Opinion on transmission drain and refill…

To simplify the question as much as possible…

Would you or would you not drain and refill a 2016 Highlander transmission that has never been serviced and why??

Original owner, never towed or used for severe service, and has 57k on the clock.

A preemptive thanks here!

 

60k mile drain and fill on the transmission. It is written in the Toyota Warranty & Maintenance Guide under "special operating conditions" and 60k is the earliest it is mentioned so you aren't overdue yet. Even if my vehicles have lived "easy" lives, I prefer to follow the more strict maintenance intervals in the special operating conditions section.

 

My honest concern is the 8 years…

I also believe in following the “severe conditions” schedule.

 

It probably doesn't need it, but after reading about so many vehicles being delivered to dealers with low transmission fluid levels, I'd have to do a drain and fill just for piece of mind.

 

Since you're likely not actually in the "severe conditions" bracket, I doubt the 8 years is of concern enough to put you overdue for service. I don't think transmission service is even mentioned under the standard maintenance at all at any mileage/time.

 

I’m about to do my daughters 2018 highlander

90k miles.

1st drain and fill

 

I'd be comfortable either way.

 

I should clarify…8 years in the sense of the time duration of never having changed the fluid. Is 8 years (not mileage) going to open up Pandora’s box with a seemingly properly working transmission?

 

No, you don't need to be concerned at all with 8 years.

 

Thank you

 

And thanks to everyone else as well!

I feel much more comfortable about going do it. I realize it’s not needed but changing it is cheaper and will leave me with a sense of peace knowing the vehicle is maintained.

 

It's the flushes I'd stay away from.

 

Absolutely, I am not flushing.

 

Used to do this to my 2002 Honda Accord every 30K miles but those had weak auto trannies.

Scotty Kilmer, of Youtube fame, suggests every 60 to 80K miles unless it's a weak design.

My Haynes manual, on the other hand, recommends every 30K for my Rav 4.

 

I think you will be ok at that mileage. I would do a drain and fill and see the condition of the fluid that comes out.

 

Wouldn't hurt to get a Blackstone kit enroute and send them some fluid for piece of mind.

 

I would.

 

Next up for the wife’s LX is its first drain and fill.

It’s at 182k miles.

 

Ah, the break in fluid change....