Transmission fluid change

If you can, contact the seller and ask when the transmission was serviced. If this were my truck, I would replace the ATF filter and clean out the pan. If all you find is a mushy black substance on the magnets, I would feel comfortable doing a flush or drain/refill. If you find metallic particles or pieces of clutch material, just do a drain/refill.

 

Isn’t a flush just asking for it? I only had bits of metal on the magnet. You probably talking early 1st generation and lots of miles (needing a flush, grimy bad).

 

@Caslon I admit I am not a trany mechanic. Relaying info from transmission mechanic recommendations. Members here have done flushes successfully on 200k+ Tacoma tranys. Generally, you will be OK as long as the pan is free of metallic debris. Some folks argue introducing fresh ATF fluid will dislodge matter ‘hidden’ in the transmission and clog up the valve body and other orifices. There is never any evidence provided. Mechanics do say to avoid using commercial flush machines that may be too powerful. Use the DIY method of using the truck’s ATF pump to flush out the fluid.

 

Pretty sure my trans was never serviced over 200k until I bought it. Did a drain and fill x3 over 6 months and now the fluid has a good red color and shifts smoothly. Add a trans cooler as well - super simple takes an hour.

 

I’ll venture a guess but it’s just that. As the ATF picks up particulates due to wear and the fluid just breaks down over time it gets more viscous. I bet the higher viscosity fluid tends to quiet things down because they’re “thicker” and don’t flow as well (think of Lucas oil additive here) so their interaction with everything in the AT is somewhat slower. I bet your truck had the whine when new and the ATF was pristine but because it increases viscosity slowly over time it was too subtle to notice until you changed it.

Like you said though, I doubt anything is wrong.

Just my $.02.

 

Just for the record I changed my fluid a couple times a year for fifteen years, and my auto trans wore out at 256K. I was very surprised because it was always totally clean

 

Potomus Pete - that can't be good. Did you drive it hard or for long or short distances?

 

Yeah if somehow you had a crsytle ball......and left that last before last change ....it would of maybe gone another 20K........
......then you could of added a fiction modifier and got another 10 or 15K out of it.........

Up to that point the clean fluid was your friend...........


So if done everything right....and tweeked til the end....it may of lasted just short of 300K.......
Got to remember these trannys were for small/mid light trucks with 14in or 15in wheels.....not uncommon for those to go way beyond 400K on original tranny.....

Scotty says always save your last fluid.......may buy you extra 10 or 20K.....
....gives you some extra shopping time.....


I keep the oil almost cystal clear.....and the steering......
might want to let the Atf ride a little longer.......maybe even saving it....for a while after changes....

Big believer in Lubguard........however in real old trannys it may cause the seals to start to leak.........to counter that.....you need ATP

$15 AT-205 Re-Seal Stops Leaks, 8 Ounce Bottle

AT-205......
so wouldnt mix those two.........