Advice needed on high mileage transmission oil change.

Hi, I recently purchased a '08 Tacoma from original owner with 173k hwy miles. I've seen service records for regular oil changes but the original owner doesn't remember when the transmission oil was changed. So it was likely done around 60k or not at all.

I've heard mixed advice from oil change and transmission service guys on whether it's wise to change the oil at this point as it might cause problems. As of now the transmission seems fine other than some "strong" shifting, which seems to be common among Tacoma owners. But if changing the oil would prolong the life of the transmission I certainly want to do it.

Any advice?

 

My understanding is that on a higher mileage tranny a drain and fill is more advisable than say a flush and fill.

My 05 has roughly 100k on its original fluid as well (original owner never did it) my plan is a drain and fill in the next couple weeks, another one mid summer, and a final one before winter. That should get most of the old stuff out and fresh stuff in.

 

Thanks for the response. I'm not sure yet, I was told by express oil change manager that they couldn't do it and that I should take it to a transmission shop or Toyota. He said DIY would be a major pain. Is this true?

If it's not much more difficult than a regular oil change I'd like to do it myself.

 

Thanks. I was told by the transmission shop over the phone, that at 173k they don't recommend changing it unless there's a problem. He did say if it was at 100k, It'd probably be safe to change it.

 

umm what? that makes no sense.

at 173k on original trans fluid.... id be inclined to drop the pan, replace the screen / filter (pretty sure the 5 speed auto has one) then fill her back up with all fresh fluid.

 

Not a tranny expert but my experience with 2 different ford's is do the tranny flush at high mileage after never being done before or doing after alot of miles and both tranny blew up within a month later so what I've figured is if it ain't broken don't fix it

 

Thanks for all the replies. This thread illustrates my dilemma very well. There are some seriously conflicting opinions on what to do in this situation. Keep it coming maybe we can come to a majority consensus.

 

Set up a poll for completely flush, slowly change fluid, or leave it alone see what you come up with

 

I've read 100's of these threads - drain & fill - DON'T flush.

 

I have heard these stories. If it were mine I would leave it alone..

 

Some are saying to drain and fill it. The problem is that most the oil, about two thirds, is in the converter and inside the valves so you are just adding a small amount of new oil to old oil. All you would get out of it would be what is laying in the pan. It would be like draining your motor oil and putting in two quarts of new oil and filling it the rest of the way with the old oil.
My advice is to leave it alone. As someone said if it ain't broke don't fix it.

 

A proper Hot / Cold test drive with a professional scanner at a reputable transmission shop .
Remove the transmission pan and inspect the debris on the magnets in the bottom of the pan .
Remove the screen style filter and inspect for particulates .
Determine what to do once the above has been performed .
Doesnt matter if the truck is new or has a million miles . This is the " ONLY " way to properly determine the condition of the transmission

 

this

 

Frankly I would leave it alone with that kind of mileage I have seen too many that stopped moving a couple of weeks after a change with high mileage. The new fluid will take the deposits off the frictions that has built up and probably lead to clutch failure. If it works fine don't "fix" it.

 

Thanks for all the replies. The truck drives fine, but like I stated it does shift "strong" (for lack of a better term) from 1st to second at times. It doesn't seem like anything is wrong, I just want to do what's best for prolonging the life of the vehicle. Seems like I'll be leaving it alone or proceeding only with a professional diagnosis. Any experience with AAMCO or Mr Transmission type shops? Would Toyota dealer be better?

 

Don't go to aamco took my truck there because it was slipping from 3rd to 4th gear got my truck back from them and couldn't go more than 30 mph it wouldn't shift to 3rd gear anymore I limped it home and bought a junk yard tranny and installed myself fuck aamco

 

Like stated above. If it ain't broke don't fix it. No need for paying someone to look at something that is not broke. If it shifts "strong" that is a benefit because most of Toyota's automatics shift too soft and that causes clutch wear. At 173K it means on average you only have about 75,000 miles until it needs rebuilt anyway. Just drive it and enjoy.

 

Follow gearcrunchers advise. He is in the transmission business.

Also...note the comment(s) about AAMCO transmission. Avoid any and every AAMCO transmission shop.

 

Like these 2 posts say, do not flush!
I had problems start after a flush, higher mileage Tacoma.

Listen to gc, he knows!

AAMCO, hell no!
Worked at one for a half a day, loaded my tools and left!
When I was young, had a AAMCO diagnose my '72 GMC, they said TH350 trans in it, rip offs, it had a TH400!
Guarantee the 400 wasn't going back in...

 

Get new fluid in the transmission, make sure its at proper level. this is not an Ford its not going to blow up with new fluid.