Never Do THIS To Your Toyota and Lexus Transmission | Do's and Don'ts For Transmission Fluid
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 พ.ค. 2024
- Dear Toyota and Lexus Owners. Please don't make the mistake of thinking just because you drive a Toyota that your transmission is just going to last a very long time without anything done to it.
The key of every Toyota and Lexus reliability is understanding the maintenance and performing it according to your driving conditions.
There are many theories and myths about transmission fluid replacement. Is it sealed for life? Should you change it and when? Should you leave it alone?
There are 2 types of Toyota transmission fluids. One is WS and one is Type 4. Each fluid requires a specific replacement interval and if you follow then you won't have any issues with your automatic transmission fluid for a very long time as they are truly well built.
Hope this helps someone out there not make the mistakes that I see people make all the time.
TCCN Automotive Inc.
Toyota and Lexus Specialist Repair
Visit www.tccnautomotive.com to schedule your appointment today.
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0:00 Intro
0:37 When Should You Change Your Transmission Fluid?
1:58 What Fluid Should You Use?
3:26 What if you are already over the recommended mileage?
5:06 Why You Should NOT Replace Your Overdue Transmission Fluid?
7:53 Transmission Fluid Flush VS. Drain and Fill
10:10 Should you keep changing the fluid until it's bright red?
11:00 What to DO and NOT DO when you have a high mileage fluid?
13:48 What About the Transmission Filter?
15:11 Final Recommendations - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
To answer some of your follow up questions:
1- this is the same recommendations for CVT transmissions except the fluid is different.
2- This does NOT apply to hybrids. Hybrid ECVT transmissions don’t have clutches and a valve body, you can change it at any time. A good interval is between 60k-90k miles.
3- ECVT hybrid transmissions use WS fluid
I will update this list as I go through the comments to answer follow up questions
Next question is hybrid coolant service intervals. Old rule was to change after 150,000 miles.
What if your transmission fluid has been regularly changed, but with aftermarket (synthetic) fluid on a Type-TIV transmission? Should I stick with aftermarket or should I gradually mix in OEM fluid?
I just bought OEM filter and fluid for a 2013 Altima with original fluid and 118k. After I watched this video, I don't think I'm doing it. Thank you for the advice.
You should pin this post so it stays at the top. I was just about to ask about the Hybrid eCTV. It's actually one of the reasons I bought a Toyota Hybrid as I've had issues with transmissions before (not Toyotas) and wanted to avoid problems and get something as reliable as possible (Toyota Hybrids are known to be among the most reliable cars made).
may the lord bless and ramadan mubarak to all off your muslim followers......what about topping off?what about taking half out and adding only half? thanks
This guy is becoming a legend for us Toyota owners... keep it up bro...
He truly is. Wish he was local to me. I would do all my work with him and recommend him to everyone
@@notorqsti5117 I'm in Western PA and have been thinking about driving up to his shop just to have him do a MPI (Multi-Point Inspection) on my Camry and I trust my dealer that I bought it from!
agreed. I see him mentioned ALLLL the time in the 4Runner forums I frequent. I've learned how to do all my own maintenance thanks to this legend.
No, he’s not. He’s becoming a legend to both Toyota and LEXUS owners 😛
@@JaredBusch agreed, me too!
As an automotive engineer, I sometimes am pretty critical of your reviews because I actually create the DNA and know why engineers do what they do.
But this is one of the best Transmission Fluid Change Videos I have seen irrespective of automotive brand.
Really puts into perspective risk/benefit of changing fluids as all cars age.
Thanks for helping inform the public.
So you're the one who put that bolt where we can't get it out.... kidding kidding.
@@JoshSfaks 😂😂
@@JoshSfaks you’re kidding and I’m mad 😂. I’ve got some battle scars from things like trying to change the marker light bulb or unscrew a single bolt on my egr. Engineering my ass
@@alansidak6533 there’s a methodology called “Design for Maintenance” that engineers may use if directed for easier maintenance on common items
As an auto technician with Benz for 22 years I’m often angry with our German engineers but mostly mad at the lowered labor times. I assume the engineers have nothing to do with the labor time. it’s like they’re not in the real world and are probably paid salary.
Been a car guy over 50 years. First and best real detailed info about automatic transmission service. Hats off, than you!
My 13 year old Toyota with 200,000 miles was shifting poorly so I thought what the heck. I drained the transmission and replaced the filter. Shifting much better now.
this is good to hear, i am about to do filter and drain and fill on an 02 4runner
@@coopkink The filter and pan were gunked up. It’s shifting better than it has for years.
Yeah I'm not a believer of the do not change idea. Maybe the people who fall into the "I changed and trans dies" were already in the trans death lane and it was just a happenstance.
Maybe I was lucky but it's still shifting better than it has in years. I think the main thing was the filter. It was clogged up. I believe it was starving for fluid. It was steadily growing worse. To be fair the filter was likely never changed.@@urdrwho1
Same man, did the same thing on my 08’ 4Runner with 225k. Shifts felt sloppy, like it was really having to work to speed up. Did a drain/fill, filter replacement and new gasket. Shifts way better now. Shop recommended a flush when they had the pan down since they said the tranny was in great shape. Toyotas are the best.
Bought a 94 Lexus ES300 (1MZFE) in 2007 with 130,000 miles. Changed Transmission fluid for the first time (original owner never changed it). Kept changing every 45,000 or 3 years, engine and transmission still running strong to this day. 330,000 miles now. Toyota/Lexus the best!
