Change trans fluid...?

This has probably been addressed several times here, but I'm gonna ask again anyway. I have a 2006 AC 4wd. I bought it two years ago and I have no idea of the maintenance history. Shortly after buying it, I got the rear and front diff fluids changed, as well as the transfer case. The truck now has 92K miles on it. Should I look into changing the transmission fluid? I've heard that after a while, its just best to leave it alone as long as you're not experiencing any problems shifting or whatnot. I am not experiencing any transmission issues. Is it best to just leave it at this point?

 

That is your decision. The safest way to do it is slowly, over time, with a series of "drains, and fills." You have the "sealed" transmission which is not as easy to change as earlier models, but still doable for DIY.

I have changed the trans fluid in all three of the rigs I service.

• The V6 has 360K miles on it, and has had the trans fluid drained, and filled several times. It also has a jasper trans in it.
• The white truck has around 300K, and I've drained, and filled at least once with no known prior history.
• The corolla is fast approaching 200K, and I've done at least three on it with no issues on anything listed above.

All of my rigs have a trans dipstick. You do not on a 2006.

I do not have any links for you, but the info is here.

 

If you’re gonna have problems, it’s generally from minor shift issues that get exacerbated once the fluid is completely changed out. Mostly from clutch material suspended in the old fluid that is helping it to shift somewhat correctly.

If you have no issues, it’s unlikely they’ll just appear out of the blue unless you put the wrong amount back into it.

 

If you do not know the maintance that has been done on the truck I would drain and refill, fresh fluid is better than dirty fluid.

 

Paging @shifty` paging Dr. Shifty. You have a call holding on the white courtesy phone.

 

I did 12 qts at 168k which is 4 drain and fills. 4 of Toyota WS followed by 8 of Valvoline Maxlife.

 

With how little someone on here said their dealership charged to do a complete fluid change, I can't even imagine bothering with all the work. Sorry, devil's advocate here...

 

No, I would do at least one drain and fill with Toyota WS. Maybe at the next oil change or service, do another one.

The old fluid might be fine, but it's not doing the transmission any favors. Most important thing is to set final level properly, so that it isn't over- or under-filled.

 

Measure how much comes out and put that amount back in.

 

What I did and recommend is first just drain and fill the pan. That'll give you a good idea based on color, smell, metallic specs.
If you have big metallic pieces or it smells burnt and is black leave it alone. If it's brown or brown with a red tint and no burnt smell I'd say you're good to go with multiple drain and fills or a Fluid Exchange via the cooler lines running to the radiator

*NOT A FLUSH HOOK UP FROM A MACHINE*

I also highly recommend sticking with OEM ATF. I think 2000 - 03 takes Dexron 3, 04 and 05 takes T-IV, 06 takes WS. Don't take my word as law and CHECK YOUR OWNERS MANUAL.

Good luck!

 

If you’re a quart low, this will get you back to a quart low. Better off knowing the drain and fill procedure and how to check the fluid level. 2000-2004, easy peasy, just check the dipstick once warmed up and run through the gears. 2005-2006 with the 5speed, have to check the fluid level through the proper plug on the side of the trans at the right temperature. Eliminate the guess work with proper procedure. Knowledge is power people!! And knowing is half the battle! And every dog has his day and other affirming cliche’s!!!!

 

100% Agree, this is the right way to do it.

 

Aye I wish I lived where that person lived where a fluid drain and fill is cheap. Here in the CA central valley it was tree'fiddy at the dealer, the kind with no commas ($350). This was for an 01' V8.

It was mild shock, but I was just not looking forward to being greasy that day.

 

It was that GD Lochness monster again, wasn't it?!

 

I'd heard $185 and $220 respectively, using Toyota WS fluid, full flush. But then again, I haven't priced it here in ATL which tends to lean higher, so knowing my luck it'd also be $350.