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Should I service trans on 05? And dangers of universal green antifreeze?

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by pakky87, Jul 17, 2020.

  1. Jul 17, 2020 at 1:22 PM
    #1
    pakky87

    pakky87 [OP] New Member

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    Hey everybody. I am dealing with my fiancee's 05 Tundra and it is at 140k. She bought it used about 6-7 years ago from the dealer who had fully serviced it (as far as she was told). Just curious if I should see about replacing the filter, or just drain the pan and top off with fresh. Only thing the truck does that has done it since she bought it, is at a stop it takes a little bit for the transmission to release pressure on the drive line.

    I have gone through and looked up the procedure to make sure the fluid level is checked appropriately with fluid temp and the overflow tube. I also don't plan have immediate plans to do this, so wanted some opinions of others.

    Also, she does have a leaking radiator (if you don't check it, takes about 3-4 months to get low enough to have overheating on the gauge) and I have probably done the no no of just running universal green in it instead of the Toyota fluid (when you don't find yourself at an autoparts store...). Have actually been running it for close to 2 years. Whenever I do get around being able to replace the radiator, I will be flushing when I do, and if I feel crazy enough...may even just go ahead and try to tackle replacing the water pump and timing belt if the general opinion leans towards green being a big no no from you all that know a lot more than I do when it comes to these trucks.

    Thanks for all your input in advance!
     
    YardBird likes this.
  2. Jul 17, 2020 at 1:24 PM
    #2
    YardBird

    YardBird Native San Diegan

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    Welcome aboard from SoCal.
     
  3. Jul 17, 2020 at 2:12 PM
    #3
    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

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    The reason for using the Toyota antifreeze is because it has superior chemistry (HOAT) which reduces scale deposits and extends the change interval.

    Before I knew better, I used the green antifreeze in my old 4Runner for decades (regular flushes and changes) with no ill effects. Worth noting that my 4Runner had an old school soldered copper and brass radiator. This was back when the old green was the accepted technology, and the red Toyota coolant was new on the scene. The old green antifreeze has silicates in it that can cause scale deposits, so it requires regular maintenance. If you switch back to the Toyota coolant, I would do a really good flush with heater on, etc.

    IMO, the only real NO-NO antifreeze in a Toyota is Dexcool (orange color, OAT chemistry). I tried that in my wife's Avalon, and it attacked the elastomer seals in the cooling system. The Toyota coolant is pricey, but you can also use Zerex asian car antifreeze from Walmart or Amazon. It has HOAT (hybrid organic acid technology) chemistry just like the Toyota coolant.

    https://www.amazon.com/Zerex-Asian-Antifreeze-Coolant-Ready/dp/B0033QO022/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2JXIS2I1B7E5X&dchild=1&keywords=zerex+asian+vehicle+coolant&qid=1595018558&sprefix=Zerex%2Caps%2C212&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExOExHVzBJWFhCRzc1JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTEyNDE3MlpIUzhGS0QwTkZFViZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTUwMzUxMzJQN1BWVDk0R0ZCWiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU%3D

    Removing the transmission pan can be a problem because Toyota's pan bolts tend to snap off in the hole. Most owners prefer to drain the pan and refill, and not bother with the strainer. They repeat the drain and fill until they've changed the total volume. Depending on the transmission model (with/without cooler), I probably would prefer to do a complete fluid replacement at 140K miles. A DIY owner should be an experienced wrencher for that. If you can handle the water pump and timing belt, you should have no problem with the fluid replacement.

    Welcome from the Texas Hill Country.
     
    Last edited: Jul 17, 2020
    bmf4069, YardBird, speedtre and 5 others like this.
  4. Jul 18, 2020 at 7:19 AM
    #4
    N84434

    N84434 In the Frozen Tundra

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    I've used the Zerex Asian SIlicate in both my LS430s and I'll use it when I do the Tundra's TB this fall. Works as good as the original. As far as the Transmission Fluid, I've only ever used the Toyota Branded WS fluid in my cars.
     
    YardBird and revtune like this.
  5. Jul 18, 2020 at 7:26 AM
    #5
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Zerex Asian meets all the Japanese Specs for Toyota and costs about $17 a gallon. Its a no brainer to use this over the much higher priced Toyota Coolant.

    Check your Specs for 05. The 2002 takes DexIII and I use the Valvoline Dex/Merc which meets all the DEXIII approvals. Very well priced at $14 gallon.
     
    YardBird and revtune like this.
  6. Jul 21, 2020 at 6:59 AM
    #6
    revtune

    revtune New Member

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    2006 Tundra: Stock air intake 3 inch catback Magnaflow 13742 2.5 inch front lift 1.5 inch rear blocks 2014 sr5 4Runner wheels (17x7) 1.5 inch hub centric wheel spacers p285/70/17 Nitto Terra Grappler G2 Weathertech floor liners
    I get this valvoline/zerex antifreeze from Walmart. The stores around me usually have it in stock. You can order it off Their website too. Can’t beat the price.

    AFEF64A1-AE1C-419B-BC92-9896363ADF6D.jpg
     

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