Transmission fluid change.

[T133]

I have gone throught all post regarding trans oil change on V8 models but did not get definitive answer on how if at all we can change the oil.

I see from the posts that V8 models have sealed transmission which is supposed to last lifetime of the vehicle. But some mentioned that you need to hancge it at 100K and actually have done so.

Is this true, than how am I supposed to drain and fill the oil?

Mine is 04 Sport V8.

 

[007Runner]

There are severe service guidelines for the transmission fluid change. The dealer or a transmission shop is best for this because they have a machine that can suck out like 99% of the fluid. You don't get close to this if you just drain it normally.

 

[T133]

There are severe service guidelines for the transmission fluid change. The dealer or a transmission shop is best for this because they have a machine that can suck out like 99% of the fluid. You don't get close to this if you just drain it normally.

Thats true, but I was thinking not to do complete flush but to replace as much old fluid as I can over the time.

 

[leftyrb]

The transmission fluid changed is recommended at 64,000 km. For $129 Cdn the dealer can do the flush and refill.

 

[T133]

The transmission fluid changed is recommended at 64,000 km. For $129 Cdn the dealer can do the flush and refill.

What about the sealed oil that should not be changed at all I keep on seeing on this forums? I thought even dealership does not touch V8 transmission fluid.

 

[toto]

You're seeing conflicting messages because while the Toyota manual does not recommend changing the fluid at all, they do tell you to inspect it, and "inspect" means "change only if needed".

Because past vehicles called for you to change it regularly but the "sealed" transmission does not, it's still hard to believe that you would never have to change the fluid. Rather than inspect, some people on the forum are just changing it at regular intervals.

The process for changing the fluid in this transmission is much different than for transmissions with a dipstick. There are two holes in the trans - an overflow outlet on the bottom and a filler hole on the side. If you remove the overflow plug on the bottom, you will get hardly any fluid out. That's because it's an overflow tube, and not a simple drain hole. The only way you'll get fluid out is to overfill it with new fluid. Checking for the correct level of fluid is also tricky, as the fluid has to be warmed up to a certain temperature. It's got plenty of fluid in it when the only fluid coming out of the overflow at the given temperature is fluid you're putting in.

If you're going to have this done, I would only take it to a Toyota dealer. Because of the added complexity of checking for the right amount of fluid, I wouldn't take it to anyone who is not experienced with this trans on a Toyota vehicle.

 

[T133]

Thanks toto for clarification.
I thought it was easier than what you described, at least from the other posts it seemed easy.

I have got few question hopefully someone can answer:

How to check the fluid?

What to check for?

Can the oil be changed by someone
who has already done diff oil change?

And, can anyone provide with detailed guide on how to change it, if needed?

 

[Koz]

The reason you don't have to change the fluid is because it is a proprietary synthetic fluid and it should last the life of the vehicle unless it gets overheated from severe conditions such as towing over the wait limit. If the fluid needs attention there is an idiot light on the dash that will alert you. Do yourself a favor and leave it be, unless it needs attention. You can, as recommended, check the level and add if needed. Just remember the fluid is a Toyota ONLY fluid (WS) and can NOT be substituted!

Koz

 

[T133]

The reason you don't have to change the fluid is because it is a proprietary synthetic fluid and it should last the life of the vehicle unless it gets overheated from severe conditions such as towing over the wait limit. If the fluid needs attention there is an idiot light on the dash that will alert you. Do yourself a favor and leave it be, unless it needs attention. You can, as recommended, check the level and add if needed. Just remember the fluid is a Toyota ONLY fluid (WS) and can NOT be substituted!

Koz

Well I have that idiot light and want to check the fluid myself.