Hey guys need some help. Ive got an 03 T4R sport 4.0 v6 with 100k miles, under normal driving conditions it says dont change TRANS FLUID, to my knowledge it hasn't, Ive got different answers from Toyota mechanics, some say change it, some say don't, b/c it could cause dammage. It still shifts smooth and runs like new and i would like it to continue.WHAT SHOULD I DO.
Transmission Fluid Flush @ Fill
- Thread starter retco
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CJ3Flyr
Super Moderator
retco said:
Do it! Ideally you may have done it a little earlier but doing it is well worth it. In the old days if you had a Turbo 350 or C4 that had 100-150k and the fluid had never been changed the gamble was: Will the new fluids detergent cause scum to start circulating and clear build-ups from seals causing leaks and or gum-up valves? That doesn't hold true anymore except in extreme circumstances. With mostly normal driving and 100k you should change it. If you change at between 50-60k from now on the transmission will probably outlast your ownership of the vehicle, even if you're shooting for 200k. :cheers:
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greasefingers
New member
I would drain it and refill with Toyota AFT T-IV (this was the original for the first year) I have done mine twice so far with 91,000 miles on her. It will drain about 4 to 5 quarts at $ 4.71/qt.
The way to tell what type of aft fluid is in there, is if you have a a tranny dip stick. If so then Type T-IV is used.
The way to tell what type of aft fluid is in there, is if you have a a tranny dip stick. If so then Type T-IV is used.
CJ3Flyr
Super Moderator
retco said:
- I don't know about damage reports.
-Flush and Fill this time and catch it every 30-40k hereafter with a drain & fill. That's how I'd handle it.
-$187 compares with $99 to $129 @ a quick lube type place. Considering it's the dealer (using the correct spec fluid) rather than an $8/hour kid who doesn't care, is probably using a cheap fluid and is paid on commision I vote for the dealer. $187 isn't horribly outrageous. Good luck! :cheers:
00328
Senior Member
If you are lucky enough to have a dip stick, what I have done in the past, is to find some tubing that will fit down into the dip stick tube, then get a drill pump and pump out the fluid.
Probably only get out about 4 or 5 qts. Refill with fresh and drive it for about 1K miles. Then repeat, maybe a couple more times.
It's relatively cheap and easy.
Sure wish my 4R had a dip stick.
Probably only get out about 4 or 5 qts. Refill with fresh and drive it for about 1K miles. Then repeat, maybe a couple more times.
It's relatively cheap and easy.
Sure wish my 4R had a dip stick.
greasefingers
New member
Just remove the transmission drain plug and fill thru the dipstick.
I would never recommend a flush. Simply drain and refill. If you want a more thorough change, then repeat this process on the following weekend or whenever is convenient.
I would never recommend a flush. Simply drain and refill. If you want a more thorough change, then repeat this process on the following weekend or whenever is convenient.
Greasefingers so just drain @ Fill that sounds like the best option, was worried about the flush and fill b/c ive had so many different answers from TOYOTA MECHANICS. and a TOYOTA/LEXUS MECHANIC said if i have not been changing it at 30/60/90miles he wouldn't do a flush at all. Like i say runs drives and shifts like new but need that to continue. THANKS WHATS IT TAKE 5 QT OF T-IV
Tony Tacoma
New member
One may find this interesting, but if you go to the Toyota Canada website, Toyota recommends to change the fluid after 96,000 km. If it was at all harmful, they would not recommend the change.
If you change the transmission oil yourself, pick up the correct fluid at the Toyota dealer. This way you know for sure you have the right additives.
If you change the transmission oil yourself, pick up the correct fluid at the Toyota dealer. This way you know for sure you have the right additives.
simple
Senior Member
Hey good stuff guys. My trucks coming up on 45k...in a few months. I don't think the tranny fluid has been touched...ever. So at 55k, it would be a good idea to drain and fill my own fluid? Why don't you recommend the flush? Also...maybe a dumb question, but how do you know if you have the 1gr-fe, or the... I can't remember the other type (3something-fe?). I have an 04 v6.
Thanks gents.
Thanks gents.
I changed my trans fluid this weekend (61K miles). I was surprised at how dark the old fluid was. It didn't smell burnt and the trans functioned flawlessly but it was really dark. It took about 4.5 quarts to replaced what I drained. A question that I have, though, is that I cannot find anything in my owners manual or shop manuals on how to check the fluid. Usually an automatic trans needs to be at operating temp with the vehicle idling. I noticed on my trans dipstick that there are indicators and ranges for both cold and hot fluid temps. Can the fluid level be checked without my 4R running?
