Transmission Flush or just change fluid in '04 V8?

D

dave4242

Member
I have an '04 V8 4Runner Limited. It has about 72,000 miles and has never had any transmission fluid changes. I do not tow anything and only use 4Lo a few times a winter just to keep the mechanism operating smoothly.
I've been reading the forum about getting my sealed transmission fluid changed. Should I go for the fluid change at $89 or the flush at $229? Not sure what I need. About a year ago, I brought it in for an engine oil change, and they told me the fluid was "dirty" when they checked transmission fluid. But I did not have it done at that time. Thanks.
 
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Toyota says the WS run sealed trannys don't need to be flushed/changed until 100k miles. Most agree that its silly to wait that long and have it done earlier.
Who told you its dirty, a dealership, private shop or a jiffylube type place?
Others correct me if I am wrong since I have the non-seal tranny but if you pull the pan plug nothing will come out so you either have to drop the pan or drain it from the cooler lines.

If you have never had the oil in the transfer case and differentials changed, it's about time.
 
When I took it in for an engine oil change, the Toyota tech brought out a piece of paper with dirty oil on it. Should I get the drain and fill ($89) or flush ($229)?
 
I had mine flushed at 95k miles. I didn't notice any difference in performance. I think it is just the fresh additive package (e.g., anti-corrosives) that is needed most. I imagine the flush helps remove the last remnants of old fluid, which gives the new fluid a fresh start (e.g., the additives don't have to immediately neutralize stuff in leftover old fluid). Just my opinion...no expert here. :-)
 
The sealed transmissions do not have a dip stick, most have a drain plug and an inspection plug. The inspection procedure involves getting the transmission to a certain temperature, opening the inspection plug and verifying proper fluid level via the amount if fluid dribbling down the tube. I'll try to get the written procedure for you guys later today since I am at work.

You probably will not notice a big improvement in performance unless your fluid is really contaminated and transmission very dirty. What changing the fluid does is flush the friction material and metal deposits from the clutch packs and drums. It also increases the longevity of the transmission by providing proper lubrication and additives to preserve longevity and reliability, same as an oil change for the engine.

If you have the money, do the flush. A simple change just drains a couple quarts, the flush exchanges all the fluid. When you just drain the pan, over half the fluid is still in the valve body, solenoids, and torque converter.
 
Seems reasonable to me, I paid $241 out the door for mine.
 

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vvs75 said:
or you can DIY at half price.
Click to expand...

Without a tranny flush machine or pulling and draining the pan, torque converter, and tranny cooler you won't get the majority of the fluid out. Not to mention if it is a sealed transmission, you need to have the proper information for checking the fluid level. These sealed transmissions are sensitive to being under or over filled by even as little as half a quart, Toyota says even that little an amount difference can cause harsh shifting and possibly damage components.
 
Thanks for the info BlackWorksInc!
Looking at the fill/reservoir device listed in the TSB how is that used to do a flush? Or is that only for the fill?
 
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