Transmission fluid change

I have a 2016 with 38k miles on it. Is there any point to a transmission fluid change? From what I understand best practice is drain and fill at 100k miles. Thinking way ahead but I’m meticulous like that. I’ve read conflicting reports on here. Some say 400k miles some say to drain and fill at 60k. I’m gona follow the maintenance map. Is there any real benefit to swapping it?

 

I did 3 drain and fills on my friends 2016. He had 75k on the cluster. Doing 3 drain and fills results in a final 66% new fluid mixed in the transmission (34% old currently) since the drain from the pan usually takes out 3 quarts. Basically each drain and fill you remove 30% of the old fluid. Was really buttery smooth but overall drives the same I’d say. Make sure to do the transmission temp check mode if you do one. And buy lots of crush washers for the check and drain plugs. The gasket on the fill plug should be fine a few times removed. I think you’re fine until the normal interval 60-100k is reccomended from Kirkland Toyota.

 

My local shop says engine oil every 5k and transmission oil at about 75k. Their experience is this keeps the truck running well into high mileage. Hard to argue with experience and relatively inexpensive maintenance.

 

I go 10 years or 60,000 miles.

I strongly agree with doing it now.

 

Wow how do you have such lo mileage on that?
I have a company work truck so my 17 taco is a weekend driver and has 60k.



I do engine oil/filter at 5k, full synthetic Mobil1 and trd filter.

I had the dealer do a trans fluid exchange at 48 and plan to do it at 40k intervals.
Diy dropping the pan isn’t even getting half the fluid out….better than not doing it but what’s the replacement cost.

 

I lean towards every 50k since every vehicle I've owned that went 150k+ miles this was my standard. Overkill? Absolutely. All the transmissions I've changed that did the standard intervals came out smelling burnt and well used. I spent $40,000 on a vehicle, a few hundred in fluids through its life even if it only adds a few months of life pays for itself. Just my 2 cents.

 

Under special operating conditions (towing, offroading, commercial-use), Toyota/Lexus recommends an ATF flush every 60K - across all models except hybrids. All the Toyota/Lexus vehicles in my house hold have that recommendation in the maintenance manual, from my 07 Taco, to wife’s 18 RX350, to daughter’s 24 Corolla. Toyota does not break down what percentage of those conditions determine the 60K ATF change. I apply it to all our vehicles, and replace the ATF filter every other ATF flush.

Instead of a flush, transmission mechanics state a drain/refill every 30K is just as effective.

 

Nah man, overkill is what I did: every 20k flush. But I was towing full time and 20% of that was off road. No issues.

 

I did a drain and fill at 18k on my 2017 (a little past 7 years old at the time). Currently 27k, probably do another soon. Noticeable improvement btw.

 

Did mine at 65k. That was at the 10 month mark of ownership. Bought it new with 13 miles. Figured I should as it’s been working its ass off. The fluid was definitely on its way out.

 

Understood yeah I do oil every 3k miles I always keep fresh oil in her tbh. And okay I’m
Going to have them do it on my next oil change I think while I have it at the dealer.

To answer your question I bought this truck up 2 August 2022 with 22k miles on it. Reason why I bought it because it had such low miles and got it a little cheaper since it was 2016. I love this truck I just want to keep it running forever. Last oil change I had them do the diffs, transfer case, and grease the driveshaft and I did NH oil unfercoating. So I am all for keeping up with maintenance

 

I think with this mind set as well. I’m gona have them drain and fill next oil change for sure and then again at 70k and stick with 30k intervals

 

The best practice is a drain & fill every 30k

Drain the pan and refill, verify fluid level. You will change about 3qts. The cleaner you can keep the fluid, the better you trans will be

 

Like I said you want a fluid exchange, it’ll get ALL of the fluid in the trans.

DIY drain and fill is not getting half the fluid, you’re just diluting the old shit.

 

On my old 'forever fluid' transmission,
You'd just fill while looking straight up at the overflow port.
When it dripped down into your eye, it was full.

 

so after the first 3 quarts drain and fill how long do you run it before the 2nd drain and fill and same for the 3rd drain and fill?

 

So you don’t want to do it the right way but also don’t trust Toyota because they may not have done it the right way, and you’re asking someone else if they know another way to do it? Just check it how the service manual states.

 

Good question. Did the drain and fill. Took it for a run down the road (5-10 miles) let it cool for a few hours and then restarted the process.

 

So a fluid exchange is the same thing as a “flush” then correct?

 

No. ATF expands with heat. If you open the overflow bolt too early, you don't drain enough and you end up with an overfill. If you wait too long, you will drain too much and end up underfilled. That’s why you have to be cognizance of the ATF temp before opening the drain bolt. An IR gun is sufficient. I’ve checked it’s accuracy with my Ultraguage and the IR reading is within three degrees.