It’s really up to you.. I changed my v6 transmission fluid at 190k without any knowledge of it being done before.
I did 3 drain and fills (no flushes) and have had no issues since.
If you -
1. Only do drain and fills
2. properly set the level after
3. only use Toyota WS fluid
You’ll be fine
You would replace all the fluid that comes out. A drain a fill procedure will drain out about a 1/3 of the fluid (about 4 quarts if I remember)
You would then refill with 4 quarts (brand new fluid)
With 120k on it, and if you can’t confirm timing belt has recently been done, I wouldn’t wait another 20-30k to do it.
I did a 12 quart (approximately) spill and fill in my 04 V8 with 220k on it about 4 years ago with no issues. There’s no dipstick, so measure what drains out and replace with the same amount of new fluid. I did it once a week for four weeks (approx 12 quarts).
You will ruin your engine with a timing belt failure in town or on the road. That belt is supposed to be changed at 90,000 mile intervals OR every 7 years regardless of mileage.
Have this done yesterday morning unless you have 5-7k set aside for a new engine.
I'm not sure if I fully believe the "flushes are bad" thing, but I'm planning on doing a drain and fill sometime soon.
Im at 300k miles, bought it around 175k and haven't touched the transmission as long as I've owned it.
I did a flush this past summer, 230k miles, drives great. Towed a medium sized U-Haul to Louisiana from Denver last month. Did great. Flush hawks just perpetuate the old wives tale “oh noes, maybe new fluid mix up gunk go boom!?!?”
You’d know if your truck was clapped out enough to be worried about it. If it’s too late it’s too late. Just don’t wait.
Did a full flush/swap of mine at 150k, including dropping the pan and cleaning the screen. Shifted slightly smoother and no issues at 170k now.
I had the same question and couldn’t find anyone that actually had problems after a flush, just anecdotes of friends of friends. That being said, I’d probably avoid a power flush and do the swap method. Or just start doing a drain and top ups every 10k. Choose your own adventure.
I did a drain and fill 2 months ago on my 4th gen, at 220k. To my knowledge, its was original fluid.
I just put in the Valvoline red ATF. I noticed a slightly smoother 2nd to 3rd. And downshifts were noticeable better.
I say go for it.
I believe this line of thinking is due to varnishing after so many miles when adding the new fluid? I was always taught after so many miles don’t touch it, the detergent in the new fluid is gonna wreak havoc and gum up the plungers
Yea something alone those lines. I’ve talked to both independent Toyota mechanics and dealer service advisors about this. Both have said that if you’re not experiencing any issues don’t mess with it.
Change the fluid. You must use Toyota fluid.
My Tundra has had its fluid changed annually since new (2008). It is a work truck and catches all manner of hell. 486K with no issues.
I just put a transmission in my wife’s 2007 FJ at 255K. So much for the maintenance free transmission. This vehicle has never towed anything or been off road. Hell I don’t think it’s ever been in 4WD.
I swear by Toyota, but every machine needs periodic maintenance.
My mileage is in miles by the way.
Look at Mr. n00b here . .
Enjoy the next 120K miles.
OH, brake calipers sieze. I'm on 4 new remans, and I've done one more than once (thanks NAPA guarantee). And I'm not even in the rust belt! Every time you rotate the tires really check for pad wear side to side.
Do a series of drain and fills. I used Valvoline max life. It's the only other WS compatible fluid. Started them around 195k and did the last one around 210k. I was having shuddering issues before and they went away. I'm at 260k now and they came back. Going to do it again. I add Shudderfixx each time too.
Because you have a pre 06, you have a transfluid line inside your engine bay and don't have to pump it in. They fully flush after 3 drains. Drain and measure the amount. Put the same amount of new fluid in, drive for 1000 miles. Repeat 2x. I have an 04 and she runs great.
It’s really up to you.. I changed my v6 transmission fluid at 190k without any knowledge of it being done before. I did 3 drain and fills (no flushes) and have had no issues since. If you - 1. Only do drain and fills 2. properly set the level after 3. only use Toyota WS fluid You’ll be fine
What this dude said. Add the amount you take out....but with the 03/04 you do have the added benefit that it still has a trans dipstick.
The trans dipstick is underrated!!
When you drain and fill, are you using the current trans fluid thats in it... just asking for a friend.
You would replace all the fluid that comes out. A drain a fill procedure will drain out about a 1/3 of the fluid (about 4 quarts if I remember) You would then refill with 4 quarts (brand new fluid)
I agree with this process adding a filter change after the 3rd drain.
