transmission fluid advice

[Aaron]

Two months ago I bought a silver 2003 4Runner Limited. It has 78000 miles, and as far as I can tell has never had the transmission fluid changed. Should I do this now? At what mileage should it be changed? A mechanic told me recently that if a vehicle had not had the transmission fluid changed by 75000 miles or so, not to change it at all because it might cause problems. Is this true? Any help or advice in this area and/or other things I should check/replace would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Aaron

 

[toybox]

Two months ago I bought a silver 2003 4Runner Limited. It has 78000 miles, and as far as I can tell has never had the transmission fluid changed. Should I do this now? At what mileage should it be changed? A mechanic told me recently that if a vehicle had not had the transmission fluid changed by 75000 miles or so, not to change it at all because it might cause problems. Is this true? Any help or advice in this area and/or other things I should check/replace would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Aaron

If you search "maintenance schedule" you should find all the info on what should be done and when. I don't know the specifics of the tranny maintenance but you should find that within the info also.

I've heard what your mech. said before and I really don't know if it is an 'ole wives tale' or not. At 75k miles I would assume it is still safe to change.

 

[TheBlueWave]

Re: Re: transmission fluid advice

I've heard what your mech. said before and I really don't know if it is an 'ole wives tale' or not. At 75k miles I would assume it is still safe to change. [/B][/QUOTE]

The maintenance schedule for my '05 says that the fluid should be inspected at 60k and 120k miles. It should be replaced if the vehicle is used in "extreme conditions" such as dusty areas, frequent towing, ect. It says that the fluid should only be replaced if you drive in these conditions often, not occasionally. The fluid is Toyota Genuine ATF WS, which is a synthetic fluid designed for long life in sealed AT's. That's probably why there's no dipstick (in my '05 at least), so you don't contaminate the fluid and call for frequent changes, which is expensive.
Go ahead and change it if you want, just be sure to use the right fluid.

 

[toybox]

Re: Re: Re: transmission fluid advice

'03 did not have the sealed tranny and did not have the lifetime fluid. Regardless I don't think your too far past the recommended service to worry about doing it now.

The maintenance schedule for my '05 says that the fluid should be inspected at 60k and 120k miles. It should be replaced if the vehicle is used in "extreme conditions" such as dusty areas, frequent towing, ect. It says that the fluid should only be replaced if you drive in these conditions often, not occasionally. The fluid is Toyota Genuine ATF WS, which is a synthetic fluid designed for long life in sealed AT's. That's probably why there's no dipstick (in my '05 at least), so you don't contaminate the fluid and call for frequent changes, which is expensive.
Go ahead and change it if you want, just be sure to use the right fluid.

 

[greasefingers]

I have the scheduled maintenance guide for my 2003 runner (the blue book labeled Passport) The 2003 models did not come with the super-duper coolant or AFT.

It is not written very well IMO. Not once is there any mention of replacing the tranny, transfer case, or the diff fluids!! This for Normal Driving Conditions.

They do however list replacement schedules for owners who drive under Special Operating Conditions (demanding conditions like off-roading and towing) I sort of follow this schedule. I change my coolant, diffs, TC, and tranny at each 30,000 mile interval. I do the work myself so it

 

[TheBlueWave]

Quote: If you love your t4r ... then change it

Damn skippy!:awais: