Transmission Flushing. Do or Don't

My Tacoma is currently at 264k miles and I did one trans flush at 96k. I admit, I have completely disregarded my transmission like a big dummy through my years but I am really trying to get back on my game. My transmission runs pretty damn smoothe for the mileage but I've heard mixed reviews of the flushing. Some say since I didn't maintain it, I have a chance of running sludge through my trans and really F'ing something up. What are your opinions? Thanks in advance.

 

Don't flush via means of a machine etc.

Buy Toyota FIPG

$34 00295-01281 Formed-in-Place Transmission Gasket - 3.5 oz. Tube

00295-01281 and about 6 quarts of transmission fluid (I think that's the correct amount).

Drain via drain plug.

Remove upper dipstick tube via single bolt and pull up to remove.

Drop pan, dump remainder fluid on self or capture.

Clean magnets and place back into pan.

Unbolt filter and clean out with brake cleaner and rags.

Reinstall filter.

Clean pan and mating surfaces to remove the factory fipg.

I can't remember if I just turned on for a minute or not the truck to push out remainder of the fluid.

Reapply new fipg and reinstall pan.

Reinstall upper dipstick tube.

Fill as needed.

Follow procedure to check fluid levels.

 

Thanks for the info. Sounds easy enough. What are your thoughts on an inline magnetic filter?

 

I just did the drain and fill and kept it all OEM.

Others can chime in on that.

What some do though is install a transmission cooler and bypass the one in the radiator altogether and with that, some also install an inline filter.

 

Just do a drain and fill, no flush,

 

In one of @Timmah! videos, he drains and refills his trans fluid like every 5k and uses a large clear food container that has the measurements on it so he knew exactly how much fluid to put back in after draining.

 

If it ain't broke dont fix it. Leave well enough alone

 

Long term preventative maintenance.

 

I was in the same boat this past summer. I was at about 140k miles and I had never serviced the transmission in the 90K miles I had the truck. I decided to take it in to a tranny shop because it was lagging a little and threw a shift solenoid code. They did a drain and fill with new filter. Couldn't replicate the shift solenoid issue though. I've put another 9K on it since and it has been fine. Shifts a little smoother and seems to be running fine. Time will tell but I think if it last another 50K miles I'll be happy, ha.

 

Do a flush with dropping the pan as instructed above except I would use a new filter & add the inline magnetic filter too. Do a drain every 5,000 miles, its only 4 quarts. So inexpensive to keep things in top condition. Flush your Pwr steering along with the brake fluid.

 

Just another vote for don’t flush, just drain and refill.

I notice two readers advise 5,000 mile drain intervals. That seems excessive to me unless the vehicle is used in extremely harsh conditions. My last Aisin built automatic transmission was sold with 200,000 miles on it ( it performed like new) and had 30,000 mile interval drains and no filter replacements.

 

mine when 309k before it failed and needed a complete rebuild or replace.
i had only done a drain and refill once at around 275k or so then dropped the pan and replaced filter around 305k when it started shifting funny. didn't help. failed completely while cruising on the freeway.

i neglected the trans and still got 309k out of it. $2500 later i had it rebuilt by a reputable shop. was told the rebuild will probably last 250k or more due to Toyota's great design.

 

In-line magnet?

Naw, just stick with the factory equipment. Sounds more like a gimmick.

Do people seriously replace their trans fluid at 5k intervals? Jesus christ, you don't even need to do your engine oil that often (if synthetic). Those people are wasting an immense amount of money and time. I can see it if you have some domestic piece of shit that barely works and is grinding itself to pieces, but these Toyota trans don't need that by any stretch of the imagination.

I'm pretty sure the factory doesn't even recommend drain and fills at any regular interval.

 

Maybe he meant to do it every 5k miles for a few times to completely get all the old fluid out. Otherwise doing it every 5k is overkill unless you’re towing nonstop. But even then....

 

Yeah I think the idea behind doing frequent 5k drain/fills is to get as much of the old stuff out as possible without doing it too quickly and damaging the trans. I don't think he changes it every 5k indefinitely, just a certain number of times

 

Got it.

5,000 miles between changes to slowly loosen the crud, then drain it until it starts to look clean, makes perfect sense.......much better than letting it go too long and then getting a very risky power flush.

 

No one suggested doing a power flush; in fact several of us advised against it.

 

Not suggesting that some members suggested a power flush.....this is generally a very knowledgeable crowd.

Just acknowledging the fact that many people have been sold on power flushing by shops that are just interested in selling a very profitable service.

 

This is what I’m thinking aswell. I’ve never done it myself, I was just going from what I heard him say. I plan on getting a T4R though and will be draining and refilling that way though.

 

No power flush!! a couple 5,000 drains to freshen up than every 30,000. https://www.magnefinefilters.com/NE...-Inline-Transmission-Filter-R038M-3810000.htm. Do a search on google and you will see one of these opened up after a long run. Not a gimmick