Confused about drain and fill vs flush

Makes total sense. If you really want to take care of her, do another drain and fill in 5K miles. Keep working out the old fluid and getting new in. ATF is so cheap that it's easy to justify.

 

Dexron is cheap. WS ATF is not. You lucky bastads

 

We are loving it BTW. $14 dollas a gallon at wally wurrllll!!!

 

K

 

If I do a drain and fill several times what are the chances that something bad will happen? I just bought a 2002 Tundra with 179,000 miles. I have no clue what kind of fluid in in the tranny. I was going to use Amsoil since I really like using it. I had a friend say not to worry but I read on here that doing that is horrible if you are not using the same fluid.

 

Use the Toyota spec fluid...not real pricey and it's made to use that.

 

My 2000 takes Dex III, I think your 2002 does too. If the Amsoil meets Dex III specs (I'd be very surprised if it didn't) then use it if you want. There are other options that are much more affordable and some may be just as good. But by all accounts Amsoil makes a very good quality product.

 

Has anyone had a Transmission cooler blow......the one inside the radiator? I did, and I'm still amazed. Pink fluid everywhere, looked like strawberry Quick. Thought my transmission would be toast. I ran about 3 cases of cheap ATF through it until it , well looked like ATF. Changed the filter as well. Took it out for a nice hot run and all was good. Reinstalled another filter, and then drained and flushed the cheap ATF out and replaced with Aisin fluid. Toyota's original fluid I got cheaper than my dealer. 30k miles later now over 355k on my 2000.........moral of the story.............You can flush your transmission. Those old fables are for Domestic transmissions. Besides you are just running extra fluid through. If it looks good, just drain fill. Most times that's good enough for these. Also, I dont use the Trans cooler in the radiator anymore, screw that, I bought a bigger and better one, and run it with the other external cooler.

 

I had a pink milkshake with my last vehicle -- 2002 4Runner. Essentially the same transmission and same radiator/cooler fittings. I caught it right away, and it took 9 gallons of ATF to flush it out properly.

Yours is the first Gen-1 Tundra I've heard of to experience the pink milkshake.

 

So you had one of those V8 4Runners? (I have an issue with Toyota not putting a V8 as an option for the Tacoma, yet they fit one in the 4Runner and RX400 from Lexus)

 

Wally Wurlldd $14. Cheap and meets/exceeds spec. Do multiple drain and fills until your last drain looks like this pouring out.

 

The 2002 4Runner was a 3rd gen with a 3.4L V6. 2003 is when they introduced the new body style and added the 4.7L in that lineup.

 

Recently bought an 02 w 228k miles. Thinking of doing this soon. How often are owners having tranny failures, and what is mileage usually for this to happen? Mine seems to be solid, just more food for thought..

 

My tranny is holding just fine at 167k. She has done some tow/haul over the years, as well. No signs of problems. I’ve had the fluids changed by others fairly regularly over the years. Just started doing my own maintenance again which is so easy.

Not sure about others mileage failures. Haven’t heard much since readings from mid-2000’s ‘planetary explosions’. I think those were from not enough fluid after service because the manual spec’d the fluid fill wrongly at 2.1 quarts when in reality its around 5 quarts. Just a theory.

 

Thanks for this! So a drain and fill would require 5, not 2.1 quarts?

 

Correct. Thats what most here report.

@empty_lord works at a Toy Stealership as a mechanic and he says thats the approx. amount.

Check your dipstick with engine running and warm. It should be right at the top line once you get it right. Thats your final indicator.

 

Approx. many variables. Which is why it’s best to measure. If the truck sits longer you’ll get a little bit more than if it’s sat for a short stint

 

I also noticed if the engine has been running in hot summer conditions that the fluid will read higher. This is due to expansion of the fluid which is normal.

 

Yes. That is normal. After sitting for hours it’ll change the level too because of the valve body draining out a bit

 

You'll definitely know you don't have enough in. I had to keep adding since it wouldn't even go into gear to drive off the ramps.

 

Check level before you start if just doing the drain and fill. If level is correct, what comes out, goes back in. Use the old gallon jug of ATF as one measuring device.