2018 Toyota sequoia 5.7 V8

Hi guys I’m trying to do a full transmission flush on my Toyota sequoia. I can’t locate my return line to the radiator to disconnect. Secondly I don’t see a bypass for the transmission cooler. I do see that cylinder with two lines connected at the side of the transmission pan but not bypass bolt with the plunger and holes to plug in the open position. I have watched a ton on videos on the tundras and what I can find on sequoias but they are early models. Would greatly appreciate any help thank you.

 

The vehicle does have a tow haul button

 

Later models, 2011 or 12+, did not come with the external cooler. So no lines exist for an easy fluid swap.

 

So how would I go about flushing the transmission? Just drain the pan or?

 

Pretty much, yes. I would do four drain and fills that are a week or so apart depending on how much time you have. Spreading them out a little bit will give the detergents in the fluid time to clean the parts slowly, then remove it from the transmission at the next D&F. Drain and fill is simple and takes about four quarts each time. Look up the procedure here; it's simple, just make sure to check the level correctly.

 

I appreciate it guys, I called the dealer and they wanted close to $400 to flush the transmission. Ideally I would like to flush it but I can work with draining it 4 times. Now when it comes to the temperature check would a Lazer heat gun work to get it between 109f-115f or does the 2018 also have the wire jumper I can do and toggle it back and forth method from drive to park? Thank you again

 

I've done it with the jumper method, an IR gun on the pan, or using an OBD2 reader and reading trans temp. Never had an issue with any method.

 

Thank you! Well it looks like I’m draining transmission fluid 4 times in week intervals . Cheers for the help

 

I have another Toyota it’s a 2010 4Runner I currently have 315,000 miles on it. Would you recommend doing the same to that transmission or let that bad boy be?

 

I have never drained the transmission fluid or done anything to that one. Been told to leave it alone have no issues with either vehicles transmission just preventative maintenance.

 

My opinion: no reason NOT to do a drain and fill. Flushes get a bad rep on high mileage vehicles because they *can* push debris from one part of the transmission where it's not doing any harm, to another part of the transmission where it fouls everything up. This usually happens with a power flush machine; most reputable places don't use them anymore but I would rather do a drain a fill anyways. Gentler on the system. Also why I recommend a week between each D&F, but that's just my opinion based on my experiences.

 

I appreciate it, I agree with it being gentler way of introducing clean fluid in slowly. Thank you