transmission fluid problem

[natevans65]

Agree....11.6 qts for my 04 Sport V8. I do MOST of the work on my truck, but I threw in the white towel and had the dealership do a full WS fluid change. I could probably fumble with it....but they have the right tools/machine to pull it all out. I mentioned before, it was 146K on that "lifetime fluid" and I spoke to the mech who did the work and he said it came out pinkish...with a hue of dark red meaning it wasn't brand new looking and it certainly was not brownish. I asked, if it is lifetime fluid, why do you have to change it and he did not have an answer, however......he did say that as a mechanic he too would change it out due to wear n tear on the fluid itself. Can't "hurt" to replenish with nice clean fluid along with cleaning out the system itself.

 

[calgarypete]

Just to add what I did with my 05 V8 4X4.

I used a full synthetic fluid from BG its called 312.

I was able to fill it through the transmission cooler line using the top cooler line right off the factory cooler

I used the drain and fill method after 4 drain and fills of 3.5 litres its just about as clean as it can get. No mess and really easy other than the oil all I purchased is a good plastic transmission funnel.

 

[MikeInNH]

I used a full synthetic fluid from BG its called 312.

Just so you know..the WS (World Standard) transmission fluid IS full synthetic.

 

[DC runner]

Yep. And it is pretty hearty. I took a look at the fluid they pulled from my v8 at 115k miles. It was dark, but not burnt.

Definitely built longevity into it. I don't think I will wait for another 100k (I bought it at 111k) to change it, but it is pretty stout fluid. I think 40k or so is a reasonable time span. The fluid is obviously built around longevity.

That and the trans design is to keep the fluid under temp to begin with.

 

[calgarypete]

Yup I know its synthetic. The BG fluid also works in my other cars You might find it is less money and exceeds the standards of other factory fluids including WS.

I also use it for the power steering in all my cars.

IMHO this is a job any average do it your selfer can do but filling from the underside looked to be a bit of a pain.....

 

[MikeInNH]

You might find it is less money and exceeds the standards of other factory fluids including WS.

From my quick research....it's almost twice as expensive as the WS fluid from my toyota dealer.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I am highly suspicious of any fluid that calls itself, "All-in-One, Universally Compatible, Works for all Types" because usually its just blatant dishonesty.

 

[LEO98]

I'm nearing 60k and was starting weigh my options with respect to WS flush or refill, and whether to do it (drain) myself.

Got the following quotes from a dealer.

Drain/refill (pan) - $99.95
Flush - $228.00

ATFWS (1 qt) p/n 00289-ATFWS - $7.78

Just FYI, got quotes for coolant flush - $139.95
Super long life coolant (1 gal) - $21.95

 

[GMZ]

I just did a drain and fill and it took me about 20 mins start to finish, including clean up. I find it even easier than changing oil.

 

[LEO98]

GMZ, how much did you end up filling the pan?
Did you follow the manual in warming the fluid, etc. etc., shorting the two pins in the OBDII)? Just curious...

Also, how do I determine what transmission assembly I have, A750E or A750F, if it make a difference with refilling WS fluid?

 

[calgarypete]

From my quick research....it's almost twice as expensive as the WS fluid from my toyota dealer.

I paid 6$ per quart for it.

 

[DC runner]

I find it hard to trust "be all, end all" fluids as well. You either pick breadth or depth, and you usually have to sacrifice one for the other. Any fluid that claims to be able to do it all, usually doesn't do any well.

I would consider a direct alternative to WS Toyota, that was built to mirror and exceed. That said, Transmission fluid is such exact in how it operates. WS isn't that much different than normal DEXRON IV in terms of chemical composition, but that little difference is all that matters.

Anyway, this is just me really thinking out loud. In my weekend garage experience, the car world is one of the few places Snake Oil is going strong. A majority of Americans have such a small understanding of cars that when one blows up, no one knows why...
When I was younger I bought into a lot of that stuff but have since seen the reality.. Some work, most don't and many will do more harm than good if you don't know what is going on.

That and the "organic" herbal medicine industry.