I agree with you on the high mileage change. I couldn’t even drive my 99 Camry at around 180k due to shudder. I was stupid to listen to the high mileage and lifetime fluid no change myth and should have changed years prior. I never flush and just drop the pan and replaced the filter. All I’d great 6 year later and 70k more miles. I’ve done the same with two other high mileage Toyota’s and one is my wife’s Sienna with 347k and still going.
@@jjack6896 yeah, they said oil though, implying manual transmission. Manual never reaches the point of "it's too late, leave it alone".
You do realize that this is against this recommendation. This is why I don't agree with this video. I would do a drain and fill.
Did you just do drain and fill ? Did you also change the filter?
@@jjack6896 did you change the fluid in your 99 Camry?
I bought a 2002 LS 430 with 130k miles. There was no history of transmission fluid being changed. I took it to dealer and they refused to change it. So I went online and saw how to do it myself. I decided to do it in stages. Drained the fluid from trans pan, about 3 qts and just replaced it with 3 qts of fresh fluid. I did this every two weeks for the next 3 months. Silver the course of three months I cycles through about 18 qts of clean fluid. Now the fluid is almost Cherry red, and the car shifts like it’s brand new. I plan on repeating this service every 50k miles forever.
Nice work 👍
Question. Im new to this. After you got all All of the fluid cherry red, THEN you stopped doing it every two weeks and just did the entire amount every 50,000 miles?
@@ertfgghhhh exactly! Please do your own research before changing the trans fluid. I have heard many stories of it causing more harm than good. That’s why I did it gradually instead of all @ once. It’s been about 45k miles since I changed it last and the car is perfect. I’m about to do it again in another 5k miles. The entire system holds about 10-14 quarts of fluid. I’m gonna flush 8 qts out now and then another 8 I’m 5k miles on next oil change. I would never change it all @ once. Just my own personal opinion, but I plan on keeping my car well past 4-500k miles
@@christophermartin972 thanks. I just bout a 2006 solara convertible
I changed my transmission fluid around 130,000 miles I used Ams Oil and it works even better to this day. The car has now 220,000 miles It’s a 2009 Lexus GS 350. 😁
Who makes Toyota CVT Fluid?
Is your car equipped equipped with a CVT TRANSMISSION?🤔
I have had great success with AMSOIL and REDLINE fluids but on cars not equipped with a CVT TRANSMISSION. These cars were equipped with 5 speed manual and conventional 4 speed auto.
I have a 07 awd with 170k. Per history has never been changed. Trans right now is smooth. I do have vibrations going 20-30mph. Want to change oil and filter.
Hoes your car doing now?
@@ashuua2909 my car is still running really good
Car Care Nut Rules!!!! You sir are a wealth of TRUSTED knowledge. Appreciate all the time you take to make these videos. I hope your business grows beyond your expectations. You deserve it.
Some of the most gratifying words in a Toyota owner's life is when you hear our beloved Nut say "Life is good".
When I get a vehicle that has high mileage & original fluid, I change just one quart of fluid each oil change with oem fluid, & so far it has helped my vehicles shifting & one of the cars had 360,00 miles & the other had 250,00 miles
How do you remove just the one quart?
@@thomaskutches2613 it's pretty easy if your car has a drain plug in the transmission pan, if not the next best option is to take the transmission cooler line hose off of the radiator and I believe you'd have it running to drain some of the fluid and then you put it back on or you could also use a really long hose and a vacuum pump or suction pump and take it out through the dipstick tube.
how long and how many miles did you drive each vehicle after this method?
I have two 4runners, one with 183k and 334k. I figured maybe replacing just partially like you would be better than no service at all. My 183k has a leaking transmission line.. so for the very least, I wanted to top it off with ATF after the lines are done. Do you reckon that’s a good idea? Thanks.
@@adioalexsk8 So with my Toyota Echo I bought it with around 340,000 miles & tried to do it every oil change, I think I did it three or four times maybe more, now it has 368,000 miles, & the the transmission still shifts okay, but the engine is just starting to give up.
PROTECT THIS MAN AT ALL COST
They should pay this Master mechanic a lot of money and give him free Toyotas for life!
They do
My Toyota dealerships refused to change my transmission fluid on my FJ Cruiser. They said it was lifetime. I changed it myself. Easy job just measure the amount taken out and replace with same amount. Thanks for the excellent advise. Scotty Kilmer advises the same with trans fluids. God bless 🙏 and Happy Easter to you and your family. He has risen 🙏😊
That is how I changed the fluid at 45,000 miles. It was easy and did not have to worry about the temp
The issue is how they define lifetime; 100,000 miles? 200,000 miles? or the length of your warranty?
Nothing is lifetime especially the CVT trannys
@@TheOnespeedbikerEnd of the warranty
My local transmission shop was the same, would not do it. So I did it myself on my Camry and Tacoma.
Very good information, I bought a 2007 Tacoma with 204000 miles that was sitting for 7 years and no history of maintenance ,for sure Iam not touching my transmission 😮
Thanks
I think he is talking about flushing. In my opinion, if the transmission fluid is dirty, no matter the mileage, a drain and fill is always beneficial, and you can do several drain and fill over several weeks because each drain and fill replaces only 1/3 of the fluid. Even 3 drain and fill won’t replace all the old fluid because old and new are mixed, BUT it improves a lot the quality of transmission fluid that lubricates and cools down the transmission. All those precious gunk that may be holding a broken transmission together are unaffected by drain and fill.
ok
@@user-fn9st2fs9m Why so many people assume an unserviced 100k+ miles transmission is broken and held together by precious gunk? If you keep the precious old burnt transmission fluid for 5000 miles, that’s 5000 miles that you let your transmission cool and lubricate with old dirty burnt fluid. Do you think a broken transmission can last 5000 miles?
