What's your transmission servicing regime?

[SurferUK]

Hopefully this comes out as a poll, I thought it would be interesting to see. I know technically it should be 30,001 and 60,001 on some lines but come on

1. Never do anything!
2. Drain and fill every 30,000 miles or sooner
3. Drain and fill every 30,000 miles to 60,000 miles
4. Drain and fill in excess of 60,000 miles
5. Full fluid exchange every 30,000 miles or sooner
6. Full fluid exchange 30,001 miles to 60,000 miles
7. Full fluid exchange in excess of 60,000 miles
8. Drain and fill and change filter every 30,000 miles or sooner
9. Drain and fill and change filter every 30,000 miles to 60,000 miles
10. Drain and fill and change filter in excess of 60,000 miles
11. Full fluid exchange and change filter every 30,000 miles or sooner
12. Full fluid exchange and change filter 30,000 miles to 60,000 miles
13. Full fluid exchange and change filter in excess of 60,000 miles

 

[y=mx+b]

Might be too late now, but wonder if it would be beneficial to add a differentiation between draining and filling exactly what came out or using temp check mode to fill to the proper level.

Some just put exactly the amount that came out back in as new and I don't like that method. If the fluid level wasn't correct before, then just refilling what came out doesn't ensure its at the correct level

 

[SurferUK]

Might be too late now, but wonder if it would be beneficial to add a differentiation between draining and filling exactly what came out or using temp check mode to fill to the proper level.

Some just put exactly the amount that came out back in as new and I don't like that method. If the fluid level wasn't correct before, then just refilling what came out doesn't ensure its at the correct level

15 is the maximum number of entries in a poll, personally I will always use the temp check mode, just as I would double check the engine oil with the dipstick after an engine oil change...It's a good point but I can't imagine not doing that while all the tools are out etc!

I haven't voted myself as all I have done is the full exchange when I first got the truck, so it'll be interesting to see what the 'winning' entry is.

 

[y=mx+b]

15 is the maximum number of entries in a poll, personally I will always use the temp check mode, just as I would double check the engine oil with the dipstick after an engine oil change...It's a good point but I can't imagine not doing that while all the tools are out etc!

I haven't voted myself as all I have done is the full exchange when I first got the truck, so it'll be interesting to see what the 'winning' entry is.

I agree and it wasn't too difficult to do the level check mode. I did a drain and fill and level check mode when I added my trans cooler and will do another sometime between 30k and 60k unless I get a random trans overheat

 

[Ripper238]

What's the difference between "Full fluid exchange" and "Drain and fill"?

 

[SurferUK]

What's the difference between "Full fluid exchange" and "Drain and fill"?

Drain and fill means just draining the 'sump', not the lines and torque convertor.

Full fluid exchange is all the ATF via the cooling lines (Or a full flush with a machine if applicable)

 

[Bluesky 07]

What's the difference between "Full fluid exchange" and "Drain and fill"?

Adding to the response above, the drain and fill is a partial measure whereas all fluid is replaced in a full exchange.

 

[wsgoat]

Full fluid exchange via the cooling lines every (+/-) 100k.

 

[SurferUK]

Full fluid exchange via the cooling lines every (+/-) 100k.

It won't be reflected in the poll as you went for the joker option (What's a transmission?) but cheers...

 

[Bluesky 07]

Full fluid exchange via the cooling lines every (+/-) 100k.

This, though I may reduce to ~75K miles since it's so easy to do and because my plan for disposing of my 4Runner is someone buying it from my estate.

 

[Ripper238]

Drain and fill means just draining the 'sump', not the lines and torque convertor.

Full fluid exchange is all the ATF via the cooling lines (Or a full flush with a machine if applicable)

Adding to the response above, the drain and fill is a partial measure whereas all fluid is replaced in a full exchange.

Thanks. They both sounded like the same exact thing.

I will be doing a Full fluid exchange at ~60k. Its what the dealer suggested. But they also suggested replacing pads at 4mm and change brake fluid every 30k.

