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4RunnerGeneral discussion forum for the Toyota 4Runner.
This is a discussion thread titled "4th generation 4Runner transmission fluid change", within the 4Runner forum, part of the SUV Forums category.
I own a 2004 4Runner SR5, V8, 5spd automatic transmission. The vehicle has about 16,000 miles on it.
I went to the dealer's service department thinking that it needs a transmission fluid flush and fill.
To my surprise, the service manager told me this vehicle has a special transmission fluid called World Standard (WS) and it doesn't need to be change. The transmission doesn't even have a dipstick!
He told me if I want to I can come back at 100,000 miles and he can do a flush and fill, the fluid is very expensive. The fluid alone cost $28.00 a quart.
I went back home and search the maintenance schedule booklet and I could not find when I should replace the transmission fluid.
Would you some clarify about this new technology of the transmission fluid of the new 4Runner with the V8 engines and when should I change it?
I own a 2004 4Runner SR5, V8, 5spd automatic transmission. The vehicle has about 16,000 miles on it.
I went to the dealer's service department thinking that it needs a transmission fluid flush and fill.
To my surprise, the service manager told me this vehicle has a special transmission fluid called World Standard (WS) and it doesn't need to be change. The transmission doesn't even have a dipstick!
He told me if I want to I can come back at 100,000 miles and he can do a flush and fill, the fluid is very expensive. The fluid alone cost $28.00 a quart.
I went back home and search the maintenance schedule booklet and I could not find when I should replace the transmission fluid.
Would you some clarify about this new technology of the transmission fluid of the new 4Runner with the V8 engines and when should I change it?
Thank you in advance.
Jack
If you are planing to keep the truck, I would do it at 30,000. I don't care what they say, the service is a lot cheaper than a new tranny.
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It is one of several long-life automatic transmission fluids used by several car makers. GM's latest Dexron ATF, Dexron-III(H), not suitable for your Toyota, is also said to be good for 100k, and the next fluid, Dexron-VI, will be good for longer.
If you really feel uneasy about the condition of the ATF, save money and get a $20 lab analysis. That will tell if the fluid is good or due for a change. Lots of lube testing labs do the job for about that price, Blackstone is one.
Ken
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If you are planing to keep the truck, I would do it at 30,000. I don't care what they say, the service is a lot cheaper than a new tranny.
Here is a copy from "http://www.toyota-4runner.org/"
Toyota's responses to spark plug and transmission fluid questions
Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
We appreciate the opportunity to address your inquiry.
The standard spark plugs in the 2004 4Runner V8 are 120K Iridium plugs. They will not need replacement until 120 thousand miles.
In the effort to minimize service required, the new transmissions do not require a fluid change, unless necessary with very heavy load conditions. There is a temperature sensor in the transmission that would alert the driver, if the load was super heating the transmission.
Here is a copy from "http://www.toyota-4runner.org/"
Toyota's responses to spark plug and transmission fluid questions
Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
We appreciate the opportunity to address your inquiry.
The standard spark plugs in the 2004 4Runner V8 are 120K Iridium plugs. They will not need replacement until 120 thousand miles.
In the effort to minimize service required, the new transmissions do not require a fluid change, unless necessary with very heavy load conditions. There is a temperature sensor in the transmission that would alert the driver, if the load was super heating the transmission.
Otherwise, no maintenance required.
This is correct. I looked for the dip stick , but no dice. Called the dealer and he said that the tranny is "sealed and not to worry about it for a very long time. If you see drip marks, then come in. otherwise don't worry" That a qoute.
The manual is not really much help on this topic and it is best to follow the dealers advice.
I think it's great that you don't have to fool around with dip sticks.
Does this apply to V6 too? My V6 manual also indicates that no ATF change required. Is that correct that now both V6 and V8 share the same tranny?
Yes they both use the A750E/F transmission
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I know you posted this along while ago but were having the same issue with our 2003 SR5 V6 4Runner.
Were based in the UK at the moment and had ours imported but again there isnt anything in the manual about transmission fluid and our truck is now sitting in a garage in the middle of Germany with a faulty transmission. Would you be able to provide me with the number you called so I can check if this is the same issue you had.
If you have no dip stick you need not worry about a change as it is good for at least 100 thiousand miles or if you have severe overheating and the tranny light comes on, then you should take it in for servicing.
Yes it does have a heavy duty fluid that cost about 25-30 bucks a bottle.
The extended service interval applies only to the 5 speed automatic found in the 03 and up v8 and the 05 and up v6. This service should only be performed by a qualified Toyota or Lexus dealer. There is a special procedure that must be followed in performing this service and speaking from experiance not all dealers are aware it. READ YOUR OWNERS MANUAL!!!
I own a 2004 4Runner SR5, V8, 5spd automatic transmission. The vehicle has about 16,000 miles on it.
I went to the dealer's service department thinking that it needs a transmission fluid flush and fill.
To my surprise, the service manager told me this vehicle has a special transmission fluid called World Standard (WS) and it doesn't need to be change. The transmission doesn't even have a dipstick!
He told me if I want to I can come back at 100,000 miles and he can do a flush and fill, the fluid is very expensive. The fluid alone cost $28.00 a quart.
I went back home and search the maintenance schedule booklet and I could not find when I should replace the transmission fluid.
Would you some clarify about this new technology of the transmission fluid of the new 4Runner with the V8 engines and when should I change it?
Thank you in advance.
Jack
2004 has a 4 speed, not 5. Just for everybodies information.
I have been told the same thing by my Toyota Dealer and that is, It does not need to be changed until you have 100,000 miles on it ---- or you find tranny fluid on the floor of your garage indicating a leak. And yes, the fluid does cost around $28.00 a quart.
Just sit back and enjoy the ride. You have plenty of time before you have to worry about the tranny.
I have the 2005 4 Runner Limited and enjoy it to no end. I previously had Jeep Cherokee's and it is no match to the 4 Runner. Heads up all the way.
The WS fluid is about $5/qt fm my local dealer. If you're paying $25, contact me and we can cut a deal. If you pull the drain plug, about 3.5 qts comes out. 15 qts in the system. You can pour the new fluid down one of the hoses near the atf cooler; the fluid will gravity feed back to the sump. To determine correct fluid level, the tranny fluid must be between 125-137deg F. When you open the overflow plug, a little will drain out and when it slows to a drip, cap it and you're done. Prob is that you must do this 10 times to get the mix down to <10% dirty stuff. A flush is much better. I just returned fm trailering fm Vegas to DC and back. The old fluid was darker and stinkier than the new stuff.
BTW, if you put Type IV in vs. WS, your trans will slip when cold but will act normally after warmup. So... if it slips after you have the dealer flush it, take it back; WS is thinner than Type IV.
A buddy told me that Havoline has come out with a compatible atf but I have yet to confirm this.