Auto Transmission Flush

[corbin]

I own a 2001 4wd Access Cab Tundra with about 83k miles which I bought new. To be honest it is the first vehicle with an automatic transmission that I have owned. I had the full service done at the dealer at the 30k and 60k marks (plugs, cooling system flush, differential oil changed (front at 60k), etc.. When I took it in at 30k I asked about the transmission and they said there was no scheduled maintenance due but they had an automatic transmission service for about $60 which included new fluid and cleaning the filter. I had that done at 30k and again at 60k thinking I was in good shape. I received a coupon flyer from the dealer a couple days ago and one of the coupons was for a "transmission flush" for $199. I called and they said that this included removing all the old fluid, flushing the tranny and replacing with all new. I really didn't realize that there were two levels of service available. Just as a side note I did realize the timing belt is up for being changed at 90k.

I have pretty much babied the truck since I've had it, I never really "get on it". My wife thinks I drive like a "putz". I've used it for towing about 300 miles if even that. I commute 60 miles a day to work on the open highway which explains the mileage. I intended on keeping the truck to at least the 140k to 150k mark but now I am wondering if i could run into tranny problems before then. If I keep the truck I'll obviously have the flush done at 90k (if not before). The 2001 models do have the factory installed tranny oil cooler.

Does anyone have a gut instinct for how the tranny should hold up given the history? Obviously there are no guaruntees but I'm trying to figure if I screwed up "big time" or if chances are it is ok. I have had zero indications of any problems. I am a little upset with the dealer for not explaining things more thoroughly as they know I am conscientious about maintaining my vehicles. I know I had the "basic" tranny service done at 30k and 60k but did it really do any good? Should I hang on to it or trade it in? Thanks for any advice!!!

[Sp00ks]

I am a new Tundra owner so I probably shouldn't be replying to longevity questions. However I have been a motor head all my life, even as a kid.

Let me get this straight. Your worried that you haven't had a tranny fluid change in 83k miles but you don't tow anything and a lot of those miles are hwy?

If the above is true, in my opinion your fine.

1. It's not a dodge (No offense)
2. You haven't been pulling houses with it.

I would get it done soon though. A suggestion is to ask the mechanic what the fluid looks like when he changes it. A lot of places will take samples and examine the old fluid to look for metal shavings etc.

[THarms]

Your tranny is probably just fine... especially since its a Toyota.

but that said... now would be an excellent time to have it fully flushed (15-16qts of fresh fluid) and switched over to synthetic. Its also something you should be able to do yourself.

[Haoleb]

I thought that it wasnt good to have the transmission completely flushed when it has that many miles on it? I have never done mine, and im unsure when or if its been done in the past on the truck. Maybe i should do it then? I have almost 81k miles.

[toddkokko]

i have almost 80,000 miles on my 03, i was told to clean with auto-rx for 1000 miles or so prior to my complete flush to help clean all the grime and built up varnish. cheers, todd

[userw5]

I know I had the "basic" tranny service done at 30k and 60k but did it really do any good? Should I hang on to it or trade it in? Thanks for any advice!!!

The dealer may have just done a drain and refill of the transmission. I think the owners manual indicates just checking the fluid at 30k and changing at 60k. If you had service at those intervals now may be a good time to do a complete flush.

[THarms]

i have almost 80,000 miles on my 03, i was told to clean with auto-rx for 1000 miles or so prior to my complete flush to help clean all the grime and built up varnish. cheers, todd

Yep, an Auto-Rx treatment is recommended if the fluid has not been changed before now.

[Jack Burton]

I own a 2001 4wd Access Cab Tundra with about 83k miles which I bought new. To be honest it is the first vehicle with an automatic transmission that I have owned. I had the full service done at the dealer at the 30k and 60k marks (plugs, cooling system flush, differential oil changed (front at 60k), etc.. When I took it in at 30k I asked about the transmission and they said there was no scheduled maintenance due but they had an automatic transmission service for about $60 which included new fluid and cleaning the filter. I had that done at 30k and again at 60k thinking I was in good shape. I received a coupon flyer from the dealer a couple days ago and one of the coupons was for a "transmission flush" for $199. I called and they said that this included removing all the old fluid, flushing the tranny and replacing with all new. I really didn't realize that there were two levels of service available. Just as a side note I did realize the timing belt is up for being changed at 90k.

I have pretty much babied the truck since I've had it, I never really "get on it". My wife thinks I drive like a "putz". I've used it for towing about 300 miles if even that. I commute 60 miles a day to work on the open highway which explains the mileage. I intended on keeping the truck to at least the 140k to 150k mark but now I am wondering if i could run into tranny problems before then. If I keep the truck I'll obviously have the flush done at 90k (if not before). The 2001 models do have the factory installed tranny oil cooler.

Does anyone have a gut instinct for how the tranny should hold up given the history? Obviously there are no guaruntees but I'm trying to figure if I screwed up "big time" or if chances are it is ok. I have had zero indications of any problems. I am a little upset with the dealer for not explaining things more thoroughly as they know I am conscientious about maintaining my vehicles. I know I had the "basic" tranny service done at 30k and 60k but did it really do any good? Should I hang on to it or trade it in? Thanks for any advice!!!

Hey Corbin,

You have maintained your tranny exactly how Toyota has recommended. No where in the manual does it say to "flush" your tranny. This is a made up service to put more of your money in the dealer's pocket..... There's really no good reason to do a flush unless you're having trbl or are going w/a good synthetic ATF like Royal Purple or Mobile 1....... Your tranny will shift much smoother w/the syn fluids......

