Transmission Fluid Change

I called the dealer today to find out how much it would be to get my fluid changed out, and that I needed to make an appt. They ask about my vehicle & tell me I have the world whatever lifetime fluid and I don't need to worry about it unless I'm 4wd or drive in harsh environment. So I go looking thru my manual and it says if you tow, then you need to get this done at 60K. Well, I bought the truck at around 63K and it now has 83K on it. I have no idea if this service was done at 60K or not, I could tell when I bought the truck it was taken care of very well, but something like that I would not be able to tell. Anyhow, I call back and tell them that my maintenance log says it needs changed because of towing. I have only towed a Uhaul trailer twice since having the truck but they were both pretty long trips (600+ miles). I have not towed otherwise. He says to do the flush with the world fluid (better then the basic fluid apparently) would cost around $300. I'm thinkin he's pullin my leg or something but that's what they charge. I was like uhhhh, I think I'll check around & find out prices from local shops first. Does this sound about right for the price of just replacing my fluid?? He did say it was for the flush, but they didn't change the filter or gasket (they don't do that anymore is what he said) but just the fluid. Sounds like bull to me & highway robbbery. I know the dealer is pricey but SERIOUSLY?!!

 

bump

 

That price is probably about right for the stealership. My buddy had his done on his 2006 4x4 and I dont remember what they charged him but I know he spent quite a bit.

 

I just don't understand the point of having this WS lifetime fluid if I have to get it changed out at regular intervals same as the regular fluid. The regular fluid flush he said was a little over $200 & the WS fluid around $300.

 

Call a local Transmission shop and get a quote from them.. The Stealership sounds like he is full of shit and doesn't even know it.. "World Fluid???" sounds like he is doing the work himself but is to lazy really..

 

Yeah I know what you mean, sounds like a joke to me. Try somewhere else and see what they have to say.

 

There is no such thing as "World Fluid" first of all. Like it was said, Hop in your truck, Find a reputable Transmission shop or if you can locate a Toyota specialist. Just not the dealer as they will rip you off and most likely do a half ass job. No offense to any toyota dealerships but mechanics know people are pretty uneducated when it comes to car parts and fluids and certain jobs, and unfortunely there are a lot of mechanics that will use that against you and fill you full of bullshit.

Once you find that good shop, Use it for the rest of your repairs and work on a bond between you and one of the employees at the shop, Preferably the owner/manager if you can.

Educate yourself on a tranny flush and then have a shop of your choice do it and then when you get your truck back, Check there work.

 

Toyota calls it "World Fluid". They could have called it A1 Steak Sauce if they wanted to. But here is the important thing:
There was a lot of work done between Toyota, a lubricant additive company, and the supplier of the base stock, and Toyota's transmissions are actually built around and in some respects, differently, because they use that fluid.
It is expensive, but it is different. No matter where you have the fluid changed, I would make sure that that fluid goes back in

 

It stands for World Standard. Supposedly, its the only fluid the can be used in the toyota automatics in the 2nd gens. I think there may be a compatible fluid, but its amsoil or something like it. DONT use a shitty trans. fluid or a shitty repair shop on this one. Take it to the dealer and make sure they flush it the right way using WS fluid. There is actually a process for this procedure where they have to warm it up to a certain temp. and blah bla blah..u know what im getting at. After they're done check under your truck to make sure the lines have been taken loose and they have flushed it.

300$ is absolutely stupid for that service. I had mine done at the dealer at 102k and it was 189$. Try to speak to a service advisor who actually tries to know what he's doing. There is also a sticky for this if you just want to do a drain and refill

 

Actually, I think they call it "World Standard".
Gasp! They even use it in the Prius.

 

Thanks for the info, I think the guy on the phone was pretty unsure of the whole procedure as he had to go ask someone about it while I was on hold for like 5 min or so. I thought I saw on here somewhere that there was a gasket or filter that req replacement but he told me "they don't do that anymore" which sounded suspect to me. I just want it done right especially at that price! I'LL continue to research this & call other dealers nearby & local reputable toyota shops as well. I do as much maintenance in my own driveway as possible but because of this being a sealed transmission I figured it was best to let the "experts" do it.

 

Buy the Amsoil fluid in bulk and do it yourself.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/68462-diy-full-flush-automatic-transmission.html

 

I agree, but use the World Standard fluid.
They may be the same color, but there is a difference.

 

Some dealers don't do flushes for some reason.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...r-refused-transmission-flush.html#post4796901

 

No...

The V6 has a "sealed" trans... no dipstick, and it DOES use a Toyota-specific "WS" fluid that was designed to be a "lifetime" fill (and should probably be changed at 100k).
Using Dex-III, Dex-VI, or Toyota T-IV will damage the transmission.


Trans fluid change procedure is posted in a sticky here. You don't need a full flush... just a drain and refill is fine.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/63851-how-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.html

 

I stand corrected.

So WS in toyota's brand name for their ATF??

I read the write-up on the DIY fluid change. And I am wondering if any one has a picture of the inside of the tranny pan..

 

Toyota transmissions take WS, T-IV, or Dex-III depending on the transmission and the year.
T-IV started being phased in around the turn of the century.
My wife's 2000 Echo took T-IV, but I'm pretty sure my '03 Tundra still used Dex-III (not 100% positive).. T-IV remained a dealer-only item for a few years.

WS was introduced around 2004 or 2005 with the "sealed" transmissions.

Supposedly Amsoil now has compatible fluids for both T-IV and WS, but I would personally not trust them on the WS. They jumped the gun on Dex-VI in 2005 claiming compatibility with their Dex-III product, yet Mobil flat out stated that their Dex-III product was "totally incompatible" with Dex-VI applications.

That said, I did convert my Duramax to the Amsoil TorquDrive replacement for the Allison TranSynd (5 gallons of the stuff!).