He is not talking about flushing. He addresses trans flushing near the end.
I’ve been changing the transmission fluid every 50,000 miles with Toyota Fluid and the engine oil/filter with full synthetic 5w30 every 5,000 miles in my 2006 Corolla, purchased in 2006, for 400,000 miles and so far so good, its runs and shifts as it always has. Looking forward to throwing a 500,000 mile party for the Corolla in a few years. Only issue is Yellow Check Engine light has been on since 150,000 miles, no changes in fuel consumption or performance. Dealer resets and it comes back on.
I also have a 2002 Lexus SC430 I purchased 6 years ago with one owner 100% full timely service records, now at 120,000 miles, which I am continuing to maintain at recommended service intervals with original Toyota parts and recommend fluids. Through diligent research I found an independent local shop of former Toyota/Lexus mechanics in my area, Minnesota, that are much like yourself who maintain my Lexus.
Thank You for all the great educational videos.
Info on that shop please. Would be good to know.
As a weekend DIY'er whose been fixing my own cars for over 40 years, I love this channel. It enables people to do more on their own. I take what he says 100% on every topic becaase he explains the technical reason for everything he says - and nothing replaces his vast experience. Now, disclaimers aside, I bought a 2009 Highlander V6 with 140k miles 6 or so years ago. After a short while, I noticed the transmission slipping (meaning it delays going to the next gear. You can hear it and the RPM's spike). Most of the good online mechanics will also say as the Car Care Nut said, at that age, do not change the fluid as it would remove basically some of the friction material now floating in the fluid and enabling your transmission to work. Even a good local transmission shop said the same thing - so good advice. However, anecdotal evidence in the Toyota forum from people who changed the fluid as a last resort showed that it can fix the slipping. I was at the last resort stage as the fluid was dark and smelled slightly burned (it had a dip stick) and the slipping was frequent enough to be of concern so I did a double drain and fill over a few weeks. Within several months, the slipping was gone and remained that way until I sold it with 216k miles. I cannot explain why it worked at that mileage and with the fluid so dirty - but it did. I have had 3 Highlanders and 2 RX 350's between 2009 and 2016, all with the 2GR-FE engine and I assume same transmission, and I still have 3 of them. The 2012 RX has never had a fluid change and it is running fine at 185k. The 2016 Highlander seems to slip from 2nd to 3rd if I gun it while it is in the process of changing gears (e.g. during a passing situation). Mileage is 90k so I hope to change the fluid by following the Car Care Nut's fluid change video for transmissions with no dip stick sometime in the near future. Thanks again Car Care Nut!
I recently changed the original Transmission fluid on my 2011 Lexus ES350 at 155,000 miles no it did not damage the transmission it actually shifts smoother
@@MrJimmy3459 I have a 2007 Lexus GS350 at 120k with a sealed tranmission, so I'm hoping I have the same outcome. Did you do a drain and fill or complete flush?
i just got 210 highlander and it seems to have been taking good care of.. but im not sure if the transmission fluid has been changed,,it looks like it has... but im not sure... should i change my fluid
I am 30+ years car DIYer. I really enjoy this Toyota video. I have a 2019 Subaru, I insist to maintain it myself, hasn’t been back to the dealer. I trust myself more than some stranger mechanic.
I change the ATF WS fluid on 2016 Toyota Corolla L at 120.000 for the first time because I started to have the slipping problem too, after 2 drain and refill in the same month, the slipping is gone for now. Just don’t overthink about if you want the fluid to be red cherry. Burnt is bad but after 2 drain and refill; dark red is totally fine.
3 TOYOTA VEHICLE OWNER HERE. I LOVE, LOVE ,LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTENT!
I am so grateful for you taking the time to really give us the bottom line and for each circumstance. Thank you Car Care Nut. We so appreciate you!
AMD, You’ve put me in the right direction for so many things with my Lexus. Watching your videos are enjoyable, but also have saved me a lot in standard maintenance. Appreciate you brother.
THIS is the first place I refer to when wanting to learn about how to properly maintain my Toyota vehicles. I agree that the Car Care Nut is becoming a legend for us Toyota owners...and this video is very timely as just last week I bought my WS fluid to service my U660E 6-speed.
The growth in this channel is awesome. Good to see!
My Sienna is close to 300,000 miles with no transmission fluid change yet! I think I'll just keep driving. What a great vehicle this has been! I should have changed it, but I didn't know any better until I was WAY past 60,000 miles.
Thanks to The Car Care Nut, I'm way better educated on my Toyota maintenance now! Thank you so much for all the great information you provide!!!
Your Sienna will thank you if you do transmission fluid drain and fill. No flush! I mean do it now. It’s nonsense that people keep saying transmission fluid can’t be changed if not done in the first 100k miles
Did you not watch the video at all???@@rd4908
Yeah you are not to suppose to go 300k without changing your transmission fluid lol
@@rd4908 I agree, but this guy is saying not to do it if you hit 100000 without changing it. I think it's BS too
@@synapticburnMy 1999 Camry has 345K miles on . I bought her brand new 25 years ago and she still runs like she did 25 years ago. I have never changed the transmission fluid. It's not BS. this car just keeps running. I will explore trying to do a partial drain and fill and do it every 3 months for 1 full year to see if that would help preserve her to maybe get to 500k miles and beyond.
the WS bottle has a red cap but the dipstick is black and the T-IV has a black cap but the dipstick is red
who thought that was a good idea
Exactly! I picked that up immediately 🙂
@@jsfbay1 Yep, me too.
