Scheduled fluid changes?

Toyota and other manufacturers are deleting the transmission dipstick in a lot of vehicles. People were not checking them properly or overfilling them and then bringing them back to the dealer for warranty service. Some manufacturers aren't even putting engine oil dipsticks on vehicles anymore.
I think that by not listing the intervals many people will not realize to change transmission and diff fluids.
Agreed on the people changing oil a 500 miles and then every 3000 miles. Nowdays engine oils are a lot better then they used to be.

 

Generally agree, and I respect your knowledge but....

The warranty/maintenance manual does a poor job of addressing transmission and diff fluid changes; the regular fluid inspections that would catch issues generally typically are not performed by dealerships. By the time any sort of services for these comes up, the powertrain is out of warranty, unless you follow the severe service guidelines. What my truck experiences is not what I would consider severe service, however in the case of my differentials, it was apparent that interval needs to be followed.

OA

Disclaimer: from what we've seen on oil, there's absolutely no need to expedite those intervals (again, unless true severe service). I'm specifically referring to the diffs.

 

By eliminating the dipstick they are now able to pressurize the transmission, thereby improving the internal passage lubrication. Better and more reliable, but it really pisses off some guys.

 

My response was tongue in cheek in reference to those who would ignore intervals no matter what. You know me!

 

In that case, pour me some of that 0w-20

OA

 

I have read some of the posts on here from pissed off people talking about the lack of a dipstick.

 

Old habits die hard.

 

We are in the world of no dipsticks and sealed units and lifetime fills ....

Aside from oil (Annual / 10k) & brake fluid (every 2 years), under "average" usage it is the norm to not have a required fluid change for transmissions, diffs, etc.

Extreme (Racing, Towing, Severe Dust Conditions, etc) usage would fall into a different schedule from my POV.

Ed