there would be a difference?

Better question, when should these oils be replaced?

 

[97hb]

Change the antifreeze more ofter than 100k. Even though I use the 100k long life I am changing it about every 30k just for insurance. Same with the diffs and tranny. It is just super easy to change the tranny and whenever I start feeling it shift funny I change it. Changing more often will not hurt anything, just extra insurance. No idea why canada and us are different.

 

[drmorbius]

Change the antifreeze more ofter than 100k. Even though I use the 100k long life I am changing it about every 30k just for insurance. Same with the diffs and tranny. It is just super easy to change the tranny and whenever I start feeling it shift funny I change it. Changing more often will not hurt anything, just extra insurance. No idea why canada and us are different.

Changing tranny fluid on an '07 is not "super easy". This is the new trans which is never supposed to need changing. Just a guess but maybe sustained lower temps have something to do with the different change intervals. Maybe a call to Toyota corporate could clear this up.

 

[Tony Tacoma]

I've sent an email to Toyota. I'll see what they reply with.

 

[Tony Tacoma]

Toyota's response to the question

For those who are interested.

Thank you for allowing us to address your inquiry.

Toyota recommends that the front and rear diffential be inspected every 30,000 miles or 36 months whichever comes first. It should only be replaced on an as needed basis. If you wish to change the differential oil, you can do so as additional preventative maintenance. Toyota's position is that it should only be changed if the fluid is burnt, dark or if sediment is present.
http://smg.toyotapartsandservice.com/guides.php?v=1&y=2007&int_id=6

Thank you once again.

Sincerely,

Toyota Customer Experience

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Changing tranny fluid on an '07 is not "super easy". This is the new trans which is never supposed to need changing. Just a guess but maybe sustained lower temps have something to do with the different change intervals. Maybe a call to Toyota corporate could clear this up.

It's not super hard either... Don't be afraid.:biggrin2: Follow the link Tony Tacoma posted and look at the requirements of the 60k interval. When you scroll down to the bottom it says change the tranny fluid if the vehicle is used for towing. I personally consider off-roading or lots of in traffic driving pretty severe service too, almost like towing.