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142k ATF NEVER changed - flush or just drain & fill ('02 A340e - Dexron II/III)

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Area51Runner, Jul 18, 2016.

?

If your AT had never been serviced and had 142k miles, would you:

Poll closed Jul 23, 2016.
  1. Drain & Flush and then repeat in 20-30k miles or;

    4 vote(s)
    80.0%
  2. Full Fluid Exchange/Flush

    1 vote(s)
    20.0%
  1. Jul 18, 2016 at 2:57 PM
    #1
    Area51Runner

    Area51Runner [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yep, I never changed the tranny fluid. No slipping and all is fine so far. The guy who does most of my work suggested a full flush (ASE Master certified, Toyota certified, etc). So I ordered a kit off Amazon and was about to pick up the fluid when I figured I would check with the local stealership.

    Big Surprise - Service Advisor tells me, NO - don't flush instead drain and fill. He said that none of their techs would do a full flush since it had never been serviced before and most likely all would be fine but there was a small chance of doing damage to my transmission.

    I have to admit, this is the first time I actually thought the dealership was being honest. I know I recall reading something about that here on the forum but just couldn't track down the exact thread(s). So, here is my question to all of you and thanks for the input:
     
  2. Jul 18, 2016 at 4:49 PM
    #2
    3rYODA

    3rYODA Don’t sell to me, I don’t pay.

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    ive ruined a few trannys from being young and doing a flush after 50k miles or so,

    id say just exchange fluid
     
    Area51Runner[OP] likes this.
  3. Jul 18, 2016 at 5:06 PM
    #3
    Ayuda

    Ayuda Member

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    Hey, check this video out. Covers it all
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o690DovjDAc.

    I had 130k on my auto trans. I did the drain only whats in the pan/ fill with new. and then did it again after like 15k miles. No problems. I read a lot into it and most people say don't do the full flush on the ill maintained
    stuff.
    Good luck!
     
    Area51Runner[OP] likes this.
  4. Jul 18, 2016 at 8:19 PM
    #4
    Area51Runner

    Area51Runner [OP] Well-Known Member

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    good video thanks for posting it up. I just checked my fluid and its actually fairly pink still. Maybe I did do a drain and fill at some point. Possible to still be pink at 140k+? With that color would you be more inclined to do a full flush? Thx again really appreciate the input!

    IMG_20160718_195914.jpg
     
  5. Jul 19, 2016 at 12:38 PM
    #5
    retroboy1989

    retroboy1989 Single Cab 4x4

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    Your fluid is not bad considering your mileage.

    Not sure if the Tacoma ATs have a drain bolt, my personal preference for an AT is an annual drain/fill. Keeps the fluid nice and pink.
     
  6. Jul 19, 2016 at 1:05 PM
    #6
    Wulf

    Wulf auto dismantling & hoarding disorder

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    Drain and refill, no flush
     
  7. Jul 19, 2016 at 1:30 PM
    #7
    CD20H

    CD20H Well-Known Member

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    The valve body in the transmission doesn't like all the crud released when doing a flush. Just drain and refill.
     
  8. Jul 19, 2016 at 1:32 PM
    #8
    MCObray

    MCObray Well-Known Member

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    Whoops, just had my transmission serviced at the local Toyota dealership.

    Drain and fills from here on out!
     
  9. Jul 19, 2016 at 1:52 PM
    #9
    retroboy1989

    retroboy1989 Single Cab 4x4

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    That might be all the dealer does...
     
  10. Jul 19, 2016 at 3:10 PM
    #10
    frizzman

    frizzman Well-Known Member

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    this has been a debate for awhile but most say drain/fill and avoid the flush. The AT fluid is designed to last a long time under "normal driving conditions", you know, driving downhill all the time haha.

    the manual also states to "check" the fluid and replace "if necessary." I say yours looks fine but keep an eye on it and when it starts heading more to the brown then do the drain. If you tow, travel short distances, or sit in bumper to bumper then you may need to do it sooner as these will wear on the fluid more than flat highway travel.

    if you look at the AT dipstick it actually says the fluid should last the lifetime of the transmission under normal conditions. but Yota peeps are never normal :)
     

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