valvoline transmission service thoughts...

[slofizz]

I've done this service before on my toyota sienna with 100K+ miles and nothing bad happened. Sienna is shifting nicely. I was wondering if any members has any experience with using this service. Background, the transmission was replaced on this truck about 60K miles ago by a toyota dealership, and I don't think the fluid has ever been changed based on the PO records. I did inspect the transmission fluid and the color wasn't terribly bad but it looks old. It shifts very smooth through all gears when first driving. As she heats up it still shifts pretty good just not as smooth. I've been experimenting with the ECT on mode, and I like it enabled. My transmission temp hit 204 during some stop and go traffic. But was in the 180-190 range when I got some open highway. I wondering if adding newer fluid would lower it. Thoughts?

 

[nc-grayson]

if it aint broke, dont fix it.

what are you using to measure trans temps?

 

[AntleredRuin]

Oddly enough, look at the tranny cable.
The adjustment on this cable definitely makes a difference in your shift harshness, which should slightly translate to tranny temperatures.

Does it shift into gear (reverse, drive, etc) harsher when warm also?

I'm betting that the people who replaced the tranny adjusted the cable slightly too tight, as pictured below.

With the description below, mine shifted fine when cold, but definitely got harsher as it warmed up.

First off, this is NOT a transmission kickdown cable; all it does is change the firmness of the shifts. If you want to shift firmer and more noticeably, then tighten the cable. If you want smoother shifts, then loosen the cable.
If you want to change WHERE you shift, then use the ECT button.

I had search far and wide through the other threads and could not find any post that really spelled out what exactly to look for when tightening the cables. As a result, I SUPER tightened my cable, and it felt like my tranny was going to effing explode. It would slam into each gear with enough force to rattle bones. So I backed it off quite a bit and now it's nice and smooth, but still tight.

So, picture time.

Here is how my Tranny cable WAS. As you Can see by the arrow, there's a bit of slack to it. I'm sure other people's may have more slack than mine did.

As per the instructions on this and other posts, I TIGHTENED it down. Note how far the nuts in the circle moved to the left on the cable. This is TOO TIGHT. Unless you like whiplash at every shift.

This is how it should look when properly tightened. The cable is not perfect (note the hint of slack) but it's not going to flop around and possibly cause your tranny to slip when changing gears either.

Adjusting this cable also affects the firmness of your shifts to Drive, Reverse, Park, etc. Tighter, and you'll lurch into gear. Looser, and it'll be smoother, like a Toyota should be.

I would recommend AGAINST doing a full tranny service. I doubt they put a NEW tranny in there, just a refurbed one.

Just do multiple drain and fills over the course of the next few weeks. This should refresh your fluid just fine.
I use Valvoline ATF MaxLife Full Synthetic and do a drain and fill every other oil change (8-10k) and my tranny purrs.

 

[thegipper]

I've done this service before on my toyota sienna with 100K+ miles and nothing bad happened. Sienna is shifting nicely. I was wondering if any members has any experience with using this service. Background, the transmission was replaced on this truck about 60K miles ago by a toyota dealership, and I don't think the fluid has ever been changed based on the PO records. I did inspect the transmission fluid and the color wasn't terribly bad but it looks old. It shifts very smooth through all gears when first driving. As she heats up it still shifts pretty good just not as smooth. I've been experimenting with the ECT on mode, and I like it enabled. My transmission temp hit 204 during some stop and go traffic. But was in the 180-190 range when I got some open highway. I wondering if adding newer fluid would lower it. Thoughts?

Everything sound normal to me. I would just do a couple drain and refills with some new fluid especially if you're saying that the fluid looks old.

You only get about 4 quarts out each time so I suggest doing it at least 2, probably 3 times.

As for fluid, I'm an Amsoil guy. Their signature series transmission fluid is amazing and has made every vehicle I've used it in shift like it was new. It is expensive though (13/quart).

Don't forget to get a new crush washer on the drain plug if you do decide to change the fluid. Just keep reusing the old one until your final change, then put the new washer on it.

 

[potomacduck]

I change 4-5 quarts at every oil change....so, every 10,000 miles. I use the Castrol foreign car ATF, it seems to work well. Synthetic ATF is a waste of money in my opinion.

400K and no problems yet.

.

 

[Rock_Rat]

Whatever you decide to do, as [MENTION=129892]AntleredRuin[/MENTION] said, DO NOT do a complete tranny flush. Check out my post from a recent visit to Broadway Toyota in Portland Tranny Flush and Coolant info

Just increase the frequency of your oil changes and do a drain and fill at the same time. You'll sleep better at night.