High Mileage Transmission Flush

So which one is it ?

 

If it's never been changed DO NOT mess with it! The reality is the truck has a lot of miles and is 16 yrs old, and it sounds like it hasn't been maintained properly, just drive it and fix things as they break. There should be no conflicting answers, if it's never been changed leave it alone. These sealed transmissions are not a drain and fill procedure, I know I've done mine but you have to jump out the obd ll to get the correct temp for refilling. Hope this helps

 

leave it alone

 

I did a machine flush on mine at 150K and haven't had any problems. This summer (around 205k) I'm planning to drop the pan, change the filter and refill what ever I loose. Granted my truck gets light use, I'm sure if I plowed/towed the story would be different.

 

Just do a complete FULL FLUS with 100% Full Synthetic WS approved fluid like AMSOIL, Valvoline MAX LIFE, Pennzoil, and others !I do mine every 50-60,000 miles and have 275,000 with no problems on my 2013 since new !

 

@mtbmatthew8 I pretty much did this on my 07, but I didn't have the mileage you do so I only did a drain and fill X3. I also drove it for a few hundrend miles between each drain and fill. On the last drain I dropped the pan, clean it, the magnets and changed out the old filter/screen before adding Toyota AT fluid.

Well said, @TnShooter, so @mtbmatthew8 put on your maintenance list to change out the rear dif fluid, power steering fluid (turkey baster method) and brake fluid.

All those mods and farkles will come soon enough.

 

I love the care care nut. That guy is a genius. I watched that video a month ago. I personally trust his opinion. Then again, like others have said, theirs a lot of mixed opinions. I have a friend thats a mechanic and he told me the only time it will hurt your trans is if it already has issues, like slipping and all that. I bought my 2015 in July of 2022 with 176,600 miles. Looking at the carfax report, their was nothing on their about the trans. I checked my bolts to see if a socket has ever been on them. Does not look like their has been one on them. My truck now has 191,400 miles on it, the trans is just fine. Personally, if I were you, I would leave it alone. Thats my personal opinion.

 

From a retired ASE cert.mechanic, CHANGE IT.

 

Old fluid can in no way help the transmission. It's old wives tales that old dirty worn out fluid "saves" clapped out transmissions.
Clutch packs are not held together with old fluid
Worn surfaces are not "smoother" with old fluid
Etc. You get the point.

Would you put 200,000 mile transmission fluid in a brand new truck?

Suddenly swapping everything out though can loosen gunk up.

Drop the pan and change the filter. Refill as much as you lost. Then over the next few months do this a few times.

This is a s good as you can do. 200,000 mile fluid isn't better on your transmission than 50,000 mile fluid. New fluid won't save a neglected transmission, nor will old fluid.

 

Pretty much spot on. Whatever you decide to do, let us know by keeping this thread updated periodically. Good luck with your new wheels.

 

My truck had 203,000 miles on it and it never had a trans service. I drained the fluid into a container and it was black/brownish. 2 quarts came out, I refilled it with 2 quarts, drove it for a few days and drained it again (2 quarts) and refilled it. Color looks good now and it shifts nice and smooth. I may drain it again here soon just to make sure it has been thoroughly 'flushed'.

 

Wow, I think there are strong opinions about every option available here. Good luck making a well informed decision.

Personally I would drain and fill with properly spec'd fluid. You don't need toyota fluid, but make sure it's the right spec. I would never do a flush with one of the machines.

 

I'm just going to leave it.

 

i had mine flushed. i think they pump out the old and pump in new.

it didnt cost that much. a toyota shop did the work.

 

I've been good about my other maintenance, my diff, oil, power steering, coolant, etc. The only reason the transmission has not been serviced is due to my dad thinking that a sealed transmission doesn't need service. I need to do a few things to mine; The steering wheel is not aligned, it's been like that for the last 10 or so years, though there's no abnormal wear on the tires or suspension. I do need new tires, the ones I have now are warn. I got the leaf springs replaced under warranty, and that brought to me that I need new rear shocks, and at that point I'll get new shocks on all four sides, as they're the original shocks. I need to bleed my brakes, and replace the pads and rotors, as my brake pedal is soft, still safe just annoying, the pads just hit the wear tabs and started squeaking about a month ago, and the rotors are slightly warped. I also want to mod it because I mountain bike and would love to have a mean looking taco to bring anywhere to ride. I have a 3rd gen style grill on it right now, which I'm not a fan of the look of and want to get an OEM style grill. I'll post a picture of how it looks right now. I would like to get a 3 inch lift and I'll probably run some 32's, but I'm going to save up for a little while. I would like to get a cold air intake from K&N, as well as an X-Pipe or H-Pipe exhaust, which I need to research to find a good one I like, I may post another thread about it. I'd also like to get some new headlights and taillights, I need to do some research on those, I think I'll probably get some projectors for it.

 

Sounds like you're on point with the maintenance and upkeep of your truck. Good to hear and kudos to you for knowing what you need and what you'd like to have!