To flush or not to flush trans.

stock 2010 4cyl 2.7l 2wd auto 130k
theres no dip stick so im not sure if the fluid level is even correct(frustrating) i was told its lifetime fluid but shouldnt it still be replaced and if im doing that shouldnt i just flush it.

 

so i did a little more reading and what i read was that since i bought the truck used with 100k already on it, and dont know if it has been flushed before that i shouldnt flush the tranny as it might push some debris into places its not wanted, but that i should rather check the fluid and just replace it.

if someone could just give me a second opinion to rather they agree or disagree with this statement that would be great

 

You sure you were reading the correct information for your truck ? You should have a 4 speed automatic
The 2.7 comes with the A340 series transmission and it should have a dipstick with a filler tube .
I have some information here that may help http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/te...warner-340-series-transmissions-write-up.html

The 6 cylinder with the 4 litre engine uses the 5 speed sealed A750 series transmission ( no dipstick )
EDIT . Nobody can answer your question without removing the transmission pan first .
Just because they did a flush and it worked for them at that mileage , doesnt mean it will work for you .
Removing the transmission pan is the first step when servicing an automatic transmission , especially a transmission that has not had services at the recommended service interval .

. Once the pan and filter have been removed , you determine if the transmission can be flushed by the amount of contamination in the pan and filter . If you skip this step and go directly to a flush , you " can " create issues by moving the debris from the bottom of the pan into the valve body .

Purchase a pan gasket and new transmission fluid for your transmission model .
EDIT , remove the transmission screen and inspect it closely , clean it , check the rubber o-ring for nicks and cracks , lubricate the o-ring and put the screen back on .
According to Toyota , the trans uses Genuine Toyota type T-IV
http://www.customtacos.com/tech.old/...a/02600110.pdf

 

+1

Did you assume no dipstick OP?

 

yes i assumed there was no dip stick, from what someone else had said when i asked them if they had done theres.
thank you gearcruncher thats great info think ill wait till it warms up and i dont have to lay in the snow to drop the pan a take a look see.

 

I have heard from several reliable sources that the 4-speed automatic in the 2nd Gen Tacoma 4-cylinder has no transmission filter.

I just called my local Firestone service center and they looked it up in their system, confirming there is no filter in this transmission.

Does anyone know for sure? I just find it hard to believe.

On topic for the OP, I drained and refilled my transmission a few times back at 60k miles to change out 80% of the T-IV fluid. Will be doing again soon if I can get a confirmation that there's no filter. I think you would be OK draining and refilling once to get some fresh fluid in there. Drain and fill again in a few thousand miles. There is no need to remove the pan and open up the transmission if there's no filter to replace. My $0.02

 

^^^^^ This may help http://web.archive.org/web/20081209...athan-buchanan/93fsm/autotrans/24onvehicl.pdf

This may help as well http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/we...it&vehicleIdSearch=362994&searchedFrom=header

Sometimes it helps if you let tire shops do what they do best . I wouldn't trust them with transmission work or selling me anything for my transmission . Double check your reliable sources .
Now that we got this outta the way , its not necessarily a filter , but more like a screen . Screens also catch contaminates . Remove the screen and shine a flashlight inside looking for chunks of metal or clutch debris .I have rebuilt many of these transmissions (A340 series - 4speed )
Some parts suppliers will sell you a paper or cloth style filter to put back in place of the steel screen . Some shops say you get better filtering with a cloth style filter. There are advantages and disadvantages to both styles

 

Hopefully someone who has been inside one will confirm the situation, but I'm going to take a guess...........

I'm betting it does not have a replaceable filter. Meaning the filter can be pulled, cleaned and reinstalled. Hence, no P/N in the outside worlds systems.

OTOH, none of my 90's vintage Hondas had accessible filters either. Just a drain plug. So, it could be they don't.

Since I have one also, I'm interested in knowing.

Edit: Gearcruncher answered while I was typing. Thanks for the great link! And confirming that I had a good guess. But who'd have thought they'd have called it a 'strainer'?

 

thank you gearcruncher that is good info to know, still waiting for it to warm up so i dont have to lay in the snow but thats not going to be till may at this rate.