Transmission Flush or Drain/Fill

[smokey7722]

I dropped my '05 off at a dealership to replace my timing belt among other things (and some warranty work) and I had asked about having the transmission fluid flushed. I've got about 83k on it right now and have not replaced or flushed the fluid before. They told me they would recommend a drain/fill rather than a full flush since it hasn't been done before claiming that sediment and other debris will come loose and damage the transmission. Given though that its a sealed system with high mileage synthetic oil, why would flushing it really be an issue? Especially if the machine they use isn't a high pressure system but one that replaces what it takes out while the engine is running?

I'd rather do a full flush assuming they are not using a high pressure system but wanted to get some feedback from others?

 

[jeober]

I asked my dealer to flush my trans (sealed) several years ago -- They couldn't do it, believe it or not. I did the flush myself using about 14 liters of WS fluid.

I believe your dealer wants to take the easier and less expensive route. While dropping the pan has the advantage of being able to inspect what's in the bottom, this approach replaces a only portion of the trans fluid. It would be like doing an oil change using only 2 quarts of new oil.

 

[smokey7722]

I asked my dealer to flush my trans (sealed) several years ago -- They couldn't do it, believe it or not. I did the flush myself using about 14 liters of WS fluid.

I believe your dealer wants to take the easier and less expensive route. While dropping the pan has the advantage of being able to inspect what's in the bottom, this approach replaces a only portion of the trans fluid. It would be like doing an oil change using only 2 quarts of new oil.

Yup thats exactly what I was thinking. Given the "low" mileage (for the fluid) and the sealed system I can't see crud being the issue if the correct machine is used. I'll try to catch them this morning and either make sure they do a full flush (depending on price) or tell them to forget it and I'll do it myself.

Thanks!

 

[jeober]

I used the WS fluid the first time I flushed at 60K several years ago. I plan to use Walmart's Dexron VI this spring. It is $3.77/quart.

 

[smokey7722]

Just had a discussion with the assistance service manager. They are going to get back to me on the price of a flush (depending on how much it is I may just have them do it as I don't really have time). He admitted he was incorrect originally when saying they recommend a drain/fill and that a flush is whats supposed to be done. Yeesh.

On a side note, I got myself a brand new master cylinder at 83k! Depressing the brake petal made this really weird sound usually and to be honest I can't recall the last time the ABS system activated. Gotta love extended warranties!

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I plan to use Walmart's Dexron VI this spring. It is $3.77/quart.

I don't know if Dexron Type VI is compatible. Is Dexron VI the correct viscosity? My understanding is part of what

 

[pettyj]

Do I really need to flush my transmission fluid

Hi, looking for help here. I just got a 2000 SR5 4x4 and it has 147K miles. I took it to a mechanic to get it checked over to make sure everything was in good condition. I knew it needed tires and that came up in the "diagnosis". They also recommended a trans flush and coolant flush as well as a standard tune up. I have read a lot about flushing vs drain/fill and I am wondering which one to do, if any at all. My sister got a flush before a road trip and during her road trip her transmission went out. That worries me. Any responses would be helpful, and I am new to the posting so I am not 100% sure how this works. Thank you!

 

[wm69]

Re: Do I really need to flush my transmission fluid

Hi, looking for help here. I just got a 2000 SR5 4x4 and it has 147K miles. I took it to a mechanic to get it checked over to make sure everything was in good condition. I knew it needed tires and that came up in the "diagnosis". They also recommended a trans flush and coolant flush as well as a standard tune up. I have read a lot about flushing vs drain/fill and I am wondering which one to do, if any at all. My sister got a flush before a road trip and during her road trip her transmission went out. That worries me. Any responses would be helpful, and I am new to the posting so I am not 100% sure how this works. Thank you!

I contacted Toytota of American and asked what the factory recommends (after one dealer said "flush" and another dealer said "don't flush").

The official Toyota response was "drain and fill"

I dropped the pan at 90K and replaced the screen, and then did 4 drain and fills over the next 4-500 miles, which will dilute the old fluid to the point where it will be mostly new fluid. To me this is a good compromise.

 

[pettyj]

Re: Re: Do I really need to flush my transmission fluid

I contacted Toytota of American and asked what the factory recommends (after one dealer said "flush" and another dealer said "don't flush").

The official Toyota response was "drain and fill"

I dropped the pan at 90K and replaced the screen, and then did 4 drain and fills over the next 4-500 miles, which will dilute the old fluid to the point where it will be mostly new fluid. To me this is a good compromise.

Thank you! I appreciate that. I have had more people tell me to drain & fill instead of flushing it so I think I will do that but take it to a transmission place instead of the "shop" just to make sure it gets done right. I for sure can't do it myself. I would hate for something to get messed up on it when I have only had for like a week!

 

[wm69]

Re: Re: Re: Do I really need to flush my transmission fluid

Thank you! I appreciate that. I have had more people tell me to drain & fill instead of flushing it so I think I will do that but take it to a transmission place instead of the "shop" just to make sure it gets done right. I for sure can't do it myself. I would hate for something to get messed up on it when I have only had for like a week!

Found the email...

Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

We appreciate your interest in properly maintaining your 2001 4Runner and apologize for the delay in responding to your email.

According to our records, you contacted us by telephone on December 10th regarding your transmission maintenance inquiry. At that time we advised you that Toyota's recommendation is to drain and fill and not to do a flush of the transmission.

If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us.

Toyota Customer Experience

As for changing the fluid, it is easier than changing your oil. Pull the drain plug, let it drain, put plug back in, refill through dipstick.

You need to measure what drains out and put the same amount back in, but other than that it is a snap. Just like changing your oil but you don't have to mess with a filter.

If you WANT to change the screen in the pan, you drop the pan (just drain, then unbolt it; very easy) clean the pan out, the screen is held in by 3-4 bolts, then bolt the new one in, and bolt the pan back up.

It really is THAT easy. If you've ever changed your own oil you can do this.

ATF will run you about $20 for a drain and fill, and the shops around here charge $79 for just doing a drain and fill, which is a complete rip-off given that they charge $30 for an oil change, which is essentially doing the same thing.