02 Tacoma Transmission Flush?

Hey all,

Quick question about my 02 Tacoma Auto Tranny. I bought the truck with 160k mi on it and just recently changed the filter/fluid at 177k Mi. Should I do a complete flush of the transmission? I've heard mixed reviews on high mileage trannys.

Any insight would be great! Thanks!

 

If the transmission is working as it should, I would do a drain and fill one more time. That way the fluid that didn't get drained the first time that was in the torque converter will have had a chance to mix and will be replaced during the 2nd drain/fill.

Be sure to use the right fluid. Dextron II/III I think is what's recommended. It should say on the dipstick. Some would recommend a synthetic which I have no experience with. I use Valvoline Dex/Merc tranny fluid and have had no issues in my 02'. Valvoline also makes a high mileage Dex/Merc fluid. Both are Dextron II/III and for use in Toyota's.

I would stay away from the store brands as they use a different filtration process during manufacturing and aren't filtered as well as the major brands, that's how they keep the prices down on the shelf. Go with a name brand if you can afford it.

 

Sounds good! I am running Royal Purple in it. So far I haven't had any issues, but I want to get as much of the old stuff out that I can. I'll jump on that this weekend.

 

I never ever do a tranny "flush" on automatic's. They do much more harm than good. Just do a drain and fill the next 3 oil changes or so and you'll get most of the old stuff out.

 

I have never done any flushes on mine, not sure if they are bad or not just don't like them for some reason. I drain and fill mine about every 30K miles or so, since my truck is a second vehicle for me it usually sits in the garage... bought it brand new in 2003 (as a 04 model) and now has just over 55K on the clock. I just did my second drain and fill and the fluid is nice and pink with no burnt smell.

Drain and fill in my opinion.

--Dan

 

I don't understand why it isn't good for the tranny. Isnt it just flushing out the old with the new?

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/te...warner-340-series-transmissions-write-up.html

 

transmission fluid just like oil breaks down over time and causes problems

the old wives tale about flushing a tranny making it fail are pure BS and it was only true of older transmissions from the early 80's and older but even then those transmissions needed rebuilding but leaving sludge filled fluid in it gave it more friction to keep the clutches gripping and working.

todays trannys don't have the large tolerances for those large sludge sediments to circulate through them so it makes no difference weather you flush it or not because if its going to fail then it will fail no matter what.

those who don't flush the tranny are doing harm to their trannys but they are tough so they can handle it.

for max life of your tranny flush and replace the fluid as needed.

saying a tranny flush will hurt it is like saying changing your motor oil will hurt your engine. not flushing a tranny is like never changing your oil, you can do it and it may last you 200k miles but you are taking a big risk in not changing it.

 

Awesome write up! Thanks for all the info. Looks like ill be flushing it.