Transmission question

[blakjack23]

First of all, this is a great site, I'm mostly a reader but I've learned a lot on here.

I have a black 2007 Sport V6 4wd with 145k. Still runs great and I still love it!

I have a little problem though. I took my truck in at 110k to a local shop to get some maintenance done as I figured since it was past 100k it was a good time. I had the diffs and transfer case fluids done, radiator flushed and they suggested a transmission flush too. At the time I assumed that was a good thing to do.

Since I tow my boat (2000 lbs) a couple times a week I figured after another 30k I would get the tranny flushed again. Well after reading all the posts on here about the sealed tranny and the 'lifetime' (debatable) fluid I pulled out my old paperwork from the past maintenance. (see attached photo). I'm guessing they took out the lifetime fluid and put in regular tranny fluid.

I'm just wondering what I should do now? Have a dealer do a machine flush and refill with Toyota fluid or have them do a drain and fill with Toyota fluid? Or just leave it alone for now?

My Transmission is fine, but sometimes I do feel it could be a tad smoother.

I appreciate any and all advice.

 

[GLP]

At $3.95 a quart, the previous fluid exchange was not likely done with Toyota fluid. I would get all the fluid exchanged with Toyota fluid (not a drain and fill). It doesn't need to be flushed, just exchanged. I believe they pump it out when doing a full exchange. A flush is different, I wouldn't get that done.

 

[DC runner]

Have Toyota re-do a fluid exchange.

 

[Atlanta_man]

The additive is a tip off that they used one of those money maker flush machines. Even some Toyota specialist repair shops use 'em but at least they (claim to) use the correct fluid.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Considering Toyota is the only source of WS Fluid at the moment and there are NO Toyota Approved alternatives (Amsoil makes a WS Fluid, but it is not licensed by Toyota but I personally would trust it) so that price is very very wrong. We charge about $9-10 (my employee cost is about $7-8) per quart to a customer for WS fluid, I doubt a shop is getting it cheap enough to sell it at that price. Also Toyota isn't too keen on using additives in their WS Transmissions last I heard, we don't do it at the dealer and I think there may have been something in the FSM about it.

Chances are they used a generic "universal ATF" to save money, at which point I would take it back to the shop and have them show you what they used and also how they performed the service. Toyota does not want you using a Transmission Fluid Flushing Machine on WS transmissions (which is what it looks like they did) and I'm going to assume they most likely did not do a proper fluid level check procedure afterwards. Check the bottle they show you, if its not Genuine Toyota WS Fluid, they have used the wrong fluid and are liable for any and all damages to the transmission as a result and voided the vehicle's warranty (if it is still subject to Toyota Powertrain Warranty). They need to now do a full flush of the system with fresh WS Fluid which will take about 12+ quarts to do properly and hopefully will flush out the bad stuff.

Now, there is the possibility that their "Universal ATF" has a manufactuer warranty that covers any failures that are related to the fluid (Valvoline has this statement and is supplementary to the Toyota Warranty since their fluid is not "Toyota Approved". In that case, then I would call the company and make sure the warranty will apply should something happen to the vehicle.

In any case, that shop did not do the proper work on your vehicle and used the wrong fluid according to what they billed you for. My recommendation is you have the shop pay for a proper transmission fluid flush of at least about 12qts of WS fluid and have it done at a reputable dealership because they obviously are not doing repairs as per specifications and I wouldn't trust them.

 

[ddnww]

so am i understanding correct that the trans fluid doesnt need to be changed.

 

[having fun]

so am i understanding correct that the trans fluid doesnt need to be changed.

Toyota says this as it is supposed to be life time fluid.


The last drain and fill I had done, you could see the slight color change (brownish/yellow) tint to the fluid.

What do you think?

 

[ddnww]

Toyota says this as it is supposed to be life time fluid.


The last drain and fill I had done, you could see the slight color change (brownish/yellow) tint to the fluid.

What do you think?

What mileage did you do it at.

 

[having fun]

What mileage did you do it at.

I do believe 90k.

First time also, I probably have 5k in towing a tandem axle trailer 7k.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

so am i understanding correct that the trans fluid doesnt need to be changed.

Toyota says its "Lifetime Fluid" and never needs to be changed. Then they say in the manual; "Severe Driving requires Transmission Fluid Service at 60k, followed by 30k change intervals."

There's no evidence to support ANY of these "Lifetime Fluid" claims (Toyota isn't the only one), and I've gone into a lot of detail in related threads about why WS is NOT a "Lifetime Fluid" and how unless ATF technology has somehow made leaps and bounds it really doesn't last past about 100k under normal driving.

At best its a "Long Life" fluid, but then again... maybe Toyota sees 100k as the vehicle's life expectancy?

 

[blakjack23]

Thanks for the answers guys. I have an appointment tomorrow at Toyota to get the proper fluid back in there. Then hopefully I won't have to worry about the Transmission ever again.