The Truth on Transmission Service Intervals

After looking through this site and others trying to find some facts (not opinions) on the Toyota transmission service intervals that hold the WS fluid, I found a good TSB from Toyota (see attachment). This technical service bulletin TS-B0006-11 was issued on 1/6/11. It claims that our transmissions do not need a fluid change or flush for the life of the vehicle. The 100k mile change rumor is just a recommended mileage for inspection only. Now this part is my opinion....If you tow on a regular basis, I believe you should change the fluid every 60k miles or at least have it checked. For all other daily drivers, why not follow this bulletin issued by Toyota? Just thought this was good info and thought I'd share.

Citation:freepdfhosting.com/cd481dc8ae.pdf

 

I agree. I believe ALLDATA states that there is around 5.7 quarts of fluid in the entire system. When you drain it alone you hardly get three quarts out. At a 100K it would probably be a good idea to just get a full flush with a proper machine but getting everyone on the bandwagon that the tanny doesn't need a regular service is like pulling teeth.

 

Yep, and Toyota is only responsible for that recommendation for 60,000 miles . After that, they will have a new transmission to sell you. If they backed that BS up with a 300,000 mile warranty, then I would take them seriously.

The question is: Do you want to bet your transmission on it? That's a personal choice. I have yet to see any advancement in lubrication technology that would support that claim. I've also never seen any mechanical system damaged by changing the lubrication too soon.

 

It does go against my better judgement, but who knows. Everyone has their own preferences. Might have done mine by now if it wasn't $200 for a spill and fill. Between the price and the TSB, it's kinda hard to justify it in my head. Maybe I'll see if I lose sleep over it.... I'd like to hear from some high mileage Taco owners that did the 100k mile thing and see how theirs held up.

 

And the TC builds heat and heat kills fluid and killed fluid kills clutch packs.

 

LOL, Googling the SST part number returns this $300 jerrycan with hand pump:



http://www.toolsource.com/transmission-fill-system-toyota-p-108118.html

 

I know I was beating a dead horse when I started this thread, but got excited when I actually found documentation from Toyota regarding this issue. Just so many different variances and opinions out there.

 

Actually, I'd love to see somebody else try the lifetime lube thing LOL. Testing to destruction is always entertaining

 

That's hilarious! Proprietary dealer tool. Lol

 

I found a 2010 Canadian maintenance booklet that showed 6 years / 96,000 km unconditional replacement. However, subsequent 2011 and 2012 booklets reverted to replacement only if you tow.

 

I think my 2009 booklet is the same

 

Is this thread based on my rpm jumping question??

 

This one's better: 0-15 lb fish scale for $130 I'm in the wrong business!




http://www.toolsource.com/toyota-spring-gauge-p-129462.html

 

Yep. https://clubtoyota.toyota.ca/ClubToyota/manualSupplement/2009/en/ManualSupplement.pdf

This schedule certainly lends a lot more clarity if you are unsure about the long intervals. For example, SLLC coolant replacement is initially at 8 yrs/128,000 km, thereafter every 4 yrs /64,000 km

 

Well we change our tranny fluids every year. I don't see how it could hurt doing it so often tho on relatively low mileage cars(compared to age) we have.

Our 95 4runner had 32k in 2005,but jumped to 88k from 05-12
04 accord now has 74k
86 ae86 has 64k I believe
01 celi has 229k,but bought the car with 202k in April '11
12 taco is still very young.

 

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This... first off I've always been suspicious of the whole "maintenance free" "never have to maintain" B.S. Its more like planned obsolescense, Thats a B.S. claim for Toyota to make, "For the life of the vehicle ?? Right, not gonna happen, only a fool would run a trans. even over 85k, I was a fool & didn't maintain nearly as I should've & learned a hard lesson, but if you think Toyota will honor it at even 100k, go with it but dont be surprised when you get shot down for at least half the estimate

 

^I think Toyota is betting your frame will rust out before the transmission fluid decays...

 

I know mine will

 

^ this. What makes people think this tranny is any different than any others? Like its some Magical trans...

Change fluid= good. no change fluid=bad
Change fluid= cheap no change fluid= $$$$

 

now keep in mind that this is a company vehicle - I turned in a '08 Silverado and got a Tacoma SR5 just a couple of weeks ago. The Chev had 263,000km on it with the only thing being changed was oil, tires, brakes and just this spring, ball joints. No coolant change, no trans. service, no gear oil, brake fluid or air filter or even spark plugs - and no problems with any of it.
Be interesting to see how the Toyota does.