V6 Transmission Fluid - Drain and Fill or Flush?

I'd like to get my 2017 SR5 V6 2WD transmission fluid changed. I'm at 80k miles and it will be my first transmission service (trying to follow Car Care Nut's Youtube advice on maintenance). I don't tow anything or do any off-roading - strictly a daily driver.

1. Should I do a "drain and fill" or do a full flush and replacement?
2. Do I need to replace the filter as well?

Trying to get this truck to last 200k+ miles. With my new mortgage.... it's no longer optional lol!

 

I drain and refill every 30k as a habit. Generally flushes are bad.

 

What about the filter?

 

It is not a filter. It just the screen. No need to replace

 

IIRC on this truck you need to drop the pan to change the filter out. Mine only has 1300 miles so I'm not there yet, but on every vehicle I've owned, every 30k changes have worked out very well. Getting the correct fluid level on this truck has it's on trick though since they are dipstickless.

 

Why do you think flushes are bad? Genuinely curious, not looking to argue.

 

They've caused more harm than good in transmissions for me in the past when I've had the service done. Could be user error, but they send fluid backwards thru the transmission and this can mess up internal seals and pick up junk that otherwise would be perfectly happy just chillen. No issues when I just do simple drain and refills (my parents Hondas are over 260k and shift beautifully). I like to stick to what works, even if it is a bit excessive for frequency.

 

Def a filter in there but probably can go at least 100k imo before changing

 

I also agree that you shouldn't flush the trans. You want to keep the clutch material within the unit. Just a regular pan drop and refill will work best.

 

I'm trying to get this done at the dealer as I'm not confident (per youtube videos of it) that I can get this right. Should I tell them that I want just a standard drain and fill with a replacement filter?

 

Yup. Pan drop and filter replace. That's it.

 

Idk if filter is needed that early. Seems to be good for 100k at least, imo

 

Filters are cheap. No reason not to change it while you're in there already.

 

There's no reason to pull the pan if you're not changing the filter. Just pull the plug add what u pulled, fire up the truck, check the level and be done.

 

Fair. I've yet to do my truck and I'm not used to having a drain plug. Have owned several vehicles without one.

 

Just depends on what everyone is in to. Just doesn't seem that worth it to drop the pan. But that's just my opinion. Stay up on the fill n spills and you should be good to go.

 

For your use a drain and fill is fine at 80k

Do it again at 100k, drop the pan and clean up / replace the filter or screen

Then do drain/fill at 50k intervals.

 

As you saw on AMD's video, the fill is uber critical. I hate to say it but I'm not so sure I'd trust the wrench monkey that's on the oil change detail to get that process right. They fuck up on simpler things regularly.

IMO, it's a DIY if you remotely think you have the capability.

 

For what its worth. I only did 4 quart drain and refills on my 2001 tundra the entire 19 years i owned it. I sold the truck with 292k miles with the original transmission, never needing any other service...it still worked as well as always.

 

Yeah I wish I had a viable alternative. I'm not that good with mechanic stuff and I figured taking it to the dealer is slightly safer than just any shop.