Tranny Question - did I kill it?

edphighlander04 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-23-2008, 03:05 PM

I have the V6 AWD 04 Highlander. I do quite a bit of maintenance on my VW, however, I am not used to the AWD and/or automatic transmission of my wife's SUV. So I have a couple of questions after a few issues I've experienced.

1) I had the TSB for the leaky seals performed at 45K, and now at 90K had never changed the ATF. Tranny was acting funny so I checked it, and then replaced the ATF immediately. It was black. I was going on the manual and had typically checked it every 5K and the color was fine. With the first change it seems better, however still not like it used to be. Should I be overly concerned that I killed the tranny?

2) Where is the front diff drain and refill?

LifeTech · #2 (**permalink**) 05-24-2008, 10:14 AM

The Transfer case is located center up front . Follow the drive shaft forward to find it. There is a drain plug and fill plug. It is very close to the exhaust manifold /engine pipe.
Make sure yu can remove the Fill plug FIRST. Cause if yu open the drain first and drain fluid, yu might get stuck with not being able to get the fill plug open to refill.
Also pay attention to the magnets attatched to the drain plugs. Examine the metal content collected and make sure to clean off before reinstalling.

Just some Caveats to consider procedure wise.

I did my (Diff and X-case) recently and used Mobil 1 Syn Fluid. Some others here are using different fluids.

My Rear diff. was dark and gritty at only 10K miles. The X-case oil wasn't as bad. Yu will probably notice the same to be true.

Do a search On TS for many other threads concerning this Service.

Good luck

LT

kathyricks · #3 (**permalink**) 05-30-2008, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edphighlander04

at 90K had never changed the ATF. Tranny was acting funny so I checked it, and then replaced the ATF immediately. It was black. I was going on the manual and had typically checked it every 5K and the color was fine.

No comprende. Are you saying the fluid color was "fine" [red"?] at 85K and then suddenly was"black" at 90k? Why "funny" behavior is the transmission exhibiting? Slippage is serious. But erratic shifting could just be a sluggish or failing electronic shift control solenoid (not so serious).