I was going to ask that too. Seems fack to bront.
They do a little trolling 🙏
I learned from you to change the transmission fluid in my Toyota. Good that you have helped clarify that the fluid gets dark after a couple of thousand miles. Thanks to you and your team for helping make the world a better world.
We listen to you and your advices and we feel like you're our trustworthy family member. I have a 2010 RX350 with a 92,000 kms and I plan to take it to our local Lexus dealership soon for drain & fill. As I listen to your video, the least I could say is may God bless you and your family.
Thank you for all the efforts you put in your videos.
Proud Lexus owner here! and I can say that nothing beats the quality build and long term performance of my 2005 ES330!!! Amazing
Changing my transmission on my sienna was only doable because this channel had two very good videos on how to do it properly. Keep up the great work.
Hi Amd. I’ve changed the transmission fluid in two of my Toyotas after watching your video on setting the fluid level procedure. It was so satisfying to do. Thanks for all your great videos!
I have a 2008 Camry just about to hit 300k miles, never did the transmission service and my best advice is to leave it alone.
I was told by a few people and we’ll I listen, car still running strong.
Your honest and direct to the point videos are very much appreciated. Thank you. I will continue watching.
This guy knows his shit........
Never stop! Love these vids. So useful. Most trustworthy Toyota content by far.
I watch about 6 car / mechanic channels. This one is the best. You are an automotive professor! I salute your professionalism and knowledge and integrity!
My 2010 Camry has 160000 miles. Never serviced the fluid since new because the dealer said it’s a life time fluid. Did the drain and fill at AAMCO. The Camry now shifts from park to drive or reverse much more smoothly. It drives better and seems like it wants to keep going when foot is removed from the gas. Nothing was wrong with my Camry but it’s smoother now. Glad I did it.
Yeah this guy is a bit off the deep end with the “too late to change trans fluid” take.
He was talking about flush which may dislodge the precious gunk that holds a broken transmission together. A drain and fill is always good and won’t dislodge the gunk. The question is: is the transmission broken?Most good running cars with 100k+ miles and transmission fluid not changed still have a good transmission. Leaving the transmission fluid unchanged increases chances of transmission failure
@@rd4908 no he said specifically NOT to CHANGE very old fluid.
@@selektor2567 then he is full of it. I had a 2000 Toyota Avalon with 195k and hard shift and jerks, I did a transmission fluid drain and fill then it shifted smoothly. Old transmission fluid was dark like tar. I flip cars, transmission service is the most ignored service by all automobile owners. I had one bad experience with a 2007 Ford escape with 255k and slipping between 2nd and 3rd gears, I did a drain and fill, it shifted a little better, then stopped shifting, transmission was gone, but the transmission was replaced 25k ago, so it was not old fluid!
i have an 05 toyota 4 runner approaching 160,000 debating wether drain and fill at this stage i havwe heard mixed reviews what do you suggest
Been reading the forums like crazy and this helped me out more than anything! Great videos man keep it up
The Production of your video's has become stellar.
Love the lighting and blurred out background.
Great job AMD!
Aside from all the great points you made in this video, the observation that Toyota transmissions are normally clunky when cold saved me from going down the road of over-maintaining the transmission of my second-gen Sequoia. Thank you, this one is a classic.
I went to check the fluid and no dipstick. When I called the dealership I was told it never has to be changed. It is good for the life of the transmission. Thank you for the info.
Dude you are a true professional, thank you for your thoughts!
Thanks for the reality check TCCN. Us home DIY can over think/research and do the services on our cars thinking we are doing the right thing(more is better, right). This makes it plain and simple. Awesome channel.
Love watching this channel even though I’m not anymore a Toyota user. Very informative that can be applied to other cars.
I’ve been using Automatic Transmission Fluid - Type
TLS-LV - Idemitsu - for my Lexus and Toyota with no issues. In fact Idemistu manufactures the Toyota WS fluid. Just some insider info.
425,000 miles
2002 4Runner
Fluids flushed/changed regular intervals...
Runs great...
Which one...drain or flush. Big difference.
Thanks for the video. I'm a firm believer in servicing my transmission every three years. No transmission problems so far...
Thank you for these videos. Recently walked away from my Jeep due to transmission/reliability issues after only 90k miles. Now I'm in a Rav4 Hybrid and wanting to be an active participant in maintaining this vehicle for the next decade or so. Your videos have made that possible for someone who's far from a mechanic. I never knew how much of this maintenance can be DIY with some research, simple tools, and desire to do it properly.
This mans information has literally saved me thousands of dollars!! Thank you for all that you do sir!
My girlfriend has a 2003 Toyota Camry with 274,000 miles on it. You video is so very helpful for understanding how to help her maintain it. Thanks.
Amazing advice! I always thought the filter had to be changed with the fluid change. The balance and timing of service seems extremely important for Toyota/Lexus. General maintenance is the beauty of Toyotas - that’s all you have to do. All new Toyotas should have a link to your TH-cam channel in their service manual.
You don't always have to but if your fluid is very dirty then it would be wise to put in a brand new filter and start fresh from there
I sometimes after changing my fluid after three or four intervals my mechanic washes and cleans the strainer with purple blast and he just puts it back in untill it's needed to buy brand new filter.
