Transmission history update

This is an update. I know before I made a thread about not knowing the transmission history and if I should change the fluid and guess what, I now know the history. I downloaded the Toyota app and enter the VIN number and saw a more detailed history compared to the Carfax history report that I received from the dealer. I compared both to make sure things lined up as far as when it was done, the service(s), and mileage. I saw that the truck had Automatic Transmission Fluid Exchange at the mileages: 62,098, again at 125,363 and the last one was at 182,844 miles. Is it still safe to have the transmission fluid exchange (drain and fill) at my current mileage of 214K?

 

Drain and fills are always fine. It's an actual flush that can sometimes cause the issue.

 

That's great that you were able to see the intervals. Every 30K is a good idea, so you're about due.

 

Every 60,000 miles.

https://youtu.be/NUAuGmDGntY

 

I requested a drain and fill but the Toyota dealer that I went to say they only do Fluid Exchanges and they said it meant they hook something up to the lines and replace all the old fluid with new fluid and add conditioner. That sounds like a flush so I chose to hold off, might need to go somewhere else. Does anyone know exactly what a transmission fluid exchange is? I was literally thinking that they change the filter (screen) and change only a portion of the fluid without hooking up some sort of machine or what they call a “fluid exchanger.”

 

If its had its fluid exchanged regularly then it should be no issue to have it done again. Only if it had never been done would it be a bad idea. Let the dealership do the exact same thing that's been done the other 3 times and you should be good to go for a while.

 

I had my trans “flushed” which was really a “slow”trans fluid exchange by my local independent mechanic at 50k. He stated that reputable shops and dealers no longer do the power flush due to risks of damage to newer transmissions. I think a flush is fine since you have already had previous intervals done, according to records. The main issue is avoiding dropping the pan at this point, as this can cause more issues with stripped bolts due to the delicate nature of the install of our trans covers; Also, it’s not recommended to change the filter since it’s really a strainer and no significant debris will get clogged in there. If it does your trans is already toast and no fluid change can help that.

 

I'm guessing the still call it a flush to appease us old folks.

 

Overthinking this. It’s a Toyota not a Ford. You could fill trans with hog piss, not change it for 200k and never have an issue.

 

That would be me! 200 K original fluid and a lot of cross country towing. Transmission runs fine.

 

200K+ on original fluid is impressive, but does the fluid show signs of breaking down or becoming really dark/burnt smell?

 

It literally doesn't matter. Toyota would not call it lifetime fluid if it were not meant to be used for the life of the vehicle.

Mine also was never changed until 200k. Came out nearly as clean as what went in. Even a 200k change seemed like a waste of time.

Only nerds get fluid analysis and talk about it online. Is it interesting? Sure. Is it necessary? Hell no.

 

It is a sealed unit, so I’ll never know!

 

Don't care who makes it I'll still change mine every 60K or so, fluid is cheaper than a trans.

 

OP, you’re just like me. Want to take good care of Tunny and make it last forever. Since you now know the history, you should be fine with getting another fluid exchange at the applicable mileage from the last time it was done. I’m assuming the 3 intervals you mentioned were before you got the truck. The interval could be somewhere between 30,000 and 60,000 miles. If you don’t know what the fluid looks like, have a trusted mechanic or certified technician from a dealer look at the condition of it.

 

Another note, “transmission fluid exchange” may seem a little vague to you. Many dealerships use this term for transmission service, but what exactly does it mean? For some dealers, it’s a so called fancy way of saying transmission flush. Basically they’re exchanging or replacing essentially all the old fluid with new fluid. It seems that you are being cautious assuming you know the risks of flushing a transmission. It can pose a risk especially when it’s never been serviced regularly.

 

Thanks for the explanation. Sometimes dealers don’t do a good job of explaining what a service consists of. I’ve heard so many stories about what happens when you flush a transmission that has never been serviced or high mileage. I am being cautious as I don’t want to risk anything, but it seems like I should be fine since I know what’s been done. At the same time I rather do something preventative.