DIY: Full Flush for Automatic Transmission

If you are nervous about doing a flush, and I don't blame you, you should at least be doing a drain/refill every 30K - drain the pan (about 3 qts) and refill what you take out.

Have a Wix in it; may use an ATP next time. Yes, you can clean them as they are of the metal mesh style. However, you can't open it to seen how well you've cleaned it; and you have to dry/clean the filter of any cleanser agents you used to clean it.

$25 B-331 Automatic Transmission Filter Kit

B-331 for the ATP; don't recall the Wix #.

 

I'll be performing the flush soon on my 2012 Tacoma 2WD 4.0L which has 125k and no previous Tranny Flush. What do you think about running this Amsoil Flush thru it first?

 

I would not use an engine or trany cleaner unless said components are very dirty from negligence. Cleansers have abrasives and chemicals that may adversely affect seals and trany performance.

Amsoil says, "Bottom line: transmission additives can harm your transmission. The fact is, lubricant manufacturers work hard to formulate transmission fluids that deliver reliable shifts while guarding against wear and leaks. Aftermarket additives can disrupt the fluid’s finely tuned chemical balance and degrade performance. Plus, most vehicle and transmission manufacturers warn against using them."
https://blog.amsoil.com/do-transmission-fluid-additives-work/

 

Hi Chuy, I just read that Amsoil Blog on Transmissions Additives and I took it to mean you shouldn't use additives that you add in and leave in with your new ATF. It doesn't mention anything about a flush product that is only in the Tranny for 10-15 mins for being flushed out.

Also, I have seen where some in this discussion have said they added Lubeguard in with the new ATF and nobody chimed in to say not to do that. I was actually going to ask that question next. If adding in Lubeguard along with the Valvoline MaxLife was a good idea?

 

I wouldn't mess with any additives or flushes unless the transmission is already exhibiting issues. If it is working normally and you just have old, dirty fluid, dropping the pan and cleaning it and the magnets out, changing the filter and doing a full fluid change is probably the best you can do for it. Let the new fluid do its work. That is just an opinion based on the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" principle.

 

Is Castrol Transmax synthetic ATF fluid good for Tacoma? It's on sale at Advance:

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...6519/11044518-P?searchTerm=transmission+fluid

 

That's what I used -- just make sure to get what you linked to, NOT the Import one.

 

Have you guys that dropped the pan had any trouble with fluid leaking out after the pan was re-installed with new gasket? Or is it pretty easy to get a good seal?

 

No issues here just be careful, the pan bolts don't need a lot of torque. Use a proper torque wrench

 

I picked the first website I saw about adding stuff to engine or trany. As @TenBeers points out, and most mechanics [with no interest in setting you unwanted services or parts] will tell you, don't to mess with an engine or tranny that is running normal and within designed parameters. Today's motor oils and ATF have additive packages added by the manufacturer; so there is generally no need to add more. That being said, I am going to try the Rislone Nano technology additive to see if I can get better gas mileage - using wife's Lexus ES350 as the guinea pig.

 

This is what it looks like vs new fluid after 127,000 miles with no tranny service:

 

I cant seem to get a straight answer. I read this thread and everything makes sense to me regarding needing to replace the fluids at some point. But when I call local shops, they aren't clear on whether should do it or they only want to do pan drain and fill, not flush. I even went to my local Toyota dealership and they wouldn't sell me the tranny fluid. I get that this is a "sealed system" and its a "lifetime fluid". but this stuff has to break down at some point. Very confusing...(not the OP instructions...the seemingly misinformation). And I dare not go to AAMCO.

 

The dealer is usually happy to sell you WS at $9+/quart. I bought some one time and they let me have a case for like $6.xx/quart. I asked my mom to pick some up for me while she was there one day and they charged her nearly $10/quart. I'm using Valvoline Maxlife ATF in my Tacoma now.

 

Yep, it was time. Follow the instructions on the pan gasket -- don't use any sealant or anything, only a little grease if you need it to hold it in place. Sticking a few bolts through will hold it in place as well. Tighten evenly with just fingers in a criss-cross pattern, then use a small torque wrench that does inch pounds -- torque is only 39 *inch* pounds, so only slightly more than 3 foot pounds, not a lot.

 

Today I just stuck my toe in by doing a pan drain and flush. Sometime in the next few weeks I’ll be doing a full flush. I’m a little skeered to drop the pan, although I’d love to replace the filter.

 

It's super easy, as well as filter replacement. All bolts easily accessible. Worth it to clean up the film that gets all over the pan and magnets.

 

I guess I’ll go for it. Perfect excuse to buy a torque wrench that does inch pounds, lol

$49 Wheeler Manual Firearms Accurizing Torque Wrench with Inch/Pounds Measurement, Bits and Storage Case for Scope Mounting, Gunsmithing and Maintenance

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0012AXR4S/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

 

Here's my thread when I did the pan drop, full flush.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ansmission-on-my-2nd-gen-v6-pic-heavy.511913/

 

I did have a leak. I don't remember if I got a Wix or BeckArnley ATF filter as I did all four of our Toyota cars back to back to back to back 3 years ago. I do remember the new gasket being a bit thinner than OEM. I combined the gaskets and have not had a leak. Only one that leaked of the 4 ATF filter changes I did back then. May need a new pan; it does have a few nicks from off roading.

 

Below is a link to add trans temp to the Fusion app used with an ODB II reader. Might be able to use this instead of putting the truck in temp check mode? Just wait for 115-130 degrees?

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-get-transmission-temps-on-fusion-app-for-ios.359279/