You're killing it with the educational content so well packaged.. keep it up my friend!
This gentleman had taught me, SO MUCH. And saved me, money and to be ripped off, from crooked mechanics.
Thank you for your encouragement.
Wow! An honest mechanic.
Thank you for doing these videos. Very informative. From my personal experience with my 2005 tundra, takes ws fluid. It is a good idea to drain and fill the fluid even if it is overdue. I purchased mine with 178 k miles on it and it had never been changed. 1st gear stuck when it was cold and it had vibration going about 40 mph pulling a trailer. I drained and filled it and 1st gear didn't stick as bad and it took away the vibration cruising at 40. 15k miles later I drained and filled it again. 1st gear no longer sticks and shifts smoothly. Last time it was changed was over 20k miles ago, no issues and I pull a mowing trailer daily.
Awesome video! It was a refresher for me. I used to work at a firestone, service desk always gave me transmission services. I learned back in 1980, not to drain the hole trans. I would catch a quart of the old fluid in a clean container and add it to the new fluid. I never had a trans return. The other mechanics did. The clutch disc wear themselves smooth. My 2021 rav has started a shift shutter 1st to 2nd gear, bearly stepping on the gas pedal. It happens before the coolant temp is at operating temp. These new raves don't like the cold. No problem when it's been running for 10 minutes. Minus 16 degrees makes this car very unhappy.
I was very lucky then. Last year, I had the dealership change my transmission fluid on my 2016 Tacoma for the first time at 156,000mi and so far so good. I will keep the interval you recommended and change it every 30k miles going forward. Thank you.
I have had three Toyotas since 2002. I use to change my tranny fluid every 40 to 50 thousand miles. In the past ten years the dealerships in two different states have told me that the fluid is lifetime!! This is horse crap. Im seriously thinking of driving from Florida to your shop because your honesty is outstanding!! You are the only professional I listen too now. Great informative videos and HONEST. Thank you so much👍👍👍
My dealer refused to drain and fill one of mine, because it’s a “Lifetime” fluid. So I just did all 3 of my vehicles.They were at around 60-80k. 2015 Tacoma, 2016 Lexus GX460 and 2017 4Runner. I made it easy, by getting a pressurized fluid pump, and a Foxwell scanner that reads transmission temperatures.
They refused because they have no confidence their techs will do it right.
My dealer says no too as well and I want to keep my rx as long as possible
My dealer is the same way on the 13 GS350. They refuse to do it as they said it is not recommended per the factory. Who is correct here?
Hi. Which pump did you use? I’m looking to change the transmission fluid in mine.
@@tindang5938 no pump needed. Most auto parts stores sell a little red bendy threaded funnel that threads right onto a quart of WS fluid.
We own a 2007 Yaris my wife bought new with 400,000 km on the clock. I've changed the Trans fluid with Toyota WS every 40,000 km and she's still going strong.
Bring back the Yaris!!!!!!!
Thank you for the deep dive explanation. Greatly appreciate the knowledge sharing!
Damn!! This mechanic is genius and smart. He knows every aspects of topic and knows what questions bothers on peoples mind concerning topics/ changing transmission fluid. I have been messing whole days on this topic. Other TH-camrs fails to explain some aspects of questions. His explanation is simply whole package in one. I solute your dedication. No denying you deserve credit/subscription especially from DIY peoples. God bless you. ❤❤❤
Don’t listen to the myth that you shouldn’t change transmission fluid if it’s 100k+ miles and never changed. You can and should drain and fill fluid with the sealed transmission. I had a 2000 Toyota Avalon with 190k miles that had hard shifts and jerks, then I drained and filled the transmission fluid without even lowering the pan. The old fluid is dark like tar. And it shifted smooth. It had 220k last month and I did another drain and fill. The old fluid is dark as last time, but the transmission worked perfectly all these miles. Don’t assume a transmission that was not serviced for 100k+ miles is already broken. Leaving the old burnt fluid increases the chances of transmission failure. Drain and fill is always helpful, just don’t flush
Excellent video! Thank you for taking the time to explain and teach.
Hope that you and your family have a wonderful Easter! 🙏🏼
I took the calculated risk to do a drain and fill at 200,000 miles. Used Camry, owned it for a few years, using the factory T-IV OEM fluid. A whole year later did the same drain and fill. I only did the second drain and fill if the first one 'took' and didn't do anything funky. It used to have a harsh shift when cold, that disappeared. Had a rare delayed engagement from time to time into reverse, that disappeared. But two drain and fills is probably all it will get for now, it seems quite happy.
I changed did a drain and fill on my 08 IS250 AWD at 226k miles. Bought the car at 220k. Previous owner did a drain and fill at 117k or 177k, I'm not sure. Now I have the torque convertor shudder. I put in some lubeguard shudder fix and it seems better but I don't know for how long. I should've come accross this video before. It shifts perfectly when cold only shudders when at operating temperature.
Based on a lot of this kind of feedback, I think a drain and fill seems to be preferred ALWAYS, even with higher mileage.
I think it works out because a partial replacement doesn't flush all of the friction-based material in the transmission, so you can still keep it running for a long time
@@basilman121 Yup. That makes sense. However, I wonder if flushing the tranny would help with my shudder problem. Toyota ATF with an anti slip additive should work. Not sure though. I’m not gonna risk it until I have the means to swap a tranny anyways so yeah.
@@tommydev9549 I've got shudder, time to look into this
Another option is to drain a little at a time. It might get a bit messy when you try to replug as fluid is coming out. If you can manage that, it is an option.
