Maintenance

I have had Toyotas since 1977. All were great. Never an issue with any of them. Until my current one.....a 2006 Tacoma TRD Double Cab V6. At 92,000 miles, I needed a new transmission. I was told the radiator leaked coolant into the transmission fluid, so I needed a new radiator as well. $3,300. I take it in for all regularly scheduled maintenance. That's really all I know how to do. When my husband was alive, he did all the maintenance. He was always checking and doing things. I never paid attention. Apparently, there's more to maintenance than just the scheduled maintenance. Can anyone tell me what things need to be done to maintain these Toyotas so they last as long as they should? I still have my 1985 Pick Up with 400,000 miles and my 1991 Pick Up with 200,000 miles. But that was when my husband was here to take care of them. Thank you.

 

Welcome to tacomaworld.
Other members will have good advice on schedules maintenance.
I ran my last two civics 220xxx and 260xxx
With just oil changes&Cv boots.

 

Um...coolant is the same as anti-freeze.

I hope some mechanic didn't take advantage of you. We don't look kindly to that sort of stuff around here.

 

im sure she meant coolant into the trans via the trans cooler, which will screw up a trans

 

That's interesting. I know Nissan's were notorious for this issue and one of the reasons I traded in my Xterra. This is the first time I've heard of a Toyota with that problem.

And yes, it's coolant leaking into the transmission. They (Nissan owners) refer to it as "Strawberry Milkshake" and the Nissan boards are packed with examples of it.

http://www.wheels.ca/news/run-dont-walk-away-from-this-nissan/

 

Fair enough;

However, this is a valid lesson for her to take note of.

Know exactly what is going on, and speak exactly about it when maintenance discussions arise.

Because if the mechanic did take her for a ride by speaking some Mumbo Jumbo she probably didn't need a whole transmission AND radiator.

 

Yes, Ramsey. I said it wrong. It's the coolant and the transmission fluid. I will correct it.
And thank you Hondah. I am trying to learn more about trucks and motors and etc. That's why I thought it would help me to come here. Everyone here has been more than helpful and kind. Thank you. Carole.

 

Thank you ChemDawg. I know my husband always told me that if you keep the oil changed regularly, it will last a long long time. I want to believe that. I always have, until now. Now, I'm just confused. Carole.

 

It's a shame that the cooler broke and took out the trans, it does happen. It's not a common problem with the toyotas but it doesn't mean it can't happen. A lot of manufactures have the trans cooler for automatic trans run up the inside of the radiator.
I wish you more luck with the truck

 

That is not a common issue on Tacoma's, sounds like just bad luck.

 

Sioux, I bought my first Toyota in 1977 and have nothing but Toyotas ever since. Toyotas just don't break. Until now. And I just found out that there is no dip stick to check the transmission fluid for signs that there may be a problem. I don't know if that would of made a difference in this situation. I guess I just got lucky with this one. Carole.

 

Shakerhood, thank you for your comment. It's good to know this is not common for Toyotas. Carole.

 

It doesn't appear that you or the dealer you have been using did anything wrong. Just bad luck. If you have been taking the truck in for regular service you did all you could, and more than most.

 

Marshall, I still have vibration after the transmission has been repaired. I've been reading about bearings. Carrier, Driveshaft, center, etc. Do these get inspected for wear and/or replacement during regular scheduled maintenance?

 

I'm sorry for your problems, get the truck fixed by a trusted mechanic, keep up on the scheduled maintenance,you should be good. It sounds like you take good care of your truck. I wish you all the best.

 

I wonder if there is an aftermarket transmission cooler that can be mounted externally to prevent this from happening again.