Lifetime AT fluid?

A little back story here... I bought my 2014 AC TRD Sport back in October of last year with about 87k miles on it. It was a one owner vehicle with a consistent service record from the dealerships in OH and PA. However, after checking the spark plugs one day I noticed they were absolutely torched, they appeared to be original (Denso with a couple NGK??) This had me wondering what else had been neglected...

Flash forward to today. Showed up at the local dealership this morning to have the transmission and front/rear diff fluid changed. The guy came to find me in the lobby and informed me that the verdict from Toyota is to not change/flush the transmission and that it is a "lifetime" fluid. He mentioned that customers have reported missed shifts/odd behavior after replacing AT fluid on these trucks.

Has anyone heard this before? It seems like plenty of folks on here change their AT fluid (and change it often). Is this overkill?

 

The service interval for AT fluid is 60,000. If it has never been done I would recommend you do it. Here is a DIY link. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.63851/

 

I had it done at 60k. Have 105K miles now and no issues. Dealer when I asked to do drain and fill said Toyota started recommending 60k service intervals for the fluid.

Sparks every 30k and the sparks look clean and gaps good.

 

HA!

Yes, I did. Plenty of info on how to, but that's not the purpose of this discussion. I was curious if anyone else had heard this message from Toyota.

 

You heard it from a dealer, so it may, or may not, be accurate.

On a 60k drain and fill OCI (not flush), that's a pretty inexpensive way to keep the fluid and additives refreshed.

There are folks on here who'll buy boutique oils, bigger filters, and yet still cut the Toyota recommended engine OCIs in half.

And then argue that the trans can be ignored because 'lifetime' fluid.

 

They come from the factory with 3 of each spark plug, Denso in one bank and NGK in the other bank. I think the general verdict is if your trans fluid hasn't been changed at regular intervals, you risk these problems by changing it late in the game with higher mileages. Not sure how many miles you have now, but I changed mine with fresh fluid and filter close to 100K for the first time and didn't have any of these issues.

 

There is plenty of discussion about the +- of changing fluids. Nobody wants to change your transmission fluid because any subsequent transmission problems imagined or real will be blamed on the fluid change. A transmission drain and fill is a moderate DIY job.

 

Very easy for the dealership to pass the blame if you DIY even though Toyotas updated documentation has been changed to NOT a lifetime fluid. At one point it was lifetime unless towing, so just tell them you tow with it.

 

All fair points, guys. There seems to be inherent risk either way you go. Just trying to avoid any future transmission problems without inadvertently creating one.

 

I bought my truck used and it now has 140,000. Unsure if it's ever been changed. What's the verdict? Too late to risk it?

 

If a vehicle has higher mileage and the transmission hasn't been flushed in accordance to the maintenance schedule since the beginning it's best not to flush. I'd just do a filter change and replace the fluid lost from dropping the pan

 

probably not your oil either..

 

Funny you should mention it... I specifically asked him "what if I tow?". His answer was still the same.

 

Most likely the best/safest route for most people to do anyways

 

Time for a new dealership

 

Probably just going to leave it then. Seems to be the safest option. If I have problems, I'll just get it rebuilt and start a new maintenance schedule then. I guess we will see just how "lifetime" this fluid really is.

 

There is no such thing as a ‘Lifetime’ fluid. It’s petroleum just like motor oil which breaks down.
The dealerships definition of ‘lifetime fluid’ would be an interesting read….

 

To each their own but I did my first DIY Full pump out flush at 120k. Currently sitting at just before 300k right now. Might be time for another and filter change.

The pan drop and top off is the best/safest option if you're worried about it. Not to say there's no risk.

 

So it wouldn't be that risky to have a drain and fill with filter change? I am willing to do it if it's the best option.

 

It's your truck, your call, you've heard the risks.