Have a 2002 Lexus LS 430 with 428,000 miles on it and the fluid has never been changed. Recently, when coming to a stop, the trans seems to bang a bit and my mechanic says I should have it flushed. After seeing this video I have decided to just let it ride and not disturb anything and hope for the best. Very good video and appreciate the knowledge and professionalism. The videos on the 600,000 LS 430 are awesome!!
How’s it doing? I bet you could find a trans with a lot less miles for reasonable price.
Great Video! Started following your channel and enjoy learning a lot. Questions I own a 2018 Toyota Highlander V6 AWD and it has 55k miles. The shifter when going from park drive seems to be very harsh - could that be due to the transmission needed to be drained and filled? Have an appt at TCCN in November but wanted to ask before I show up. Thanks.
I don't own a Toyota but damn,
This channel is gonna make me buy one
You can buy a sweet one to your liking. Options are there!
Or better yet, get a Lexus, if you don’t need a truck. In most cases you’re getting a loaded version of a Toyota that depreciates faster, assuming you like nice used cars at a discount.
@@kftc1980 well a Lexus is worth more than a Toyota , thanks for the advice .
Failures from past years led me to Toyota's now guaranteed to last 10 years if you do just the basic maintenance.
@@HB-yq8gy it will last way more than 10 years if you’re not driving it a ton.
I have used Valvoline Max synthetic on my 07 Lexus IS350 and I have had no problems, transmission shifts great.
Driving a VW with a "sealed" transmission. This, plus your older video on Toyota sealed transmissions on my watch list this AM. Thanks!
this man literally answered all my questions in order 😌. THANK YOU!
This is a great video! You explain it so well and it is true. I have a 2007 4Runner V8 all wheel drive with 299,000 miles, still going strong! Thanks for the information.
Have you changed your transmission fluid I have a 2007 lexus es 350 with 250k miles i never changed the transmission fluid since new the dealer told me it's lifetime so I believed them
I've always found with my vehicles that if you do a flush on an older vehicle you're going to have problems but if you just do a drain and fill regardless of the miles it usually doesn't have any problems
Do you drop and clean the pan and change the filter or just drain and fill?
@@noelcastillo9268 A drain and fill is what it sounds like. And I agree with the original comment. There will be no issues with a transmission after a drain and fill as long as there wasn't any issues beforehand.
My Toyota use Dex II, just drain/fill no problem.
@@tdgdbs1 when I bought my IS350 I don't think it ever had a transmission service on it at 150,000 mi I drained and filled it twice since then and right now it's at 220 with no transmission issues at all
@@noelcastillo9268 yes
I had learn so much from this channel, if you want to know about Toyota this is your channel 👍🏼
Wow! This was a VERY important video for me. I'm at 192k on my 2010 highlander and have never changed the transmission fluid. And yes...I fell for the "sealed transmission" many many years ago
Don’t listen to the myth that you shouldn’t change transmission fluid if it’s 100k+ miles and never changed. You can and should drain and fill fluid with the sealed transmission. I had a 2000 Toyota Avalon with 190k miles that had hard shifts and jerks, then I drained and filled the transmission fluid without even lowering the pan. The old fluid is dark like tar. And it shifted smooth. It had 220k last month and I did another drain and fill. The old fluid is dark as last time, but the transmission worked perfectly all these miles. Don’t assume a transmission that was not serviced for 100k+ miles is already broken. Leaving the old burnt fluid increases the chances of transmission failure. Drain and fill is always helpful, just don’t flush
Hi Just curious what is different flush vs drain and fill. I Got rx300 270,000 miles.
@@thekop9049 I am not an expert so you can check the answer but my understanding is that a flush involves using pressure to literally flush fluid through the system whereas drain and fill is just as it says, drain it out and fill it back up with or without a filter change.
I'm glad you mentioned the filter. My Buick has a sealed transmission and when having the transmission serviced they said it doesn't have a detachable pan and the transmission would need to be removed and disassembled to change it. They weren't trying to rip me off. They were explaining, it's not worth it, unless the transmission needs removed for some other reason.
No transmission is sealed period. Do not believe the bs people tell you on that. You can still drain and fill those.
@@killabandit they did a fluid exchange. It's the filter that's not easy.
@@Not_sure5 transmission filter replacement is not a thing that is done anymore unless there is a problem with the filter or something else in the transmission. The 30,000mi filter change never really helped older automatics anyway, 100k to 150k was always the max life on American automatics no matter how well maintained until the 6 speeds started cropping up in the '00s. Honda autos were probably even shorter lived (Honda has a reputation for unreliable automatic transmissions). Toyotas would of course last if maintained, not sure if filter replacement was the norm on Toyota autos
The mechanics in the garage where I learned to work on cars used to lower the pan with the old fluid, making sure that they didn't spill any. They would let the fluid sit for 15 minutes and scoop the two thirds of the old fluid from the pan to re-use and top off with new fluid. This was the trick they used in the GM TH350 tranny's from the 70's. They would tell me the same thing you mentioned in your video about slipping and rough engagement of gears. It worked every single time.
Hated that tyranny in San Francisco on the 84 Chevy PU. Went through two shitty rebuilds there. I was doing everything right.
'06 4runner (210K miles on the clock) out of the blue developed a shudder right at around 35 mph, decided couldn't live with that and went ahead and did a single drain & fill with WS fluid, changed internal filter and cleaned the magnets of sediments and the pan and buttoned everything back up with a new pan gasket and voila!....shudder no longer there since 2021. Even shifts better as an added bonus. Thanks for the great informative video!
