To Be or Not To Be? 1st Trasmission fluid change @150K

[FLMike]

Just bought 14 qts of T-IV fluid at Carquest last Friday for ~$90. I think it was something like $6.16 +tax per quart. Beats $9 per from my local dealership.

FYI T-IV is not WS

 

[bob3dsf]

Not sure about Toyota, but my ex wife's Honda Accord had 120k on it before I changed the transmission fluid. The only reason I changed it was because it was starting to get a little brown in color. I've heard the power flushing is what can do more harm than good for a vehicle with this mileage as it can dislodge contaminants that could plug up the valve body and damage o-rings/seals.

I think you're referring to backflushing. Yea, that will lead to problems.

So I drained it, refilled it and drove 10 miles. I did this 3-4 times until the fluid was back to red in color with that sweet smell. Yes, it wastes more transmission fluid performing a flush in this method but it works.

This is essentially the process I did too. Worked fine and pretty easy. I just drove around my neighborhood and made sure I shifted through all the gears.

IIRC, BlackWorks even said that drain/fills is what they do for "flushes" at his dealer and that a back flushing machine is not recommended by Toyota. I also agree about skipping the filter and gasket replacement. If there is no leaks then the gasket is fine and the filters are not even listed as a maintenance item for Toyota techs (as per BlackWorks, again).

I see the OP has an '05, so he has a dipstick?? That makes drain/fills pretty easy. Us with the "sealed" trannies have to monkey around with filling under the truck and that overflow plug, and the idiotic magic shifter maneuver to get the temp checker (which is the most "difficult" part for the later 4th gens).

OP: what part of FL you in? I'm from PB county. ANd.... Go Gators!

 

[acronin2]

FYI T-IV is not WS

Yes, I am aware. My 04' V6 has a dipstick and therefore use T-IV ATF.