Back in the day i did a 20k Drain and fill on my Acura for the first 200k, then let it ride to 300k.

 

[SurferUK]

This, though I may reduce to ~75K miles since it's so easy to do and because my plan for disposing of my 4Runner is someone buying it from my estate.

From memory, you're running Maxlife aren't you?

 

[Bluesky 07]

From memory, you're running Maxlife aren't you?

No, WS. I'm not a Maxlife hater or anything, it just doesn't make sense to me that one fluid can fit so many different manufacturers' standards. But that view may simply be a product of my ignorance about the science of fluid dynamics and/or hydraulics. On the other hand, that professor on YT whose whole life seems to be studying transmission fluid says the same thing. In any case, I can get WS for about USD 8 a quart (at least at present) so while it's more costly than Maxlife, it's not prohibitively so.

 

[bob3dsf]

Full fluid exchange via the cooling lines every (+/-) 100k.

Same here.

 

[Drcoffee]

Full fluid exchange with synthetic Amsoil ATF, add a Magnefine inline filter, add a tranny cooler and run it 100,000 miles until next full exchange. Swap out the Magnefine filter every 50,000 miles.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Full fluid exchange with synthetic Amsoil ATF, add a Magnefine inline filter, add a tranny cooler and run it 100,000 miles until next full exchange. Swap out the Magnefine filter every 50,000 miles.

I think we had something like this conversation, but kindly indulge me. IIRC, you check the filter after changing and have found 50K to be a reasonable interval? Asking b/c that's a coming mod for me but info I've found on the Magnefine suggests 25-30K intervals. I have no issue going 50K if your checks have found it practical.

 

[4-Funner]

Full fluid exchange via the cooling lines every (+/-) 100k.

+1 This at 100k & getting ready to do my ~200k, except I also did a drain and fill at 150k, so had to pick 'other' in the poll.

FWIW I also pulled the pan to clean the magnets and replace the filter at 100K. Haven't decided yet if I'm going to do that again this time, or ever. I've seen people discount the need to change the filter since it's just a screen, which is what it is, but mine sure needed it when I changed it the first time. Was so filled with crap I didn't ever think the trans was going to last another 100k, but here I am. Glad I didn't skip it.

I also have done the timing belt/water pump on the 4.7L at 100k/200k. Took care of that already and now just waiting for the groundhog's curse to let up a bit so I can tackle the trans full flush & diff/transfers while I'm at it since these days it'll have to be a driveway job. I've got to get around to adding mobile bases to some new additions to my woodworking tools so I can ever fit a vehicle back in the garage again. lol

 

[Drcoffee]

I think we had something like this conversation, but kindly indulge me. IIRC, you check the filter after changing and have found 50K to be a reasonable interval? Asking b/c that's a coming mod for me but info I've found on the Magnefine suggests 25-30K intervals. I have no issue going 50K if your checks have found it practical.

The chances of the filter clogging are slim to none on our trucks. The filter has a built in bypass for safety. But the filter element is paper fiber. So out of caution, I just make sure to swap it out at 50,000 miles. I have been using these filters since 2000 and never seen a failure inside the filter. I let the filter drain over a few days and then cut them open each time I remove one just to see whats up in my tranny. You would be shocked what the magnet catches that would otherwise be circulating in the fluid. Well Worth the money.

 

[Bluesky 07]

The chances of the filter clogging are slim to none on our trucks. The filter has a built in bypass for safety. But the filter element is paper fiber. So out of caution, I just make sure to swap it out at 50,000 miles. I have been using these filters since 2000 and never seen a failure inside the filter. I let the filter drain over a few days and then cut them open each time I remove one just to see whats up in my tranny. You would be shocked what the magnet catches that would otherwise be circulating in the fluid. Well Worth the money.

Thanks. Is it necessary to top off the fluid level after changing it out? Also, where is yours mounted?

 

[Drcoffee]

Thanks. Is it necessary to top off the fluid level after changing it out? Also, where is yours mounted?

I have one on the transmission line top of radiator and power steering return line to reservoir. They are so small there is no reason to top off the fluid.