Transmission Oil Change

Question,

how often should the trans oil be changed ? mine is coming up on 50k i do tow atv and lightweight trailer once in a while, mostly higway and some offroad.

should it be full flush or just change? and anyone know what the typical cost is?

 

Won’t hurt... if you can afford it, do it. Better to change early than change it too late

 

I did a Drain .

 

Just had my Camry flushed @ 70K. Looking at the old fluid made me glad I did.
Different vehicle, same process. Was under $100 bucks, fluid included, and my local mechanic let me watch it happen.

 

I would do it now but to just drain and fill won't get it all, maybe just 1/3. Find a reputable mechanic to replace it all using the proper machine.

 

whats the typical cost of this?

 

Post #4
Same process with the Tacoma, just a couple more quarts of fluid..

 

The local Toyota dealer quoted me a little over $200 for a flush and fill on a 2012. Not sure on a 3rd Gen but should be around the same price I would think.

That's with an actual flush machine.

 

I've bolded the problem.

 

I got that but I don't live in an area with anyone else I would trust with it. Might just do it myself when the time comes.

 

10-4

 

Servicing your toyota transmission with Faye the mechanic:
https://youtu.be/ej_6BZpK3gg

 

anyone has video or info for 3rd gen, i see all is second or others but nothing for 3rd gen. and dealer says they have to keep car overnight and so far quoting me 380, which seems bit high saying because i have a tow package. i am ok changing myself but part i am bit foggy on is the computer and pin jumps etc that people do.

 

My thinking is you CAN used an actual, legit flush machine if you do it earlier enough where you won't be recycling a lot of crap through the transmission. Of course, you wont be cleaning the filter but it's a permanent filter so may not need cleaning.

You could also do it this way:

1. Drain (gets about 3 quarts out)
2. Drop pan.
3. Clean filter, pan bottom, new gasket, re-install
4. New fluid.
5. Use exchange machine.

 

So i took it to dealer and got quoted 450 to do transmission oil change and told that they dont even check or touch it until 120,000 because its closed system, is this true or another bs by dealer. i find it hard that 120k. i could of swore last time i was in and other tech said 60k when they check.

anyone run into this.

 

According to my 2017 Tacoma "WARRANTY & MAINTENANCE GUIDE" the following:

Regular Service - Both MT / AT never
Severe Service - MT every 30,000 miles and AT every 60,000 miles

Even though I do not consider my vehicles (both past and present) to be in severe service I always follow that interval for my automatic transmissions so I would change mine at 60,000 miles and intend to do so.

 

I do drain and fill(s) myself; besides my time a gal of Valvoline MaxLife is about $18 at Walmart. You can reuse the crush washers but 2 Dorman’s will run about $5-$6.

 

this blows, 450 for change, 199 in parts and rest labor? how many parts are they replacing for the transmission when they do flush, sounds like total bulshit.

 

$280 at my dealer for a flush and fill. Had it done at 99k, I recommend doing it sooner because my fluid was cooked and the torque converter started to shutter when locked up. I’d stick with the 60k recommendation

 

There is no way to get 100% of the fluid changed (without disassembling the transmission) and anyone who says so is lying to you. That's the reason that subsequent transmission fluid changes are shorter than the original...because there's always some residual fluid.

Should I Have My Transmission Flushed? - https://bit.ly/2EpGR5Q

But you're right about finding a reputable mechanic to drop the pan, change the fluid, replace the filter (if applicable) and re-torque the valve body bolts. By dropping the pan and inspecting the fluid, the mechanic may or may not see debris that gives you an idea of potential problems on the horizon.

Ed