Transmissions are sealed and don't need checking?

Hi. I have a 2005 Tacoma 4x4. Is it true that the transmissions are sealed and need no checking or anything?
Thanks

 

It depends on where you get your automotive advice. It depends on how you use your truck? Me, since 40k Ive been doing a annual drain and fill.

 

Anything mechanical needs maintenance. Even the non mechanical needs maintenance.

 

My 2007 does not have a dipstick to check the fluid level...I can only assume the '05s are the same way. So yes, in that sense, they are sealed, but that doesn't mean it isn't serviceable. The transmission does have a drain plug, a fill port, and another plug that looks like a drain plug, but is actually used to check the level when the truck is running. Draining the pan doesn't get all of the oil though, so you have to be a bit more creative if you are trying to "flush" the fluid out. There are good write-ups out there on how to do that.

Under normal conditions, the transmission fluid doesn't have to be replaced all that often. If you are doing something more serious (especially towing), it does.

 

My 2009 5 lug has a dip-stick.

 

Nobody likes a braggart.

 

If the transmission did not have a pan drain plug, a fluid-level plug, and a refill plug up above, it would be sealed.
It has all 3 of those.

You'll get 2 answers here.

a. I never change mine.
b. I change mine every xxxxx miles.

 

Check out this post and no it’s not sealed and yes the fluid should be replaced:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-full-flush-for-automatic-transmission.68462/

 

4 cyl. trucks have a 4 speed that is a very old design that goes back to the 80's which has a dipstick. The 6 cyl. has a 5 speed that is a newer design which has an overflow plug instead of a stick.

Nothing is sealed for life even if the manufacturer recommends it. Probably should change every 60 to 90k regardless. Oil is cheap, trannies are not unless you are in Vegas...

 

Took my 09 to local dealer and they told me that Toyota changed their mind about not changing the fluid. So I had the dealer do it at 130000 and will get it done every 50000 as scheduled.

 

Also when I did my flush, at about 88,000, I used Valvoline Max Life. It’s cheaper, synthetic and my truck shifts better/smother then with the Toyota WS fluid.

 

I flushed mine at ~80k miles, and am sitting at ~150k now. I'll probably think about doing it again maybe this fall, or maybe next year when I feel like it. I used the Toyota WS fluid (took about 14 qts., but my memory's a bit fuzzy).

 

Sounds like you found that out the hard way

 

Nope

With Toyotas, they typically are a 300k mile vehicle with basic maintenance. Unless you have a 3.0 3VZ, then it's like a grenade with the pin out

 

Wrong kind of Tranny

 

LOL,yes they need servicing like everything else.

 

I got the reference...I just have to shut anyone down trying to piggyback my jokes.

Joke Nazi...sorry