New transmission fluid: to do or not to do?

2006 Tundra, V8. 201,000 on odometer and I doubt it's even been drained and refilled.

Shifts fine, no computer codes for tranny.

Three mechanics spoken with, all suggested not changing the fluid this far along.

What do you guys think?

 

I’m at 350k, and I’m going to do a pan drain and fill to get at least 4 new quarts back in it. I might throw some LubeGuard in as well.

I’m almost positive the trans has’t been touched, and lately it doesn’t seem as crisp as my girlfriends 07’ Sequoia with 220k on it.

https://youtu.be/jJr30r6RRgw?si=oVJ2AHXXXdPhp8ua

 

+1 drain/fill.

 

I would do the drain/fill as well. On these high miles vehicles, I do a single drain/fill about once a month until the fluid cleans up. It gets new fluid and additives in there hopefully without shocking the system too much

 

I think this has been covered several times, and as others have echoed, really wish you'd start using the Search feature rather than just dumping questions that've been answered repeatedly.

Drain/fill. Don't bother dropping the pan or changing filter.

Points #1 and #2 here are important but this input is worthwhile, as is this input.

Every shop will warn you about changing fluid when there's unknown history. They'll always take an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach for liability/reputation reasons

 

Yeah I'd do it as others said - just a single drain-fill then maybe do another every 4 motor oil changes or so - this way it will have some fresh fluid and some of the old. I did mine (also doubt it was every changed before) at 175K and no issues and it lasted until about 340k before needing work. Luck.

 

I'd do a drain and fill. If the fluid is super dirty, do it again in a couple of weeks. I did this on my truck at 208k miles, wasn't sure if / when the fluid was changed last in it. Was pleasantly surprised when my fluid came out nice and clean.

 

Going through these linked videos, Youtube suggested this one.

What do you guys think about what this young lady is doing?

How to Service a Sealed Toyota Transmission (youtube.com)

 

That's the same video so many of us has followed along with while topping off transmission fluid. She knows her stuff.

 

This question gets asked a lot in ASE Transmission classes. One instructor gave this sage advice (I can't be assed to find the source):

If your automatic transmission fluid is dark, that means there is clutch friction material in fluid suspension. In this case, changing fluid can cause issues. If the fluid is still bright and clear changing it won't hurt.

The logic is, by draining the dark fluid you remove the clutch material from suspension. This can lead to a slipping transmission. This is why some mechanics will tell you to leave it alone.

Now, if the fluid smells burnt and is dark... just get ready to take your transmission apart.

And never take your automatic equipped car to AAMCO. You know what AAMCO stands for? All Automatics Must Come Out. They always recommend a rebuild or reman.

 

Faye is awesome yet for just a tiny bit more accuracy on the How To here's a vid using a Tundra so all the parts and pieces look alike and he does it the manner you're suggesting.

https://youtu.be/NX3WRAPJ0Aw?feature=shared

 

Do it. If it was going to create problems, you’d already be experiencing them.

 

Best advice right here. A+

 

This is Truth at least for BMWs. My wife has an '06 330CI - immaculate with under 100k maintained by her son who happens to be a BMW Master certified mechanic (even leads on their electrics) and he says the same thing when I asked him if its 'ok' to change his mom's trans fluid. "No - it may cause problems". Took it to a non-BMW shop - same thing "No way". Seems counter intuitive yet I understand the 'math' suspended particles and how they can aid an otherwise 'wornoutish' set of clutches. Luck all.

 

I’ve had no issues doing entire fluid swaps(using internal pump procedures) on my 4r at 55k, and the tundra at 145k.
Now at 110k and 172k. I will probably do another fluid swap on the 4r soon. Amsoil fuel efficient synthetic fluid(ws compatible)