PSA: Everything ATF from a Toyota Master Tech

[Bluesky 07]

This video answers every question I’ve ever seen asked here about transmission fluid and the source is an experienced Toyota Master Tech. IMO this information is as close to definitive as we’re going to get re: type, aftermarket vs. OEM fluid, change interval, leave or change high mileage fluid, flush vs. drain & fill, whether to touch the filter, “lifetime” fluid…you name it, it’s answered.

 

[thegame7]

In general, his videos are good to follow but I feel he piggybacks on a lot of what the factory recommends. I did a full fluid exchange on my 218k mile transmission with Valvoline Maxlife and have had no issues. And I only did that because I drained the pan and the original fluid was still red. If the fluid was black I would have thought twice about a full exchange. YMMV as always and do your own research and make your own conclusions.

 

[xtremewlr]

In general, his videos are good to follow but I feel he piggybacks on a lot of what the factory recommends. I did a full fluid exchange on my 218k mile transmission with Valvoline Maxlife and have had no issues. And I only did that because I drained the pan and the original fluid was still red. If the fluid was black I would have thought twice about a full exchange. YMMV as always and do your own research and make your own conclusions.

He definitely does but that is also because he has a business to run and along with doing these videos, he's worried about liability issues. So better for him to CYA and repeat what factory recommendations are.

I've done 2 fluid changes on my 03 since I bought it with 288k on the clock in 2020. One basic exchange/refill and then a full drop the pan drain and change the filter while I'm at it. I'm also using Valvoline Maxlife and haven't had any transmission issues with the truck at 331k+ miles now. I think the most important thing he left out, especially for people living in hotter climates like I do, is to add a larger external trans cooler, either in-line with the small stock one or replacing it all together. Heat is the biggest killer of auto trans, not dirty fluid.