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Change transmission fluid?

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by HappyTrails, Jan 15, 2019.

  1. Jan 15, 2019 at 8:05 AM
    #1
    HappyTrails

    HappyTrails [OP] New Member

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    Hoping this falls under towing.
    Have a 2000 Tundra with 276k. Do not know if or when transmission fluid has been changed. I want to but have heard at this point new fluid could be a bad thing. Then also have heard with Toyota transmission that should not be a problem.
     
  2. Jan 15, 2019 at 8:27 AM
    #2
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    Moved to 1st gen.

    I would have the transmission serviced.
     
  3. Jan 15, 2019 at 9:39 AM
    #3
    FirstGenVol

    FirstGenVol Brake Czar

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    How does the fluid look when you check the dipstick? I would definitely go ahead and do a drain and fill. If it's really dirty I would do it once and then again in a month or two. When you do a drain and fill you only get out around 40% of the fluid.

    Here is a guide as to what to look for.

    upload_2019-1-15_12-38-57.jpg



    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o690DovjDAc
     
  4. Jan 15, 2019 at 9:42 AM
    #4
    Whocares

    Whocares Member

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    Not only would I drain and fill, Id also replace the filter.
     
    because_wumbo-truck likes this.
  5. Jan 15, 2019 at 9:57 AM
    #5
    Professional Hand Model

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

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    All transmissions benefit from a good service.

    If unsure what to do, then take it to a transmission service shop.

    DIY you could do a pan drop and look at the filter/magnets that allude to the condition of your trans. High metal shavings content, etc.

    A less laborious DIY service is to do a drain and refill. You pull the plug and drain a few quarts and refill. The idea is to slowly replace/refresh your complete contents. Do this a few times over a month and should be good. Use DEXIII as specified.

    A few questions. Are you having problems now? Slipping? Hard shifts?
     
    Filthyphil, YardBird and ColoradoTJ like this.
  6. Apr 18, 2019 at 11:26 AM
    #6
    atl63

    atl63 New Member

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    Did you end up changing the fluid? Curious how it worked out for you.
     
  7. Apr 29, 2019 at 7:29 PM
    #7
    HappyTrails

    HappyTrails [OP] New Member

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    I have not done anything yet. I keep getting answers both yes and no from mechanics and such. Everyone does agree with changing it out slowly, over time. That is what I will end up doing.
     
  8. Apr 30, 2019 at 11:28 AM
    #8
    Whocares

    Whocares Member

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    Heres what I would do and what I have been doing :
    I would use an empty container, fill it up with 2 quarts of new transmission fluid, mark the 2 quart line, drain the old trans fluid into the marked container and refill with the new 2 quarts. Hope thats not too confusing. Do that a few times over a few months.
     
    speedtre likes this.
  9. Apr 30, 2019 at 3:19 PM
    #9
    Professional Hand Model

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

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    Good idea, but why not just open the drain plug and drain the 3.5-4 quarts out of the pan (empty it) and refill?

    The entire system holds 12 something quarts so by doing just a pan contents draining (3.5-4qts) you are effectively replacing a third at a time.

    I’m trying to figure a way to do a full change using the suction and line pressure from the transmission cooler lines at the radiator.
     
    because_wumbo-truck likes this.
  10. Apr 30, 2019 at 3:43 PM
    #10
    neirbot

    neirbot New Member

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    I do this annually.
     
  11. Apr 30, 2019 at 3:50 PM
    #11
    Whocares

    Whocares Member

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    Yes, doesn't matter how much you drain as long as you put the exact amount back in. I should have stated that. Thanks for the correction.
     
  12. Apr 30, 2019 at 3:55 PM
    #12
    Professional Hand Model

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

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    Also of note: Our manual states (wrongly) the transmission pan fluid contents as 2 quarts? If I remember correctly. It runs somewhere in the 3.5-4 qts range depending on how long you allow it to drain.
     
  13. Sep 21, 2019 at 2:05 PM
    #13
    FrenchToasty

    FrenchToasty The Desert rat, 6 lug enthusiast

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    After I get service records, and do some more research(to see if 1st gen tundras and 5th gen 4runners share a similar tranny) I will do it with a write up. I did the method of using the discharge off the tranny to pump out the old fluid, stop to refill, then restart the truck to pump more out untill it was cherry red. It was super easy
     
  14. Sep 21, 2019 at 2:13 PM
    #14
    MOTORHEAD

    MOTORHEAD New Member

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    Drain the fluid . Drop the pan and check the condition. Filter is metal mesh screen . If not torn then you should be able to clean and reuse. Fill trans and slowly add more to the fill “hot” line truck needs to be in neutral so torq converter spins to get accurate measure
     
  15. Sep 23, 2019 at 8:11 AM
    #15
    Whocares

    Whocares Member

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    Make sure the truck is level
     

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