288,000 mile trans fluid...

Howdy, I'm new to the forum so apologies if this is the wrong place to ask this. I've been doing research trying to figure this out but haven't quite gotten what I'm looking for. I have an 08 tundra with 288,000 miles and still the original transmission fluid. this truck has been in the family since new and there's never been even a drain and refill. that being said it still shifts smoothly with no hesitation and doesn't slip at all. With all that should I look into changing the fluid or do I just continue to use it as is? thanks!

-Jackson Householder

 

If it's functioning properly, I would leave it alone.

If you did not know the complete history, I would say otherwise.

 

I would do a series of drain and fills, not a flush.

https://youtu.be/o690DovjDAc

 

+1

 

I have 12qts on order and I'm searching for a filter. I will change it during Christmas break, I plan on doing the first change of just draining the fluid, dropping and cleaning the pan and then refilling with fresh fluid and then changing it again after a little bit to help clean things up. after that, it'll be changed every 15,000 miles until it seems cleaned enough to go for 30,000. I'm gonna use "genuine Toyota type ws" transmission fluid. anything I'm missing? thanks!

-Jackson Householder

 

The filter is really just a mesh screen that you can clean out.

 

Not exactly the same but damn close my 2006 LX 470 has no record of trans service (198k) so I am going to do a series of drain and fills. The car drives great and shifts smoothly so I think everything is still ok.

I support you idea of drain and fills, I will be using the maxlife ATF, I have used it in my other Toyotas with great results.

 

X2 for drain and fill. Done it on my 08 @ 100k

 

I got my filter from the dealer.
They call it a strainer. I think I paid roughly $200 for 12 quarts, the filter and pan gasket.
There is debate about needing to change the filter or not.

 

I have done 2 drain and fills on my 2010. The fluid after 65k miles was far different looking than brand new OE fluid. I know appearance is not a scientific measurement, but i feel much better knowing it has some new fluid now. I will continue doing drain and flush every oil change to continually getting the fluid newer and newer

 

You could be opening up yourself to a world of hurt by trying to change that filter. There's like a dozen screws that hold the drain pan on and a number of them go into blind holes. They are easy to remove but some of the screws go all the way through and the ends stick out. Even in southern states they like to snap off since they are only 6mm. If it was me, I would just drain what's in the pan and then try to put the same amount back in. Once you do that you can see what shape the oil is in before deciding how much further you want to go.

 

We bought our 2008 Sequoia with 194k on it.

The transmission had only been serviced and 1 time.

I did a drain and fill a month after we bought it.

Then each 10k after that I did another drain and fill until i had done it a total of 12 quarts.

No issues,shifts perfectly and now the fluid looks brand new.

I used Valvoline Synthetic ATF for Toyota’s from Walmart. It’s a red gallon jug for around $17.

Now I plan on doing a drain and fill very 30k

 

If it gives you some kind of added peace of mind, do the progressive drain & fill and leave the filter alone.

 

I 2nd ^^

Unless you live in pristine dry and rust free environment, attempting to remove the drain pan is asking for a world of hurt. Living in MN has told me to take your victories where you can.

Drain and fill is all I would do. If the 1st one shows no ill effects, do an 2nd and 3rd and so forth, spaced out afterwards.

 

Love your signature...

 

Thanks! ill start with this approach instead. ill post pictures and run the fluid through a few tests compared to the new fluid to see how it compares. if its concernedly awful I'll drop the pan too, but it won't be till after Christmas for the new fluid to come in. Thanks to everyone with input!

-Jackson Householder

 

I drained my trans for the first time at 260K because I had to replace a bad solenoid. One pan bolt broke on a lifetime Florida truck so I can't imagine what it's like for northern trucks (well I can). I carefully measured the amount drained and put the exact same back in and that was it. Fluid didn't even seem that bad...

 

does transmission oil degrade with age? I have a 2007 Tundra with ~40,150 miles, was considering doing a drain and fill.

 

Age is irrelevant, but mileage and severity of service is everything. If you know the truck has never experienced severe service, a drain and fill at 40K miles is probably a waste of money. It the truck has seen severe service (towing heavy), then a drain and fill at 40K miles may provide insight for a future maintenance plan.

 

I did my2006 LX 470 this past weekend, ended up doing a total of 6 drain and fills at nearly 4 gallons so I feel much better.

1st one, my LX has no record of this ever being done and it has 198k on it, so I know it was dirty but I dont think it was too bad for the age/miles

 

Have 398000 on my 2011 and running original trans fluid. No issues at all and i use my truck in my business and most of my driving is short runs with many stops.