Really need to change Trans fluid??

[blackmax]

I've got an '03 (V6 limited 4wd)...and it's smooth as butter, with 129,000 miles on the clock. Not a hint of trouble. But, I've never changed the trans fluid. Any reason to EVER do such a thing, so long as it's full? All I've done is change oil, grease zerks on the drive shaft and u-joints....and swap out the differential oil.

Thoughts? Any other routine maint. you can think of?

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

Straight from the Toyota scheduled maintenance booklet.

A/C refresher service
Balance all tired
Battery service (clean terminals)
Brake inspection
Fuel induction service
Replace wiper blades
Check alignment
Transmission drain and fill
Clean and adjust rear brakes/adjust
Parking brake.
03 & newer include cabin filter & non platinum plugs.

Keep in mind this is 120,000 miles service and it is the max
Service.

 

[martini]

From the scheduled maintenance guide it shows only if towing do you "ever" need to change the transmission fluid. I know there are lots of opinions about this, so I'm just pointing out a fact, I'll let others comment on if it should be done for everyone at some point or not. Toyota Parts and Service

 

[BOSMECH]

My boss works for Toyota as a 2nd job and yes it does need to be changed at 120,000.

 

[Zuke]

Does it have a tranny dip stick?

 

[BOSMECH]

Does it have a tranny dip stick?

My 03 V6 does.

 

[DC runner]

03 V6's were the only ones, I believe. The 5 speed in the V8 was sealed and they decided starting in 04 to place it in every 4runner.

It is a very good transmission, but I def. think one should change the fluid. Mine drives like butter, bought it at 111k and just had a complete fluid exchange.

 

[Zuke]

My 5sp 03 V8 has a dipstick. I was just thinking if it has one a simple drain and fill would suffice.

 

[CookieRoe]

My 5sp 03 V8 has a dipstick. I was just thinking if it has one a simple drain and fill would suffice.

That's pretty much what the average Toyota dealer does. Few of them actually get ALL the fluid out with a specialized machine.

 

[DC runner]

My 5sp 03 V8 has a dipstick. I was just thinking if it has one a simple drain and fill would suffice.

Aww ok. I forgot. The 03 v8 was not sealed... oopsy. Your transmission does not use the world standard fluid, right?

 

[MikeInNH]

Yes it should be changed.

And even the newer 4runners with sealed trannies and that use the new World Standard.

It's cheap insurance. It's well worth it to replace it.

 

[zerowkul98]

My 03 V8 always had the tranny flushed and filled every 15k i think.

 

[Zuke]

Aww ok. I forgot. The 03 v8 was not sealed... oopsy. Your transmission does not use the world standard fluid, right?

No WS just the normal Toyota Fluid (forgot the label). I prefer this over the sealed tranny. I can do a simple drain and fill in 5-10 mins.