filter and fluid change is all that's needed. . If you drive manual, most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. I’d do the empty/fill (make absolutely sure the correct fluid is used, even if you have to buy some from the dealer), and repeat every 30-40k from now on. I immediately changed the fluid and filter. Find out how much gear oil does your car need. If the car manufacturers feel so confident in fluid longevity then let them warranty the transmissions for the life of the vehicle…. One of the main reasons for transmission failures is overheating. I’ll go with the majority here and agree that 40K transmission fluid changes are the way to go. Make sure the repair facility is using the correct fluid and procedures for your vehicle. However, transmission fluid does wear out overtime, and if you want to prolong the life of your transmission, its a good idea to change the fluid frequently. Every year they will do … My prius is at 97k and wanted to change the fluid to prevent against any future problems with the hybrid transaxle. If you tow a lot, that is clearly not normal driving in my book. Changing automatic transmission fluid. advice Two dealers and my independent mechanic all told me that the vehicle uses “world standard” transmission fluid and NEVER needs to be changed. I said "I believe some guys don’t change the trans filters because the pan is sometimes “challenging” to remove. Let’s take a look at both and see which makes more sense for your car. , so don’t expect a fluid change to be a magic elixir. Otherwise go to an Aamco and they will do a complete flush for about $200. ~3qt Toyota WS rated transmission fluid; Oil pump or Funnel with a hose ; OBD2 scanner; When to Change your Toyota ATF. I totally disagree with that. We have seen mixed opinions on this, with some mechanics suggesting you should just leave well enough alone if you aren’t having shifting problems. Whether or not you should change … I do not know if this is a good idea. BMW says to change the fluid every 60,000 miles. Vehicles with manual transmissions should have their fluid changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. I have always change my transmission fluid but it can not be done on some transmissions unless one has special equipment, Toyota is one of these care’s. The process is cheap and doesn't take too much time. 4. Information about the frequency of transmission fluid changes should be … Hello, My mechanic said that my transmission fluid needs to be changed on my next oil change. If you have automatic, you can typically boost that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Often within days of making the fluid changes. Transmissions and transmission fluid have improved over the years but not to the point where preventative maintenance can be ignored. Look in your owner’s manual. @db4690, I’m in agreement with you on the filter changes. The flush product can alter the chemistry of the transmission fluid and change its performance characteristics, so it’s important to remove it from the transmission. i will tell you when the transmission fails. Determine if the fluid is checked with the engine running or off. I got this idea from the Cartalk Brothers some years ago. Your mechanic drains the transmission fluid, replaces the filter, then refills the transmission with fresh, new fluid. 4 years ago . Regular change of automatic transmission fluid prolongs the life of your car. None of these have yet been done. I don't see where the Prius should be even that much. A lot of mechanics say that is too long and that it should be done at least every 50,000 miles. They had the pan gasket in stock but not the “screen” . Find out how much engine oil does your car need. a) leave it alone for 250K miles? YES, you should change it. Way too much incorrect information here to ignore. Any suggestions/feedback? The Toyota Maintenance Guide for the four-cylinder Camry 5SFE engine says to inspect the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) every 30,000 miles. If it has never been done I would have the transmission drained and refilled, have the car driven for a few miles, then have it drained, have the pan removed and the filter replaced, then put back together and refilled. Anonymous. I don't see where the Prius should be even that much. For more, check out my other Corolla DIY tutorials at the links below - 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla Repair & Maintenance Guides. Many change the fluid in the transmission between 30,000 - 60,000 miles. YES, you should change it. The manual will outline the recommended frequency of flushes or fluid changes as well as how you can access the transmission fluid and use a dipstick to check fluid levels. Today, many cars don't have a transmission dipstick. Transmission fluid often is red but can come in other colors, and as it deteriorates it tends to turn darker. … service, If you have never changed the transmission fluid in your vehicle and have more than 100,000 miles on the odometer, should you change it. Brake Fluid A super heavy-duty, high-temperature brake fluid specifically designed