Transmission service at 5k.

I I know it's probably a little early but I've always been big on getting the initial break in metals out of all the components. I went to the dealership to get the fluid and strainer and the parts guy as well as the technician there were trying to tell me I was making a big mistake.

Both telling me that it would destroy the transmission and it was a sealed unit that never needed changing. My two questions to them were if it never needs changing why does Toyota even sell the fluid? If it's a sealed unit why does it have a drain plug on the pan?

They didn't have the strainer available just yet so I just got the fluid,dropped the pan,wiped everything out really good and buttoned everything back up. Maybe I'm crazy but when you spend that kind of money on something you want to do all you can to get the maximum life out of it. The gasket on the pan is reusable. It sits down in the grooves of the pan.

 

Cool story

 

I agree with you about wanting to get the maximum life out of your transmission!

You might also want to consider installing a Transmission oil filter like: https://magnefinefilters.com/ Their filtration capability is impressing! - "
(University test show removal of harmful ferrous metal particles to 99.9974%) The secondary
filtration media, removes remaining non-ferrous materials (i.e. copper, aluminum, dirt, clutch
material)"

Their installation instructions say, "On new vehicles (less than 5,000 miles), it is recommended that the filter be installed on the cooler supply side to protect the cooler from contamination. On in-service vehicles (more than 5,000 miles), the filter should be installed in the return line from the cooler to the transmission. On any vehicle that has experienced any transmission difficulty, the filter should be placed on the return side."

Ed

 

Absolutely, I'm going to check that out.

 

I believe some of you like to work on your Tacoma's more than you like to drive them.

 

Isn't that big black box the trans filter? Did you change the filter or just the oil?

 

Reminds me of the saying, "If it ain't broke - fix it until it is."

 

Oh no. I like to drive it. I just like to keep up on maintenance. I don't like adding a bunch of parts. The transmission was super easy to work on. In fact easier than my FJ's A750F. It didn't have a 1000 bolts holding it on lol.

 

“A little early” is somewhat of an understatement for something that never needs replacing.

 

I did. I jumperd out pins 4 and 13 and ran it through the gears until the D light came on while in park. On my FJ it's the same thing only it kicks on the A/T temp light.

 

That was another reason why I wanted to change it when I did because I've seen posts where others have found there's a half a quart to a full-quart low from the factory.

Luckily, mine was right on the money as I pulled out four quarts put that much back in and when I checked it it was dribbling out of the check hole.

 

5k is extreme overkill for tranny service...

But cool pictures anyway

 

We love extreme overkill on our TACO's! 5k, I hear yea. But I'm wondering if mine is low a quart like some are. Maybe I'll change mine out just so I know it's good to go..

OP: did you change the filter too? Part number? Cost?
Thanks for your post.

 

The strainer wasn't available from what the parts guy at Toyota had told me. I know it's dealer only as no chain parts store has it even listed. The Toyota WS was 10 bucks a quart. I used four quarts but got five just in case.

Make sure you get crush washers for the drain and check plug. Mine was right on the money level wise. I was worried too because I've seen several where they said they were low. I guess it's a hit and miss.

 

I can't say much; I did mine at 30,000.

Curious though...
Why didn't you do a complete fluid replacement(drain/fill x 3)?

 

Absolutely change it. Initial fluid changes were a core part of maintenance schedules right until the car makers started paying for fluids under warranty. Beyond that, auto trans makers like ZF have stepped forward and released content specifically stating that there are no “lifetime” automatic fluid fills, and that is pure marketing BS from car makers that will fail your transmission.

One such video:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=D0f3AYoE3cI

 

My experience owning toyota trucks and Tacomas for 30 years is over maintenance is not needed. If people would leave things alone more they'd last longer. My last tacoma had over 300k. Dropping the trans pan at 5K is only introducing problems

 

Thx. On another note you mentioned FJ. I came across an 07 with 240k, 4.0L, auto trans, but he's check engine and Trac lights are on.
what is likely cause of Trac light? I'm really excited about it and I usually jump the gun, but this thing is CLEAN everywhere.

Any pointers and sorry for being off topic.