Transmission service advice

I have a 2008 Toyota Tacoma TDR with 117300 miles on it. My question is Should I have the transmission serviced? I currently have NO tranny issues at all and want to keep it that way. I'm receiving conflicting information about doing the service. One transmission shop was drooling and wringing their hands in anticipation, while others have advised against it saying that draining the fluid, dropping the pan, messing with the screens, changing the filter and replacing the fluid could cause unforeseen problems.
So, what say all you wise and knowledgeable Tacoma owners?

Thank you for your time.
Terry

 

You should click on the tutorials above and read about the diy tranny maintenance for 2nd generation. How-to’s

 

At 117k miles I would just start doing a simple drain/refill once a year until you notice the fluid comes out the same red as it goes in, and then starting doing the drain/refill every 30k.

 

These transmissions aren't that brittle, I wouldn't worry about dropping the pan and changing the filter.

The concerns about changing fluid and causing problems is kinda outdated. That was a problem back in the 80s and 90s, they're built much better nowadays.

The 4.0 auto transmission is basically the same as what came in the 1st gen Tundra V8. Now it's behind a V6.. pretty bullet proof..

 

You serviced it before ...

 

It probably won't make any difference either way. I simply don't change transmission fluid. Never have and I've been driving for over 50 years. In fact, I don't know anyone who has ever changed their fluid. I have 4 vehicles with a combined 700,000 miles on the factory fluid, 255,000 on the Tacoma. I've never had a fluid related transmission issue in a few million miles of driving. Electrical problems, yes. Fluid related no. I've never seen any data that shows changing it prolongs transmission life. They die when they die and I'll just save my money and replace/rebuild if that ever happens. If one of mine dies tomorrow I'm way ahead financially.

When you change it, you only get 1/3 to 1/2 of the old fluid out anyway. If your transmission is in good shape, and at 117,000 miles it should be, changing it won't hurt anything. BUT... if your transmission is compromised and close to failing anyway changing the fluid will speed up the process. Keeping the old fluid in there buys you some more time before it dies.

A reputable shop won't change it on a vehicle that old unless you insist and maybe not even then. They've had too many customers wait until the transmission is giving them issues then bring it in to get the fluid changed hoping that will fix the problem. Then when it dies 3 days later then come back threatening to sue the shop. It's just not worth the risk to most shops.

 

I would personally just drop the pan and change the filter and fluid (clean the magnets)I would not flush it sometimes it seems transmissions don’t like being flushed. The I would just change it frequently a few times to clean out the old dirty fluid and then start Changing it every 30k.

 

I had a fluid flush done at 117,000 with OEM Toyota WS fluid. Currently at 136,000 with no issues or after-effects. Going forward, I plan on doing a drain-and-fill every 30,000 miles. No plan to drop the pan or messing with filter. FWIW: Truck purchased used with 104,000 miles.

 

If you don't have issues leave it alone. If you are curious what your current fluid looks like just do a drain and fill. My truck was starting to get a shudder which felt like torque convertor shudder. I just did my first drain and fill at 150k miles. I plan to do another one during my next oil change. My fluid came out dirty but not horrible. I was debating on dropping the pan to clean the magnets and replace the filter but decided on just a drain and fill. I haven't driven it enough to call it good but if multiple drain and fill's fixes my shudder I will definitely update. On a side note I use to own a few first gen Saturn's years ago. Their automatic transmissions had a small external filter like a oil filter and it was such a breeze to change and monitor your fluid.

 

I had the trans flushed around 130k. Dropped the pan, cleaned the magnets and changed the filter around 200k. Running fine at 235K, might do another pain drop around 250-270k. Don't overthink it.
Filter doesn't really need to be changed, it's a mesh that stops particles which then fall down to the magnets. If it's damaged or clogged, you have bigger problems.

 

i did my 2010s over a year ago with over 100,000 miles for the first time, after researching on here. I had a transmission shop with a good reputation do it. I had the pan drained, pan/magnets cleaned, filter changed, and refilled. No flush. He said everything was normal inside and no signs of abnormal wear. I was nervous to do it too, but the shop owner told me if i wasnt having problems before doing it, he guaranteed i wouldnt after he worked on it. He said the 2nd gen tacoma automatic is a very, VERY good transmission. I have had this truck for over ten years and it has never let me down.

 

At 117k never been touched and shifting good. Do it right.

12 quarts of Toyota WS fluid, an OEM Toyota pan gasket, OEM filter screen (and o ring).

Drain n Drop the pan, clean magnets, replace the filter. Fill pan with 4 quarts, then pump out 2 quarts at a time till 12 new quarts have been put in via cooler lines like the proper DIY (replacing as you go). Let cool then do temp check drain which will net around half a quart to almost a quart.

Did this on my mom's 07 4runner a few months back with the same 5speed as our Tacoma at 250k that had only ever had a proper (non forced) fluid swap at 110k. Damn thing shifts better than my 2013 with 100k less miles. Pan magnets had minimal gunk and fluid looked okish but definitely needed changing. She's good to go for another 100k