If you're worried about it then do the "pan drain" every 20-25K miles. Driving that many freeway miles doesn't place much strain on the tranny like stop and go traffic does. IMO you'll be Ok doing what you've been doing.....

I get coupons all the time for the tranny flush for $119.00 and pan drain for $40.00. I'd check around for a good independent Toyota shop for a better price and service...... JB

[lunagr]

I have a '02 Access Cab with 55,000 miles (mostly easy freeway miles). My tranny bit the dust last week - no warning at all, it never gave me a clue that it was hurtin'. I was on a freeway on-ramp under moderate acceleration then it just slipped and then grabbed HARD! Did it one more time and I stopped right there and called for a tow.

Transmission is being replaced under warranty - I am supposed to pick it up this afternoon.

I will report back as to what failed.

Steve

[TUNDRABILL-21]

My opinion is that u can do a drain & refill on it at the same time u do your oil change. That would continually renew the oil & additive packages.
These trannys hold up pretty good. They do fail but at a way smaller rate than their competitors. Temperature is the main killer of the fluid. So if u drive a lot of highway without romping on it- u will be fine. P.s. u can do a full flush at home. Its better anyway. The tranny flushers get dirty at the shop and most places dont keep em up. they may intermix fluids slightly as well (from one type to another). And some dealers dont use toyota fluid anyway. Check out the garage for the full flush instructions.
As I side note I work for Lexus and the new LS430 Flagship car doesnt require tranny service until 100k. They even took away the dipstick.They are very similar trannys. They make these things pretty damn good. Ive seen the old LS400's come in with 200k on em w no tranny problems. just my 2 cents

[PointCrossed]

I am concered about the Transmission fluid change I have 86K miles and I have not flushed the transmission. I have replaced the fluid at 55K and I would like to flush it and replace it with synthetic(royal purple). Should I do this and can I do this myself? Thanks in advance.

[jsimpson]

My opinion is that u can do a drain & refill on it at the same time u do your oil change. That would continually renew the oil & additive packages.
These trannys hold up pretty good. They do fail but at a way smaller rate than their competitors. Temperature is the main killer of the fluid. So if u drive a lot of highway without romping on it- u will be fine. P.s. u can do a full flush at home. Its better anyway. The tranny flushers get dirty at the shop and most places dont keep em up. they may intermix fluids slightly as well (from one type to another). And some dealers dont use toyota fluid anyway. Check out the garage for the full flush instructions.
As I side note I work for Lexus and the new LS430 Flagship car doesnt require tranny service until 100k. They even took away the dipstick.They are very similar trannys. They make these things pretty damn good. Ive seen the old LS400's come in with 200k on em w no tranny problems. just my 2 cents

A drain and refill does not replace the few quarts that are in the torque convertor. Do the flush and read the threads on Tundra transmissions grenading. Unlike a bombed 500hp Dodge Cummins diesel, the Toyota tranny is lightly stressed. It is distressing to me that Tundra trannies with relatively low miles are grenading, especially since my wife tows a horse trailer with our Tundra. maybe we should start towing the horse trailer with my DODGE!

[mitchr]

maybe we should start towing the horse trailer with my DODGE!

Maybe your wife doesn't want to choke her horses to death with the diesel smoke.

[lunagr]

It is distressing to me that Tundra trannies with relatively low miles are grenading, especially since my wife tows a horse trailer with our Tundra. maybe we should start towing the horse trailer with my DODGE!

My tranny is one that went to lunch at 55k miles. Low miles and relatively easy use...and also, a very, very low percentage do what mine did.

Think of it this way: Nobody is going to start a thread "My Tranny Didn't Splode". We hear about when things go wrong, not the HUGE number where everything is going right.

There are several users here (RockyMtnRay and KLS for starters) that tow on a fairly regular basis - with no transmission problems that I am aware of.

I guess in short, I wouldn't sweat it too much, just do the proper maintenance and use as directed.

Steve

[KLS]

I am concered about the Transmission fluid change I have 86K miles and I have not flushed the transmission. I have replaced the fluid at 55K and I would like to flush it and replace it with synthetic(royal purple). Should I do this and can I do this myself? Thanks in advance.

I'd suggest an Auto-Rx cleaning of the transmission (1000 miles), then a complete flush and renewal of the fluid. 16 quarts of ATF will be needed. Your 2001 (2000-2002) takes Dexron-III ATF, so the Royal Purple will do a good job, as will Mobil 1, Amsoil, or Schaeffer. You can do the job yourself.

-Get the transmission warm, not hot.
-Drain the transmission pan and refill.
-Get 3 or 4 feet of 3/8" tubing or hose (plastic is OK). Connect to the lower fitting on the transmission cooler (that mini-radiator). Put the end of the hose into a plastic gallon jug...you'll want three or four.
-Start the engine, watch the ATF pumping into the jug, stop the engine at a half jug (2 quarts).
-Add 2 quarts of ATF down the dipstick tube.
-Repeat until you've used up 'most all the 16 quarts.
-Start the engine and correct the transmission level.
-Drive until the transmission is warm and correct the level again.
-Clean up your mess, recycle the ATF, you're done!

If the ATF comes out the disconnected hose on the cooler and sprays over the whole area instead of out your tubing into the jug, stop and change your connections. I'm working from my (often faulty) memory.


Tundra Bill,
I think a transmission pan drain and refill every 2nd oil change is a good plan. The transmission holds about 16 quarts and you get about 4 quarts out of the pan.


Ken