Auto transmission mini fill/drain every 3k...

This is going to sound crazy but just hear me out...

Theoretically could you just dump another 1/2 - full quart of ATF in your transmission lets say every time you change the oil, then go through the temp check procedure? Seems like it would be easy, quick, and a simple way to always keep things fresh in there. I know it may seem like over kill but if you started this routine after a drain and fill I would imagine this idea every 3k couldn't not help keep things cleaner.

Thoughts?

 

That’s what I basically do. The first time was to check if it was properly filled from Toyota, the next 2 times were a couple yrs apart. If you get it exact the first time with the temp.check mode and count ounces, the following drain and fills are easy. ( no need for temp check ). Do everything the same every time. Level truck, cold truck, graduated measuring container. 4 times in 30 k is my routine. 20 min.job, fill through engine bay with vinyl tubing. I make it come out to 3 qts every time.

 

You probably could do that and it would be good for the car however I'm not convinced it would be any better than a regular drain and full every 3 years 30k miles. Both will freshen up the fluid, only difference I can think of is less time wasted and less gaskets used by doing it every 3 years.

 

1 fresh quart of fluid in trans, equals 1 quart contaminated trans fluid and equals no fresh fluid

 

This is exactly how major industrial systems work. They don't take down a $10M machine and change out 100 gallons of oil, instead lube techs monitor the fluids and they continuously change out a small portion of the fluid.

What you describe is actually one of the best ways to maintain fluids. I would recommend sending a sample for analysis every year or so to see if you are staying ahead of the fluid, but in reality I can't see it making that much of a difference.

 

I did an annual drain and fill since 45k miles. After 4 years I got about 85% new fluid. I’ve changed that to every 2-3 years since I’m driving the truck less.

 

Well guess this is a reminder I need to do a fluid change

 

Problem is the threads on the drain plug are quite fragile (especially on older 1st gen tacomas) So every time you use it there's risk the threads will damage.

I agree with repeated fluid services, but not overkill. I do every 50,000km (30,000miles?) personally.

If it was dipstick style, you could just suck out a liter and put in a liter no issue.

 

245,000 miles on my 2nd gen, never changed the tranny fluid, ran like the day I bought it when I traded it in.

158,000 miles on my current 3rd gen, original fluid, runs like the day I bought it…

 

Does the auto trans have a filter that you are able to replace as well?

 

That was my same experience with my previous 3 Toyota trucks, 1 F-250, CJ5 jeep. But when I retired I didn’t have anything to do. So I took up vehicle maintenance thanks to TW.

 

Yes, in the Tacomas it’s a fine metal mesh type. Many will clean it with solvent. I prefer to replace it every 120K or so - this comes out to every other ATF flush for me.

OP, not a crazy idea to change the ATF this way. But, don't neglect the ATF filter and cleaning out the pan magnets if you haven't done so already. After that, with this new regiment, you may not have to again.

 

I doesn't sound any different than what I do with my power steering. Drain the reservoir, check the volume, replace that volume. When I first did this, that fluid was nasty, I did it again for several days, it comes out clear now. I do it now when I change my oil.
It seems to be a good idea, to me.

 

Almost 200k mi.

No way in hell I'm doing a drain fill every 3k. That's insane.

 

Not insane, to the naysayers … keep in mind Toyota recommends an ATF flush every 60K if you tow, off-road, commercial-use. Like all vehicle fluids, ATF becomes contaminated from moisture and use. The contaminated fluid may, or may not, lead to transmission failure. The point is to eliminate bad ATF as the source of that failure as it is not cost prohibited to do so.

 

Every 3,000 miles
If that’s the cases, my transmission isn’t going to last as long as yours.
I’m not changing anything every 3,000 miles.
30,000 miles? Maybe.
But more like ever 50,000 for me.

I’d rather do stuff with my truck, than to do stuff to my truck.
Again, I’ve also never been shy in saying I don’t enjoy working on my truck either.
You can change your fluid as often as you like, it can’t hurt it.
I’d rather spend my time and money on other things.

 

He isn't talking about a "drain and fill" every 3000 miles. He is talking about replacing one quart of transmission fluid every time he changes the oil. This is normal for industry and is a good idea

 

The whole first post by OP is odd.
Reread it, he’s going to dump a 1/2 qt. of fluid in every oil change?
And then do the temp check mode?
Never said anything about removing fluid, but I assume he’s going to?
If so, how is he getting 1/2 qt. out?

Again, OP can do what he wants.
Me? My statement stands as “I’m not doing it every 3,000 miles”
As for industry standards, my truck isn’t an industrial piece of equipment.
I don’t know what industry standards are, or even what industry we are talking about.
I do know my truck isn’t a $10 million piece of equipment. I don’t maintain it like it is either.
I couldn’t afford it to begin with if that were the case.

 

What do you think "dump" means in this case if it isn't removing fluid?

Vehicles are maintained in a different manner because we CAN remove all fluid and replace ALL of it, but that doesn't mean industry practices cannot also be used. They don't shut down big machinery so that they can "dump" 50 gallons of oil, they continuously replace portions of it as the equipment operates. That is all he is doing, taking out 1/2 a quart and adding back in 1/2 a quart of new stuff.

 

No, removing/replacing transmission fluid every 3k miles on a light truck is not normal for this industry, nor is it necessary.