Have you changed your tranny fluid?

It ain’t gonna hurt to change it that’s for dam sure. So change it.

 

I did a drain and fill at 30k which took 3 quarts. Then recently at 60k, I did a pan drop, plus gasket and filter replacement. That took 5 quarts.

I followed this: How to Drain/Refill Automatic Transmission | Tacoma World, except I used my Scan Gauge to determine the ATF temp for proper fluid level

 

I take it you don't tow? Ever stop to think maybe the trans shop says that to all their customers banking that some will eventually need a new tranny?
Just curious... do you change the motor/gear oil in your vehicles? If so why?

 

I bought my 2010 in the fall of 2017 from a dealer with about 41,000 miles. I've dropped the pan, changed the screen, and done a fluid exchange per the procedure on the site with Valvoline Max-Life. Every couple of years I do a drain and fill. The truck currently has about 111,000.
One thing about dropping the pan is you get a chance to get all the manufacturing debre out that was missed in the assembly process.

 

I just called Toyota they quoted me at $350 to do a complete flush, said dropping the pan is more as there is more labor involved. A flush doesn't clean the screen, he said that's a non serviceable item. WTF?

 

No, generally dealers will not do this service. If you want to do that youll have to read up on the DIY threads linked above

 

I change the copper denso spark plugs about every 30,000.

 

Drain & fills at 60k and 90k. At 120k I dropped pan and did filter & gasket & fluid. Going forward will do drain & fills every 30k. Now at 190k and shifts perfect.

 

Did a drain and fill at 120K. Never towed.

 

My dad never touched his Toyotas transmissions ever. Both his 97 Tacoma and 96 T100 have 400k each. 97 Taco rotted out and drove itself on the tow truck to be scrapped. T100 is still going. It all depends who you are. I changed mine at 50k. Just simple spill and fill. That's all I'll ever do. I bought a Toyota. I expect it to last.

This fluid does get dark relatively quickly. That's the nature of the fluid. Doesn't mean it's burnt or useless. I think doing it every 50-100k is good enough. Overdoing it is a waste of money.

 

Some people think transmission fluid is like motor oil when it isn't. Motor oil is designed to clean and lubricate while dealing with a cumbustion engine.. it will sludge up if not changed.

Transmission fluid is like hydraulic fluid with some detergent to help keep surfaces clean and lubricated. It's designed very meticulously to be able to last a very very long time under a lot of heat and stress. Contamination is minimal aside from some metal shavings caught by the screen.

 

"Today, I have the 3.5L with VVT-i, and fully plan to change oil and filter every 3~5k miles."

 

160,000. No issues. Had it done at the dealership

 

I definitely misread that.

 

Checked level at temp first week of ownership. It was good.
Drain and fill 60k. Now at 69K.

 

Full 12qt fluid swap @ 60 and 120k as per spec.

Fluid came out MUCH cleaner at 120k vs the initial 60k. So ill be going till 160k (40k miles) at which point ill just drain the pan, drop it, clean pan and replace the filter (which hasnt been done) then replace just the ~4qt of fluid. Then do another 40k so at 200k ill do another full 12qt flush (which will make the full fluid change interval 80k).

 

Drain and fill every 15k..

 

Did a drain and fill at 50k...73K on the clock now...Mine is easy to do as it has a dip stick...

 

How does yours have a dipstick???