Nice upgrade for DIY maintenance on 2009 RAV4

INDYMAC · #1 (**permalink**) 02-26-2009, 07:47 AM

I have an ATF dipstick. I'm glad that Toyota got there heads out of their butts and gave us something to work with to check transmission fluid level and condition. I wasn't buying into this lifetime fluid hype, and it looks like Toyota doesn't anymore either. Now, if only the Toyota service departments would get the word!

junebug1701 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by INDYMAC

I have an ATF dipstick. I'm glad that Toyota got there heads out of their butts and gave us something to work with to check transmission fluid level and condition. I wasn't buying into this lifetime fluid hype, and it looks like Toyota doesn't anymore either. Now, if only the Toyota service departments would get the word!

Mine does too. It also has a label on it that states "NOTICE No need to replace ATF under normal driving condition.
(Transfer fluid for 4WD is different.) See Owner's Manual when replacing."

So does this mean it should never be changed if I don't tow?

INDYMAC · #3 (**permalink**) 03-02-2009, 07:35 AM

As Dirty Harry would say, "do you feel lucky?".

Although WS ATF may be an excellent fluid, I don't believe that the high amount of wear metals floating around in there from break-in are a good thing for your tranny. I plan to flush it at 30K miles. Then I will consider leaving it in for a longer service life.

The only thing a "lifetime service fluid" guarantees to me is a shorter life. If Toyota would guarantee the tranny for as long as you own the vehicle, then I would believe the hype.

junebug1701 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-03-2009, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by INDYMAC

As Dirty Harry would say, "do you feel lucky?".

Although WS ATF may be an excellent fluid, I don't believe that the high amount of wear metals floating around in there from break-in are a good thing for your tranny. I plan to flush it at 30K miles. Then I will consider leaving it in for a longer service life.

The only thing a "lifetime service fluid" guarantees to me is a shorter life. If Toyota would guarantee the tranny for as long as you own the vehicle, then I would believe the hype.

That's a good point. If the WS fluid is supposed to be good for 100,000 miles, then why don't they warranty the transmission for 100,000 miles?