Transmission Fluid Change

I have a 2013 Tacoma V6 with tow package. Bought the truck at 90k miles and now at 115k miles. I plan to do a transmission drain and fill. If I don’t know what brand of transmission fluid is in my transmission, is it ok for me to use any brand that is WS compatible? For example, if the fluid in my tranny is Valvoline, Mobil 1 etc.. can I use Toyota WS fluid since there is no record or way of me knowing what was in there prior to me owning it.

 

Valvoline MaxLife would be a better choice.
It’s compatible and “better”.

 

I'll 2nd the Valvoline "nomination"! Compatible with the OE fluid and usually a lot cheaper...

 

Thank you, guys. Is it the one in the red bottle/jug, where you can also use it as power steering fluid? Is there only one red jug that is Valvoline MaxLife? And do you know if having a tow package, the drain and fill process is the same as without one?

 

Yes, tow package doesn’t affect ATF refill process. Personally, I would do a flush so that I know what is in there. Next best thing is to do back to back drain/refill. That will get out most of the old stuff.

 

For a back to back to back drain and fill, is it best to do it all in the same day? Drain and fill, drive and then drain and fill drive etc... all in same day or should I wait a few days or weeks to do that?

 

You can do next day or next week. But to avoid having to do the refill procedure twice, see below.

- do first drain/refill, add amount of ATF that came out.
- run engine and shift through gears a couple of times, right up to min temp to check the ATF level - 97 degrees.
- turn off engine and do second drain/refill. Add amount of ATF that came out, plus half a quart.
- turn on engine and remove the check-temp drain bolt when ATF hits 97 degrees to set the proper level. Remember to have the truck as level as possible when checking the level.

 

I followed this when I did mine for the first time.

https://youtu.be/ej_6BZpK3gg?si=SfIWXH2BMxApLI-j

 

need to look at this