Auto Transmission Fluid Change.....Too Far Past???

My 97 SR5 has just turned over 118,XXX and I'm trying to play catch up with some maintenance stuff that I should've done when I first got it, but I was a broke college kid and had my priorities on my next $20 for some bud light. Now that all of that has changed, I'm trying spend some time loving the taco. I bought the truck with roughly 65,XXX in 2009, from my grandfather who had the things serviced religiously, since then I've really only done oil changes, spark plug, and air filter changes. Along with brakes and new brake fluid. About a month ago, I had a local shop go thru and change out all drivetrain fluids. I wanted them to change the tranny fluid while they were at it and this is what they said...."since it's been roughly 60K since it's been last done, you will run into more problems by changing now. Just let it go and wait to replace the tranny."

I want to get it changed for piece of mind knowing things are fresh for an old truck, but don't want to screw things up worse if the mechanic is right. I'm not so sure i believe that advice, I feel like 60K (really only missed 1 change, since it's just about due now), isn't a huge deal. What's the opinion of TW?

 

60K mile servicing is normal for transmissions... some vehicles are 90/100K miles.

 

I would do it, personally. As long as you aren't experiencing any shifting problems, you should probably have a good bit left in it. And you'll extend its life by changing it, whereas if you leave the old stuff in there, it'll just tear it up faster.

 

This.

Don't take it to a shop to have it "flushed"... just do a drain and refill.
That'll replace 4 or 5 quarts of the 20 or so total. Then do another drain and refill in 6 months or so and you'll be good for another 60k.

Unless the fluid is dark, visibly dirty, or smells burned, it's actually okay. ATF does not suffer the same breakdown and contamination that engine and diff oil do.
The newer boxes are "sealed" (no dipstick) and the Toyota "WS" fluid is rated for the life of the vehicle. 100k change intervals are recommended for severe service and towing.

 

In my experience this really only applies to Chevrolets. Toyotas like to have a drain and refill whenever you'll give it to them.

 

I did my first 2 drain and fills at 160,000 miles if that makes ya feel any better. I could tell a huge difference in it to. Shifted better and smoother. No problems at all and headed toward 175,000 now. Just used whatever the dipstick called for, in my case toyota type 4. By the way my dipstick and manual both say that under normal driving conditions the fluid should not need changing but mine was getting dark.

 

Awesome! I didn't think it was "too far past" even assuming you are supposed to change out every 30K....which isn't quite right. Alright perfect, well the time is coming to do the timing belt, so when that's going on I'll have the ATF changed as well.

 

I agree, don't leave that old stuff in there. If its dark and smells burnt change it ASAP. I change my fluid once a year, and I put roughly 70xxx km's on mine last year. I do however wheel it every weekend and push the limits of the tranny temps wise. I recently just put tranny cooler in, and let me tell you. What a difference it makes. I would highly recommend installing one, even for daily driving around the city. Shit gets hot!

 

Yep, i installed one a week ago since it never was done at the dealer like it wassuppose to be. My return line is like inches from my cat on the exuast and i was thinking wrap it to help keep heat off of it. Right where it goes back into tranny.

 

As to your mechanic, i would be looking for one more familiar with toyota stuff personally. If you have any in your area. I have a a shop up the street that the owner is a Certified Toyota master machanic, havnt had to use him yet but if i do thats where it will probaly go. Just my .02.

To OP, sorry wrong qoute.