To change or not to change...that is the question (trans fluid that is)

[spaber05]

Hey all, did a bit of searching but got conflicting results:

My '06 LC is sitting with a shade under 160k miles and no record of a trans fluid change in its history. While I don't do any towing, I can't say confidently that it hasn't done some in the past. So my question is as stated above...should I change the fluid out for peace of mind? Or could I potentially do more harm than good?

I understand I'm supposed to stay away from a machine flush but aside from that, I'm hoping you guys will have some experience and can chime in.

Thanks in advance.

-Pete

 

[DirtDawg]

New fluid is always better than fluid with potentially 160k on it. Swap it out.

Follow the instructions on here and you won't have any issues.

 

[spaber05]

Good to know @DirtDawg, thanks for the input.

 

[ENGINE er]

took mine with 220k miles on it to be machine flushed at the toyota dealer and its shifting better then ever. The truck also tows.

The idea that you are not supposed to flush an old transmission is a myth for late model cars. They are just better built now.

 

[FranceJohnson]

Most issues arrise from having it power flushed which kicks up debris in the system, gets lodged in the valve body solenoids "killing the trans". New fluid is pretty much always better. I drain the trans pan (4qts) and replace with new every other oil change. This method never fully swaps all the fluid, but does a good job of maintaining the intended properties without shocking the system. Plus its easy and there's no reason not to.

 

[Toyoland66]

Change it.

I would do a pan drop so you can clean the magnets and any sludge from the pan, refill and do a fluid exchange by pulling the cooler hose and pumping out/ replacing 3 Qts at a time until the fluid runs clean. This gets almost all the fluid replaced.