OK folks got a 03 4runner with a v6. I want to change the tranny fluid and filter. Can this be done? Info is so mixed, does the tranny have a filter or not, can the pan just be dropped or does it require just a flush......I'm very confused and I want to make sure I do not have any trouble due to something I could have prevented. I would really like that pan dropped, the fluid looked at including anything that may or may not be in the bottom of the pan and a filter changed, so can it be done?
Need Help 03 4runner v6 tranny
- Thread starter Mike8623
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TechWrench
Senior Member
Yes you can drop the pan. The only 'filter' in the trans is actually a metal screen, which could be changed, but most likely could be cleaned and reused. This screen doesn't usually clog up, and if it does, you have more of a problem than just changing the filter/fluid can fix.
TechWrench
Senior Member
That depends on several variables. 1st, what is the reason behind wanting to change the fluid? Is this a 'new' to you vehicle, or have you owned it a long time? Are you having any issues with the transmission operation that you are hoping a fluid change will fix? How many miles on the vehicle? Has it ever had any type of trans service in the past?
More info is needed before someone can provide useful advise.
I've owned it since new and it just had a major service about a year and a half ago. It has about 165,000 on it. We live on a very,very dusty road and it seems like I may feel it starting to slip just a little. This car has to last us a long time so I would rather take care of it than spend another $30,000 or so. I always change the oil and filter between 2-3000.
BOSMECH
Member
I had a 03 V6 and what I did was get 1 gallon Toyota trans fluid and just drain 1 gallon then add 1 gallon and did this like every other 6000 miles, but you could go a little more that was just me.
The good thing about the 03 models is it had a dip stick so you could fill it there which was slow but easy to do.
The good thing about the 03 models is it had a dip stick so you could fill it there which was slow but easy to do.
Since you have a transmission dipstick, it would be really easy and much more effective to do a fluid exchange through the transmission cooler lines at the radiator. It gets a lot more of the old fluid out, only takes about 30 minutes, and doesn't run the risks of a traditional 'flush.'
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/195074-atf-exchange-using-cooling-line.html
Like this. Much more effective than drain and fill without the risk of flushing.
It took me about half an hour.
Like this. Much more effective than drain and fill without the risk of flushing.
It took me about half an hour.
