trans fluid drain/refill for a 2003?

[testrider]

Hi all,

I have 26000 miles on my 2003 4Runner (4x2, V8). Toyota's maintenance manual didn't even call for fluid change (only when used in severe conditions). I just use mine as daily driver. Should I go ahead and drain and refill it? Is there a trans filter that I need to change? Do I need any special Toyota transmission fluid?

Thank you!

-mike-

 

[TechWrench]

Hi all,

I have 26000 miles on my 2003 4Runner (4x2, V8). Toyota's maintenance manual didn't even call for fluid change (only when used in severe conditions). I just use mine as daily driver. Should I go ahead and drain and refill it? Is there a trans filter that I need to change? Do I need any special Toyota transmission fluid?

Thank you!

-mike-

Opinions will vary wildly on this issue. I would check the oil condition every month or so using a white rag or towel to get a true idea of color, it should be red. Check for any burnt smell, there shouldn't be any. If you don't do any heavy towing, or run very hard up and down hills/mountains, you probably are not doing anything severe enough to stress the fluid. If you do decide to change the fluid, there is a screen type filter on the bottom of the valve body which can be cleaned or changed if damaged. I would stay with the Toyota fluid, I am pretty sure the owners manual will specify the type needed (probably Type IV), and they strongly recommend against mixing anything else with it.

 

[testrider]

Thanks for the reply. I'm going to get some trans fluid from my local Toyota dealer and will just do a drain and refill then. Oh, am I supposed to change the differential oil too?

Thanks again.
-Mike-

 

[MicaBlue03]

testrider, it isn't explained too well in most publications, but Toyota doesn't think this ATF needs to be changed. Part way through 2003 Toyota even stopped providing dipsticks on these transmissions.

I don't think there's any harm in changing the fluid (as long as you use the right Toyota fluid and don't overfill or underfill) but I can see their point. The transmission has a temperature sensor and an overtemperature alert light. Transmissions don't produce contaminants like engines do, and as long as the temp doesn't get too high and there are no leaks, there may indeed be no reason to change the (modern) fluid in these (modern) automatic trannies.

As for the differentials and transfer case, I think it's reasonable to follow Toyota's recommendations, but again you can't do harm by properly changing the fluid. Transfer cases and differentials, like automatic trannies, don't generate the nasty contaminants that engines do.

IMHO, the reasons to change these fluids early would be because of severe service that causes dirt or water to get in, or a desire to get better performance in cold weather by using synthetics. If it gets really cold, the difference between ordinary gear oil and synthetic is amazing.