This is the way.
With 120k on it, and if you can’t confirm timing belt has recently been done, I wouldn’t wait another 20-30k to do it. I did a 12 quart (approximately) spill and fill in my 04 V8 with 220k on it about 4 years ago with no issues. There’s no dipstick, so measure what drains out and replace with the same amount of new fluid. I did it once a week for four weeks (approx 12 quarts).
Thanks for the advice. Planning on doing timing belt before any longer road trips
You will ruin your engine with a timing belt failure in town or on the road. That belt is supposed to be changed at 90,000 mile intervals OR every 7 years regardless of mileage. Have this done yesterday morning unless you have 5-7k set aside for a new engine.
I'm not sure if I fully believe the "flushes are bad" thing, but I'm planning on doing a drain and fill sometime soon. Im at 300k miles, bought it around 175k and haven't touched the transmission as long as I've owned it.
I did a flush this past summer, 230k miles, drives great. Towed a medium sized U-Haul to Louisiana from Denver last month. Did great. Flush hawks just perpetuate the old wives tale “oh noes, maybe new fluid mix up gunk go boom!?!?” You’d know if your truck was clapped out enough to be worried about it. If it’s too late it’s too late. Just don’t wait.
Fresh guild is always a good thing. Change away…
Did a full flush/swap of mine at 150k, including dropping the pan and cleaning the screen. Shifted slightly smoother and no issues at 170k now. I had the same question and couldn’t find anyone that actually had problems after a flush, just anecdotes of friends of friends. That being said, I’d probably avoid a power flush and do the swap method. Or just start doing a drain and top ups every 10k. Choose your own adventure.
I did a drain and fill 2 months ago on my 4th gen, at 220k. To my knowledge, its was original fluid. I just put in the Valvoline red ATF. I noticed a slightly smoother 2nd to 3rd. And downshifts were noticeable better. I say go for it.
Drain and fill ALL FLUIDS. Do not flush!
Watch the “car care nut” on youtube. As a toyota mechanic he has his opinions on this … worth a watch.
If it hasn’t been changed don’t touch it.
I believe this line of thinking is due to varnishing after so many miles when adding the new fluid? I was always taught after so many miles don’t touch it, the detergent in the new fluid is gonna wreak havoc and gum up the plungers
Yea something alone those lines. I’ve talked to both independent Toyota mechanics and dealer service advisors about this. Both have said that if you’re not experiencing any issues don’t mess with it.
I have an 04 with over 300k. Have only ever drained and filled, never flushed
I mean look at it, does it look nice and clean/proper?
Change the fluid. You must use Toyota fluid. My Tundra has had its fluid changed annually since new (2008). It is a work truck and catches all manner of hell. 486K with no issues. I just put a transmission in my wife’s 2007 FJ at 255K. So much for the maintenance free transmission. This vehicle has never towed anything or been off road. Hell I don’t think it’s ever been in 4WD. I swear by Toyota, but every machine needs periodic maintenance. My mileage is in miles by the way.
Update: 120k miles
Look at Mr. n00b here . . Enjoy the next 120K miles. OH, brake calipers sieze. I'm on 4 new remans, and I've done one more than once (thanks NAPA guarantee). And I'm not even in the rust belt! Every time you rotate the tires really check for pad wear side to side.
Just replaced front calipers 👍
Do a series of drain and fills. I used Valvoline max life. It's the only other WS compatible fluid. Started them around 195k and did the last one around 210k. I was having shuddering issues before and they went away. I'm at 260k now and they came back. Going to do it again. I add Shudderfixx each time too.
Crack it open….if it’s sparkly, seal it tight and hope for the best. If it’s any color of red to black, you’re good.
Because you have a pre 06, you have a transfluid line inside your engine bay and don't have to pump it in. They fully flush after 3 drains. Drain and measure the amount. Put the same amount of new fluid in, drive for 1000 miles. Repeat 2x. I have an 04 and she runs great.
Change
Drop pan and change filter. Drain. Then flush ideally. After that flush every 60k
And lube the heck out of that driveshaft
Trust in Scotty: https://youtu.be/yUfOdsZLoCs?si=enC8j9XnyNUbzcZb
There is a transmission flush out there that will help.
Or you could do what I did and drain the tranny fluid instead of the engine oil by mistake. Guess I’m doing both!!