by Toyota engineers to help provide superior performance in all Toyota brake systems where DOT 3 brake fluid is recommended. Toyota recommends that vehicles featuring an automatic transmission have their fluid changed every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. I have always change my transmission fluid but it can not be done on some transmissions unless one has special equipment, Toyota is one of these care’s. I bought the car with 62K. As previously stated, they use a best average. Good luck. Post Reply. Almost every single trans filter that I’ve changed “on schedule” has looked absolutely terrible. My 2005 Camry trans pan was also difficult to remove. It is very important to change or inspect the transmission fluid in your Toyota vehicle as often as the intervals above recommend. Shop Now. I drop 3 quarts and add 3 quarts every 20,000 miles or so, and it stays clean and sweet. 2005 Transmission fluid change/check level. Here is why: Transmission fluid operates at between 75ºC and 90ºC. Toyota dealerships and online retailers sell the Toyota branded fluids today. It is your choice as to how often you wish to change your CVT fluid but I recommend it to everyone who hasn't already done so or has any paperwork to suggest it was already done. Both of these services replace your transmission fluid with fresh fluid, but in very different ways. Recommended transmission fluid change intervals varied between 30,000 and 50,000 miles. normal drain. Like other vital automotive fluids, transmission fluid deteriorates over time. . Unless you've let the fluid overheat the factory fluid should be good for a minimum of 400,000 miles. Absolutely not. Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled. My 2005 Camry has the same transmission as your car. When transmission fluid gets old or goes bad due to environmental factors such as dirty roads or highly polluted areas, your transmission may begin to stick, squeak or hesitate when shifting. In fact, it mostly depends on how you use the vehicle. Many shops will complete this process incorrectly, in fact, which is why Toyota issued the TSB we’re sharing above. Toyota transfer case fluid part number 08885-81080 is a 75W viscosity fluid and does not specifically identify with any GL (gear lube) specification, like the older recommended gear oils (e.g. That kind of driving raises the transmission’s operating temperature, and heat puts more strain on the transmission and the fluid. He gave a quote and then recommended that I have him change/flush the transmission fluid. 1 0. Park the vehicle on a level surface for the most accurate reading. Going in for regular oil change at 75,000 miles. Not to mention that some shops that perform the flush use generic multi-purpose ATF and don’t even change the filter. If you were selling next year, I’d say skip it, but since you want to keep it a LONG time, you’ll want to keep the transmission in top shape. Many modern cars don’t have a transmission fluid dipstick, and automakers instead recommend a service center check the fluid level because it’s often done from underneath the car. 8. GL-5). The default transmission fluid service is called a transmission fluid change. Toyota states their automatic transmission fluid is a "million mile" fluid which implies that it doesn't need to be changed. Brandusedtundra [OP] New Member. Therefore, do not change your fluid any more (or less) than recommended by the factory maintenance manual. Unless there’s a leak or a problem, some newer transmissions are designed to never need a fluid change. Transmission fluids do need changing periodically just like any other automotive fluid does. Draining the fluid will only remove about one-third to half the fluid. The transmission fluid change is the tried-and-true process that your owner’s manual specifies when it calls for a transmission service. I would use only Toyota WS fluid. My 2002 Sienna has 193,000 miles on it, and still shifts smoothly. You should also replace the fluid if it becomes contaminated. However, fresh fluid is not a cure for gears slipping, rough shifting or other. However, the best thing to do is to check the owner’s manual to get the correct recommendations. For example, a Toyota Camry maintenance appointment usually includes a tire rotation and resets your tires to the correct psi. The transmission fluid change lets your mechanic get a close look at the transmission pan and the filter. Do not listen to people who’s advice disagrees with the factory. They said it was not recommended by Toyota to do the transmission oil change, and that I could if I really wanted to, but they didn't suggest it. Even if they can show you that the fluid is darker than original, that might not mean you need fresh fluid right now. That range up to 60,000 miles i went to the 75W transfer case now. Make sure the repair facility is using the correct fluid and procedures for your vehicle and... Not harm your transmission fluid operates at between 75ºC and 90ºC in a mountainous area change. The liquid every year, Dec 21, 2018 ) every 30,000...! 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