to change the tranny filter or not??

[naval_specforces]

i have a 1990 4runner with the 2.4l engine, not for sure yet on what type of transmission it has, i just bought it and had to replace a ton of vacuum hoses, tps, mass air flow sensor, knock sensor, cold start sensor so it does run but it idles at 1500 rpm, the idle screw is all the down..so anyway back to what i was saying, it has 186.000 miles on it and i was wondering if i should replace the transmission filter, the fluid is dark and smells but it doesnt smell burnt, i have read some threads that say dont.....any ideas? :nerd:

 

[combatmedic]

Do you have an automatic or standard ?

 

[92-SR5]

I'm assuming it is a auto? The manual transmissions don't have filters. I could possibly be wrong though.

 

[naval_specforces]

i apologize, it is a automatic transmission

 

[4runner_kid]

They are screen filter's, spray it with brake clean and throw it back in.

 

[Bad_Vision]

dont be cheap on this if your going t drop the pan just put a new filter in.

 

[csrobb007]

It'a a screen...as long as it isn't torn or worn out (holes etc.), clean it and change the fluid.

 

[rustyrazor]

It may not be worth changing or cleaning the filter at all because you have to remove the trans fluid pan and if it's the same as the 3.0L V6 than you have to get around the front differential and axles.

Then you need to put a new gasket in for the oil pan and the chances are you'll strip a couple of the bolts when you take them out and put them in again. You may also end up breaking the tranny fluid dipstick tube since it's attached to the pan. So what I'm saying is I wouldn't do it again because all of the above happened to me and I work on my own cars all the time.

I'd change the fluid first - make sure that you put the fluid recommended by the owners manual - the lube joints just put the same fluid into everything. If you find alot of debris in the fluid than maybe you'll want to change the filter.

 

[ozzyleven]

I dropped the pan on my 3.0 auto last summer and it wasn't too bad. Unbolting the dipstick bracket was a pain. Some crafty/careful maneuvering and I was able to get the pan out. I think the filter/new gasket was like $20. Like mentioned above the bolts are fragile. I did break one of them when I put it back in. Thank god it was one that was easily accessible. A drill and an easy out fixed that. Mine was coated in about an inch of grey sludge, so to me, the piece of mind knowing that its cleaner in there was worth the effort.

 

[4runner_kid]

you have to get around the front differential and axles.

False, not even on the 3.0 is the front diff or axle's in the way.