4.0 Automatic Transmission Service Recommendations

I have a 2009 4.0 Automatic with the tow package cooler. I generally perform my own maintenance, but even after reading the detailed how-tos, I don't feel comfortable messing with this "sealed" transmission. I have limited space and time, so doing it myself is not an option.

That said, I'm approaching 90k and about ready to have my transmission fluid flushed and filled. Toyota is asking about $225.00 for the full service (plus their typical nickel and dime shop fees). I called some chain and mom/pop shops and they quoted me much lower. Midas was the lowest, around $120.00.

Is there any reason to pay the premium for Toyota? Should I be wary of letting someplace like Midas work on my transmission?

Thanks!

 

That is a tough one I am sure like me you don't know or want to the work yourself. Don't know who could trust more the Stealership, or the Chain Store. Anybody local to you that can help you on the cheap? I am gonna be asking someone local soon to change my 2 diff fluids, and tranny fluid. As I have no idea or desire to be crawling around underneath to do it

 

I'm relatively new to TacoWorld so I'm not sure if this applies here too... But there's a big difference between a tranny fluid flush versus a drain and fill. Neither one I'd do on my own either but a drain & fill is preferable to me and probably cheaper too.

The difference is that a drain and fill will replace a portion of the fluid versus a flush replacing 100% of the fluid. Therefore, a drain and fill is less invasive or less of a shock if that make sense. The idea is a bit of the old fluid left in the tranny will mix with the new fluid resulting in a mild transition. And I don't know about your Midas but I certainly would trust a local indy to do something as simple as a drain and fill on my truck when it gets there.

 

Diffs and transfer case drain and fill are VERY SIMPLE, I do it on my Tacoma and Tundra every 30k. I never do the trans myself and usually do a full flush and filter replacement. However, I agree with Buzzkill where if you haven't done it in 90k miles I would definitely stick with the simple drain and fill.

 

Thanks, guys!

@buzzkill911, I called Midas back to clarify and theirs is just a drain/fill even though they call it a flush. Toyota's is a full flush. Explains the price difference.

@mwc273, good point, I mentioned that my transmission was sealed to Midas and it turns out they don't mess with them anyway.

@Tacorazy, I've done my transfer and diffs myself, but the sealed transmission scares me. Is there any reason you wouldn't do the full flush at 90k?

 

See the "shock" comment buzzkill made. Over time there are foreign particles created as the trans fluid breaks down that lodge into the gears of your transmission and essentially become part of the transmission. As you flush the transmission with new fluid and detergent those particles become dislodged and can really mess things up in there. I had a Ford F350 (albeit an older one) that I bought with 100k miles. First thing I did was take it in for a trans flush and within 3 miles it started shifting hard and deteriorated to the point where i had to have it rebuilt. Many shops will tell you to do nothing with it if it hasn't been changed prior to 90-100k miles. Having said that, I have had multiple dealers and Tundra owners tell me that my 07 Tundra does not need a flush until 100k miles. That trans is built very well and I have a HD trans cooler, so I believe them, but I am still just going to do a drain and fill at that time. Hope that helps.

 

Right on. Definitely makes sense. One of the local shops I called today mentioned this, but said I would be alright if I brought it in ASAP. I just assumed he wanted my money ASAP, haha. I'm currently sitting at 84k.

 

The flush on the tacoma tranny is actually recommended at 60k miles.

I definitely wouldn't have anyone do it except an experienced toyota dealership that is familiar with this type of tranny. A $100 saved isn't worth the price of a new tranny.

 

I've been asking the same thing and have gotten different opinions about the service. Part of me just wants to leave it alone and hope nothing happens while I am in the possession of the truck. Toyota states that the transmission never needs to be serviced under normal use. It's strange to me, but I'm thinking about crossing my fingers and hope for the best. After all, it is a Toyota. My mother's 4Runner has 213,000 without any transmission work and it still shifts properly!

 

I got the same response when I inquired about the transmission fluid change. Of course I've only got 18k on mine so that is quite a way off. They "told" me it never need's changed because they use "world fluid" or some shit like that. I'm not comfortable with that personally and will have it changed once it comes time. "Where and who" I let do it is still up in the air.

As far as the Rear Diff fluid... That is a simple job and I change mine ever other oil change along with greasing the Drive Shafts for the front and rear. Rear Diff probably takes maybe 10 mins tops.

 

Yeah I've already changed the rear diff fluid. It was super easy, so I'm going to do it again in another 60k. (I'm running synthetic) The transmission service is just risky, especially in my case. I'm at 105k, so I don't want to risk changing it and develop slippage. This is just my belief, but if the transmission can make it to 100k without service, does it really need to be replaced? I understand that all fluids deteriorate, but am I really going to get much more longitivity out of the transmission by changing it at this point?

 

I'm in the same boat as you my friend. I plan on keeping this truck until the wheels fall off and "no" fluid last forever (no matter what Toyota says). I will get it done but I want it done correctly. Now... who's going to do that is up in the air at this point. I pointed out in another thread that I couldn't even trust them to rotate the tires when I had my 2011 with the 25k free maintenance twice. I've got the 25k free maintenance on my 13 but I refuse to take it into the dealership unless it is something that I absolutely can not fix myself. I do ALL my own maintenance on my truck. That way I know it is done and done correctly.

 

Okay Taco Peeps who wants to come change all my diff fluids? I have money ,or beer and food.

 

Dude... It's simple. Especially the rear diff. You can't be that lazy?

 

Nothing about lazy bro but thanks

 

k

 

I don't wrench let alone have the tools, or the know how. Plus I am afraid I would screw something up

 

I bought my truck new last year and I think I'm just gonna do 30k drain and fills. Maybe a flush at 90k intervals, but I've got a long way to go before I need to decide that. JMO.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-diff-and-transfer-case-oil-change-howto.147631/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/changing-differential-fluid-a-step-by-step-how-to.24545/

I was in your shoes until I saw the price to have it done by a shop and how simple it actually was. All it really takes is a couple sockets. You technically don't need a torque wrench but it's nice for peace of mind.

 

Got a parts list for the rear diff. Maybe I will give it a try, while at the same time doing the breather mod.