ATF change at 157,000 miles with no previous history?

My tundra has 157,000 miles. Got the truck at 119,000 never had any previous documentation on if my transmission fluid has been changed or not. I want to make this truck last as long as possible. I’ve heard Transmissions will build up with a varnish over time, and the new fluid can act like a cleaner and wash away the varnish should I be worried about this with my truck having high mileage and no history of a fluid change ?

 

Just do a simple drain and fill. You’ll get about 5 qt of fluid swapped out. And then do it every 20k miles (every 4th oil change).

Search Toyota tundra transmission drain and fill on YouTube. There are a couple step by step videos on it.

 

I've had the same concern with my truck which is at 143,000. From what I've read I'm thinking of doing a drain and fill. I'm also looking for clarification on the matter.

 

Yeah a lot of people are saying as long as it’s not pressurized your good so I think I’m gonna give it a try

 

A drain and fill can only help. Keep it simple. You could do one, drive a week and do another and so on to cycle through more fluid

 

I did a “drain and fill” at 75k miles. Then a full fluid exchange at 150k miles. Aside from a $62 trans solenoid that took a dump at 241k miles, it still shifts perfect.

I prefer the full fluid exchange

Both are easy to do. The most complicated part is getting the fluid level right. I followed this video.

https://youtu.be/fLVZSoKbyZ0?si=PI7cj_FBYue0ROOS

 

+1 for drain / fill. Just did mine yesterday at 40k, took about an hour+.

 

Did my first at 60k. Easy peasy.

I think you could simply drain into a measured container and measure out the exact same amount of new fluid to put back, bypassing the level check procedure.

 

Since I added an ATF cooler prior to this, I wanted to make sure I got the levels right using the temps.

 

If I drain 5qt (which only comes from the pan) at ambient temp and put 5qt back (into the pan), there is zero room for error. It will cycle through on my first drive that gets up to operating temp.

I did it the “right way” when installing my cooler and with my first drain & fill, but I think it’s unnecessary moving forward.

 

OP it's easy to do. Hardest part is really gathering the tools (large graduated pitcher, 6' long piece of 5/8" OD clear tubing).

If you're near Hoover Alabama we'll do it at my place together. Easy-peasy.

 

I just had the dealership do a drain and fill on my 2012 Tundra. Bought it end of last year with 143k on it. No records of the transmission being serviced.... I debated doing this for awhile and did a lot of research on it.i decided to roll the dice as no fluid is lifetime. It started shifting hard and was "off" after the procedure. I drove it 4 or 5 days hoping the computer would have to relearn, with no improvement I sent it back to the dealership.

I noticed it did better when it warmed up, so I was hoping it was just low on fluid.I told them I wanted them to check the fluid and dropped it off over night so they could check it after sitting. They called me be next morning and said I was good to go. "the techs computer glitched and it was a smidge low" I am thinking that a "smidge" is some metric unit? Anyways, they also did a relearn. It shifted much better than when I got it back. And I do believe the transmission is in the process of relearning because Everytime I drive it, it gets better.

I think I dodged a bullet.... A drain and fill would be the least risk.