Should i change my transmission fluid?

I just bought a 2006 V8 with 205k miles on it.. I don't have any service records that show the transmission fluid being changed. i have a carfax report that shows a 30,000 service performed so it may of been changed then. I just learned that if it's never been changed it could cause damage if i change it. Should i assume its never been changed and if so should i change it?

 

A 30k service would not include anything having to do with the trans fluid. There's lots of debate here about how having a complete flush dislodges debris and actually can harm your transmission. I have always been an advocate for the "spill and fill" approach to servicing a trans that you don't have accurate service records of. I'm sure others here who have been in the same situation will chime in. Good luck.

 

I don't think I can check the oil on my own looks kinda complicated for the 06 model. so maybe I should take it to a transmission shop for an inspection.

 

Its definitely a complicated process, bring it to a good shop and ask them for their opinion on a complete flush V/S just changing out the fluid in a series of gradual changes.

 

I would do a drain and fill yourself, save some money. Don't do a flush.
It's a sealed trans but there are 3 plugs. Fill, check and drain. The fluid has to be to a certain temp for a correct level check. YouTube has plenty of videos on this.
Good luck!

 

I think it s states drain and flush at 70k in manual, though Mine is an 07, I had dealership do it then. I ve heard folks say that if it isn t done, and a lot of miles are logged, to just not do it because built up sludge can cause problems if fluid is drained.

 

Agree, a power flush with high miles is generally not advised.
Several drain and fills over time seem to be the favorite practice.

 

I'm assuming if I take it in to a mechanic they will be able to tell how old the fluid is. Or if it looks really bad.

 

No, there's no way for them to tell. All they can do is visually inspect it: if it's red & clear, it's "newish". If it's brown and opaque, it's "oldish". You can make the same observations.

 

The only complicated part is setting the proper fluid level. Setting the fluid level can be simplified by using a ScanGauge II to read the transmission pan temperature directly, rather than dealing with that jumpering, shifting trick to put the truck into level-checking mode.

Park the truck on a level surface. Drain and refill the transmission fluid, adding a half quart more than you drained. Start the truck for level-checking. When the transmission fluid reaches specified temperature, remove transmission pan check plug (the one with the allen hex recess), let the fluid drain to a dribble, then replace the check plug. Done.

If no fluid comes out of the check port when you remove the check plug (engine running), then you were more than a half quart low initially. Replace the check plug, shut off the engine, add another half quart. Repeat these steps until fluid drains to a dribble from the check port, with engine running and at specified fluid temperature.

PIDs for reading transmission temperature will have to coded into the ScanGauge II, but there are threads that cover that, such as the one below. You'll need PIDs for CANSF pre-2010:

https://www.tundras.com/threads/scangauge-ii-users-for-monitoring-transmission-temperature.69536/

Another option is to simply measure exactly what you drain out and replace that exact amount. If the level was correct before you drained, it will still be very close after you refill with the same amount of fluid. The problem with that is after 205K miles, it is likely that the level is not correct after all these years.