I am approaching 160,000 I am thinking about doing it
@@ralphcintron6195 How'd it turn out for you? Was it serviced prior to the 160k mark?
@@epicscout9826 haven't done it yet. Never has been serviced transmission considering I haven't use the the truck for hauling or off roading like the manual indicates special conditions
It will come back worse. You put a bandaid on with the change. When the bandaid gets weak, it will come back worse.
Man im starting to understand. You are simply the best on internet.
As always, great video! I have no doubt you’ll hit 1M subscribers!
Bravo! Another fantastic, informative and darn honest video! Thank you AMD!
i got a 96 base tacoma, a 99 solara, and 2010 corolla-best recommendation's i've heard yet!
Always enjoy your productions and information. God bless you too! The ending message is such a good way to conclude
I always learn something from your videos that helps me be a more informed DIY mechanic. Your point about overdoing the fluid replacement and trying to achieve a near perfect fluid color is something I’m guilty of - thank you for clearing that up!
Took a gamble in changing the transmission fluid on my 96 Camry with the A140e 4 speed automatic. 170k miles with questionable maintenance history. Did 3 drain and fills with Dex3 and a filter replacement throughout 3k miles and it glides through the gears now. No more jerky shifts and banging into drive and reverse. Fluid isn't clear red, but more of a maroon color.
I have 110k on my van. I wished I knew this way before I drained and filled every 15k or so. I've done at least regrettably 6 drain and fills. I'll see my intervals later now. Thank you so much for the knowledge
Thank you so much. I have a 2004 Toyota 4Runner with 115k miles. And has original transmission fluid. Was going to change it. And after watching your video. I’m not going to change it at all. Thanks a million.
Lots of mechanics can learn from this guy!!!
Love the great info for non-mechanics like me. Have you ever thought of making a “check list” for recommends maintenance intervals for certain models, for those of us who cannot make it to your shop (I live in Denver). I have a 2018 RAV4 hybrid and 21 Lexus Nx hybrid (basically a 2018 RAV4 hybrid ). A list of intervals, possibly with links to your associated videos/parts would be awesome! Just a thought. Thanks!
Thank you for making this video. It was really informative. Me and my family got caught up in the "sealed transmission" insanity, and sorta fell victim to it years ago. We had a 2005 honda civic that my parents bought new and drove it for 340,000 miles over 10 years until..guess what...the transmission finally died. Knowing what I know now, im absolutely stunned it survived that long. Especially on Honda transmissions which aren't particuarly known to last super long like this one did.
I almost fell victim to the same thing on a 2011 Honda Accord that my family got a few years ago as well. The car had 175,000 miles on it, and i gambled and decided to change the fluid, and it payed off. Only reason i changed it is because we got the car at 78,000 miles from Honda "refurbished" and i guessed that Honda probably changed the fluid. Just wish they didn't overfill it, amazed the transmission is still working great today because the fluid was way over the full line at cold temperatures.
Now my family has a 2020 RAV4 TRD Off Road with almost 50,000 miles, and I'll make sure to get the transmission serviced on time as well as the diff and transfer case oil.
Thank you for putting my mind at ease about the transmission filter. I have an 2012 Yaris I bought new. It currently has about 300 miles shy of 100k. I have done two fluid drain and fills and always wondered about changing the filter. The parts guy at my local Toyota dealer said they don’t change the filter when they service the transmission just do drain and fills. Being 61 years old growing up we always replaced the filter vis a pan drop. I will leave the filter alone.
For reference I have changed the fluid on multiple A750 and AB60 with over 250k on original fluid with no long term issues
My wife and I have a 08 Yaris sedan she bought brand new with 18 miles on it way back when. It now has 325k on the odometer and still going quite strong. The transmission does sometimes shift hard, both into and out of gears. To my knowledge she never had the transmission serviced. I was actually told the transmission was a sealed unit and not intended to be serviced. Not sure how true that is, but she definitely took care of the oil. I had the valve cover off and also replaced the oil pan (the drain plug was stripped from her taking it to shops before I met her) and I was shocked at how pristine all the surfaces looked inside. No scoring on any surface and no gunk buildup in sight. I’m hoping to get the car to 400k before we replace it with another Toyota. But I’m definitely not changing any tranny fluid at this point. lol
Don’t listen to the myth that you shouldn’t change transmission fluid if it’s 100k+ miles and never changed. You can and should drain and fill fluid with the sealed transmission. I had a 2000 Toyota Avalon with 190k miles that had hard shifts and jerks, then I drained and filled the transmission fluid without even lowering the pan. The old fluid is dark like tar. And it shifted smooth. It had 220k last month and I did another drain and fill. The old fluid is dark as last time, but the transmission worked perfectly all these miles. Don’t assume a transmission that was not serviced for 100k+ miles is already broken. Leaving the old burnt fluid increases the chances of transmission failure. Drain and fill is always helpful, just don’t flush
@@rd4908I just got a Lexus 2008 gs460 with 170,000 miles on it don’t know if the transmission fluid was ever serviced you think just drain the fluid and fill it with new one should be fine?
@@ernadcajic7187 definitely
I congratulate you on your honest and realistic teachings and how you are down to earth. Keep on and God bless.
I got a 2019 Corolla HB 6MT just at 33k miles 4 years of ownership, and the Toyota service recommendation booklet states that the Manual Transmission fluid should be changed every 30k or 3 years if heavy towing has been done with the vehicle. Following you and your videos I am inclined to change the fluid but I have not been able to find any helpful video on how to do the change. Any recommendations on this? (I don’t want to ignore this, I love my car and want to keep it at its best.)
