Transmission Maintenance for 2nd Gen Tacomas : when is the right time?

hey guys,

i have a 2014 TRD Sport v6 4x4
when is the right time to get the transmission maintenance done
i dont trust these guys at the dealerships and two different dealerships gave me two different answers
also, what do i need to get done as part of the transmission maintenance (transmission oil change, etc...?)
would be very helpful to get your thoughts and advice here
thank you so much

your fellow tacoma lover

 

I did the DIY drain and refill around 120k. Toyota basically states that it should be serviced at 100k. There's a bunch of speculation about the WS fluid, but I wouldn't service it until 60k at the very minimum. You can find the write up here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.63851/

If you're wanting to do a flush, you'd have to check up with a dealership that has the machine. I know some individuals on here have found that many of the dealerships just perform the drain and refill, but list it as an "ATF Flush". Hope this helps!

 

Mostly depends on how you use it. Sooner is better.

 

I have to disagree. Sooner isn't always better. It's like saying you should change your oil every 1k miles because it is "better" for your engine. Even though it doesn't hurt anything, it isn't practical and is very wasteful. That's why I would recommend the service until 60k. It utilizes the fluid to its capacity. Unless someone tows a lot and doesn't have a transmission cooler (which is dumb in the first place), I would say 80k miles is a more appropriate time to service. Some on here haven't even changed their fluid until 200k+ and they're still functioning just fine.

 

Use to be 100k but Toyota dropped it down to 60 k due to warranty issues

I am going with the sooner the better approach as well . An all aluminum valve body in the A750 series transmission . Keep it clean .Fresh fluid Keeps that sandpaper away from the spool valves .
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...th-pics-for-second-gen-4-liter-trucks.289913/

Remove your transmission pan before you flush your transmission . Ask me why ??????. Read below
Hook78 just put a fantastic write up together showing how to drop your transmission pan to service the magnets and screen .
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...e-2nd-gen-transmission-pan-and-filter.726329/

 

Anyone get a recent quote for what the dealers are wacking us for? I'm at 71,000 so its been on my mind, id want the full flush with the machine.

 

Those flush machines make me nervous for some reason, I have always had great luck with draining what I can, change filter, and add fluid method.

 

The best flushing machines perform your flush with the pan removed . By far , its the best way to flush a transmission . If the pan is already off , there is no chance of stirring up metal and debris that,s on the pan magnets .
A pan fluid drain also works well .Although a pan drain is only 1/4 of the fluid , it doesn't churn up the dirty contaminates in the bottom of the pan

 

The dealer told me you dont change the fluid how weird is that.

 

Get your manual out and show them the maintenance schedule then do drain and fill yourself.

 

Why go to the dealer to get a service performed ? They dont fix transmissions . Go to a reputable transmission shop . They know your trans inside and out and chances are , they will give you a better trans service than any dealer can

 

I always cut the OE recommendations for autos in half, but just do a drain/refill.

 

It depends on the year. The owners manual in 07 says don't change. I'm at almost 180,000 miles on the factory fluid. I had a sample taken at 160,000 and tested. I was told it was still just fine and advised not to change the fluid. At this point I'll ride her till it quits on the fluid in there.

It is heat that wears out ATF, not miles. If you tow heavy a lot, especially in mountains the fluid gets hot and should be replaced more often. If you only tow lighter loads, and rarely in mountains the ATF will last a very long time. I'd bet that 1/2 of the vehicle owners never change their ATF and it is nothing to see 200,000-250,000 miles on a transmission with the factory fluid in it. It is rare to see over 300,000 miles on one where the fluid has been changed religiously.

If you tow a lot and let the fluid get hot then 30,000 mile changes are probably smart. If you ever let the fluid get over 240 degrees it needs to be changed ASAP even if you just had it replaced. If you can keep the fluid in the 190-210* range then it probably isn't economically feasible to ever change it.

 

Ok this might be a stupid question but has anyone on here put a trans fluid temp gauge in there trucks. I only ask because my 07 Tahoe I traded for my current 10 Tacoma had a trans fluid temp gauge in the cluster. I gues what I am asking is it possible to install a gauge to onto the truck to monitor tran fluid temp.

 

Just got a quote from a dealership in VA, 286.00 for a full tranny flush. I am only at 72,000 and I do not tow anything, but was just looking around to see what it might run me once I decide to do it. I might do mine around the 80k mark.

 

Lots of people do this by using an OBD-II display such as Ultragauge, Scangauge or just their phone paired with an OBD to Bluetooth or Wifi converter. Be sure whichever path you choose lets you configured it to display the transmission fluid temperature - a few of them do not. Many threads on here about displaying trans temperature.

 

Ok cool. Was just wondering. I dont tow anything so im not to worried about it. Also is there a fluid warning light for the trans if the level gets low.

 

Very very helpful information guys! Thank you everyone!! Great discussion and tips!

 

Yeah pushing it off on the next guy is the answer

 

Sorry if I missed it, but do you have an auto or manual? My recollection is that the auto service is every 100k and the manual is every 30k.