When change transmission fluid?

I don't see in my manual a time to change the transmission fluid. How often should I do it?

 

30k miles

 

^ I agree, this is a good interval for doing a drain/fill (about 3.5 quarts) to maintain fresh fluid in the system. But you will need to drop the pan and replace the filter at some point. For normal use I'd suggest around 120k miles. For severe use, replace the filter around 80k. However it's more of a screen/strainer than a filter, so there's not much point in replacing the filter a 2nd time unless you do a rebuild, when you start over. All the big stuff that the strainer will catch happens somewhere in the first 20-30k miles.

 

Has anyone added a transmission cooler? Any reason if not towing?

 

I have a scan gauge 2 to monitor transmission temps. I bought a transmission cooler but thought I would monitor temps prior to installing. My ATF Temps stay below 170 degrees about 90 percent of the time and have only gotten to 190-200 a couple times. This is in the south Alabama heat as well. So I’m holding off. I do regular drain and fills so I always have fresh fluid in the system.

 

Auto or Manual?

 

What is the drain plug torque?

 

15 ft/lb

 

Changed mine today. 61k miles...drained 4 quarts out and put 4 back in.

 

that's exactly the same amount I drained from my 2.7l auto, from then on I just drain and replace with 4 quarts T-IV and new gasket every 30k miles

 

I jacked my front end up some to get to exactly 4 quarts out. Put 3.5 back in and went for a short drive, rechecked and added rest. Dead on full while hot and engine running. At 90000 i may drop the pan and change the strainer.

 

first time I did mine it was dead on 4 quarts, got to love the 2.7l engine when it comes to trans. oil OCIs, its so easy to do you could probably change it out every 15k miles and be just as good as a tranny flush.

 

Easier than an oil change!

 

Oddly enough, I was just watching an automotive show this weekend, when they went to a pro-shop. The mechanic showed a specialized machine that flushes out the trans, its torque converter, and all the lines with a specific cleaner under pressure. He stated that not only ALL of the old fluid was removed, but that everything (gears, clutches, torque converter, etc) was well cleaned. Only then was a new filter put in with new fluid. No doubt this will cost some bucks, but I guess it depends on how long you want to keep your vehicle and how well you want it to perform (and its dependability). While I am a long way from needing it, I think I'll call my Toyota dealership and a reputable trans shop for prices.

 

i had my trans flushed on my old truck at the dealership once at 60k miles, but in reality I think if u use your truck to work and haul and heavy duty offroading it would probably be good to flush the trans fluid, if u are light duty usage u probably be ok with the pan drains at 30k miles.

 

Is there a reason why not everybody does this? & most people pump the oil in ? I just got a 2015 pre runner & im going to change the transmission oil to so I know it has fress oil. Also I’ve heard flushes are sometimes bad.... any input on that with our trucks? Thanks !!

 

Transmission fluid is highly refined and packed with detergents. There is no need for a "full flush" unless you are severe service (heavy hauling/towing) or your vehicle is neglected maintenance. The majority of us are normal driving and do not need a transmission flush. Just regular drain & fill periodically and change out the filter once or twice over the life of the unit. I'm sure many light users will do the flush, but I really doubt any significant reliability or longevity benefits. Just not worth the money or time, IMO. But we all do whatever spins our beanie.

 

Yeah I was definitely thinking something along those lines. How do you change your trans oil ? You drain & then fill what you took out through the dip stick ?

 

Yes exactly that, every 30k. A smaller funnel is needed to fit into the dipstick tube, but it's manageable. You probably should replace the crush washer, start with 15 lb-ft torque. If it seeps/drips, torque it more as needed but don't go beyond 20 lb-ft.
Some people insist on factory fluid (Toyota T-IV, Mobil 3309 or Idemitsu TLS) but I've had good experience with the Castrol or Valvoline "import" formulas.

At 120k I dropped the pan and changed the filter, was practically no debris on the magnets. So with the light duty, I figure occasional fluid changes will get it through 250k or more.

 

Not necessary imo if you keep up with it yourself. I've done a few drain and fills and one diy pan drop, flush and new filter.