Thank you so much I wasn't sure about changing mine with 171000, now I know don't mess with it.
I just had someone ask me about changing the transmission fluid on their car, and they were told by the dealership that it was a sealed transmission.
It's getting super annoying that dealerships keep pushing this nonsense, I'm glad that there are videos like yours which will debunk all of that.
This is exactly what the dealership told me with my Tacoma. “Lifetime blah blah.. “ I plow snow and tow trailers and wanted to make sure it was being maintained like everything else… Well when I hit 120k and developed a severe shudder, they told me I needed a new trans at a cost of $8k. Luckily a trip to a local trans specialist solved the problem for $2k. They fix lots of Toyotas for the same issues since Toyota doesn’t repair transmissions at all.
Very disappointed with Toyotas “expert” advice .
@@cpsmonroe1 That's why local shops always call dealership a "stealership." )
Awesome video! Regretfully, a Toyota dealership informed me that they could not change the CVT fluid on my 2014 Toyota Corolla S when I asked for the service at ~ 60,000 miles ... fast forward to today and I now have 142,000 miles with the original trans fluid. The dealer must take that approach so they can sell me a new car sooner when the transmission prematurely fails and it is too expensive to repair/replace. I will definitely be changing the fluid as you advise on any new vehicles.
Same here. My toyota dealer after number multi point inspections never mentioned fluid changes. Everything always checked out ok beside general oil changes and some minor things. Never fluids. I have a 2009 toyota camry with 170k miles and I'm worried it won't last. I planned to past this car down to my daughter in 3 years. So sad. No one ever teaches this stuff especially girls when they get new cars. But I plan to teach mine.
Hello Ahmed (AMD), great channel and information. I’m actually going back over this particular video because I did something before I saw this. At 30k miles the dealer recommended my 2018 5.7L Tundra 4X4 have a transmission flush. I planned on changing trans oil anyway at 30K. I had the flush and have had no problems, at this time and about now at 41k miles. However, now I’m spooked and think from this point forward it seems that I should only do DRAIN & FILL; do you concure? Also, If I only do DRAIN & FILL, can I continue to do this on an every 30k mile basis or is this too soon? Thank you!!
Heard about world standard since I bought my tundra. Finally someone told me it’s the type of fluid. Thank you.
I enjoy your mechanical and electrical guidence videos. I have been part of the auto trade one way and another for going on 50 years. Mostly I am sitting nodding, or watching in admiration as you tackle these complex machines. I understand you have been trained specifically in these vehicles, so have worked on many of them over and over. But certainly your knowledge that you pass on is a God send. I bought Toyota for it's great reputation as a car to keep till I fill the wooden box, unfortunately I seem to have bought a Friday afternoon version. But problems aside I am intent on my original objective, and I was about to do a full flush using the vehicles own pump, but Now I think it will be another drain and fill, and not even change the filter. So time and mess saved.👍
As long as you don't buy a 2007 - 2009 Camry with the four cylinder engine. Fouled plugs and bad catalytic converter. And high engine oil consumption.
@@georgebuck2269 RHD 2008 Rav4 2ltr. 90,000kms oil consumption good, catalytic converter seems ok, just has a noisy transmission, suspension bushes not up to the job, discs warp, rack and pinion changed under warrantee, rear door hinges crap, just not the best car to come off the production line.
@@capnpugwash5403 My 4 cylinder, 2009 Toyota just burns a lot of oil. It does burn more than a quart of oil a week, if someone was to actually drive it to work everyday. I'm lucky I only drive it 25 miles per month. It was a gift from my aunt, she bought it used with 120 k miles. I never would of bought the car with it's bad engine history. Also has a history of leaking radiator and heater core at 90 k miles.
@@georgebuck2269 I wonder if it's the same engine? Mine is a 2ltr, whereas in the USA as I think the vehicles are a few inches longer they use a 2.4ltr engine I believe. Admittedly my mileage is low, at only around 90Km, but it doesn't seem to use a drop, and I deliberately do not fill it to the top as that would mean using a part of a container to top up. After the first 500 miles it has only had full synthetic oil. Its probably the difference between high tensile and low tensile piston rings.
@@capnpugwash5403 My 2009 Toyota has the L4 (2.4L) engine. The problem with the engine was the pistons and ring grooves were not designed right. This led to spark plug fouling, destroyed catalytic converter and excessive oil consumption. Also the radiators and heater core leak at 90 k miles. The problem was so bad in some of the cars Toyota had to replace the engines under warranty.
Isn't it strange that the color of the caps on the ATF bottles is backwards to the color coding guide for the dipsticks?
LOL exactly ...Someone was filming in a mirror.....Nice catch
The Toyota Legend mechanic has spoken. Great video, I recently did a drain/fill on my ‘10 Lexus IS250 that is sitting at 190k miles. Last transmission service was at 100k. Hope I didn’t service it too late
How is it shifting now?
So I have an 08 sienna. I changed my cv axels and in doing so I lost a bit of fluid. I added back what I lost and now am concerned that by using different atf that I may run into issues. I guess time will tell. I love this video and you're incredibly clear explanation of each different scenario. Thanks!
You are all right. you should do a transmission fluid drain and fill if it drives well. You should leave it unchanged if you think the transmission is already broken and the transmission is held together by some precious gunk. Old burnt transmission fluid increases chances of transmission failure
You're fine. I would drain a couple qts and refill.