Partial or complete tranny fluid change

jsimontrout · #1 (**permalink**) 05-10-2003, 06:50 PM

With a little over 12,000 miles, should the tranny fluid be just drained and refilled (4.2 qts.) or completely changed (14.9 qts.)? Most of the miles are highway---to get to the dirt.

Should it be changed at all? Is there any merit to not changing it?

Jeff

DaveS · #2 (**permalink**) 05-10-2003, 07:05 PM

I think the manual calls for a drain and refill every 30,000 miles unless you fall under the category of special operating conditions -- a lot of towing, etc. in which case the manual says every 15,000 miles. While it certainly wouldn't hurt, I'm not sure that just doing a drain and refill at 12,000 miles would buy you anything. Having said that, many of us have done a complete change long before 12,000 miles and switched over to synthetics like Mobil 1 or AMSOIL. With synthetics, you'll experience smoother shifts and the tranny should stay cooler...

jsimontrout · #3 (**permalink**) 05-11-2003, 11:59 AM

So are you 100% synthetic? Engine, transfers and tranny?

Any issues converting to synthetics?

Dude Boy · #4 (**permalink**) 05-11-2003, 01:22 PM

Quote:

I think the manual calls for a drain and refill every 30,000 miles unless you fall under the category of special operating conditions -- a lot of towing, etc.

Is that in the 2001 manual? For model year 2000, I don't believe Toyota service calls for any changes unless under the special operating conditions category.

KLS · #5 (**permalink**) 05-11-2003, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jsimontrout

....
Any issues converting to synthetics?

None. As always, the product, whether synthetic or dino, must meet the lubricant spec.

Ken

DaveS · #6 (**permalink**) 05-11-2003, 04:26 PM

Quote:

So are you 100% synthetic? Engine, transfers and tranny?

I'm running synthetics in the engine, tranny, and rear differential...as far as I know, there are no issues or problems with switching.

DaveS · #7 (**permalink**) 05-11-2003, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Is that in the 2001 manual? For model year 2000, I don't believe Toyota service calls for any changes unless under the special operating conditions category.

I just checked my service manual and you are correct...no reference to changing tranny fluid other than under special operating condiditions. I guess I read that wrong 2 years ago and never looked at the manual again...oh well, I switched to synthetics at ~8000 miles and I don't tow, so I won't be changing it for awhile anyway. Thanks for catching that though.