Do i really need to change my Tranny Fluid?

Hey all. I have a '06 Tundra with about 40,500 miles on it. I went and got it serviced last week and was told that my tranny fluid is getting pretty brown and should be changed. This was recomended by the dealer at a cost of $150. Right now we are cash strapped and would like to put it off if we could. I just want an opinion on what to do. Is it something that i could do myself?

 

Does your car run in the normal temperature range? If it is running on the warm side, make sure the a/c cooling fins behind the front grill are not clogged up with bugs, etc., causing tranny to run hotter than normal.

Brown and smelly trans fluid is not good. I think we all know that. But exactly when it MUST be changed, or else, sort of thing, is probably a gray area, IMO. Best to get it changed though as soon as you can afford to do so. And try to find root cause of why it is bad already. I gave one possible simple cause.

When I lived in Florida there was plagues of love bugs and them suckers could really reek havoc on cars when they were in season.

 

I have a '06 Tacoma with 59K on it, I just had it at the dealer 2 weeks ago for service and they had a $99 special for tranny flush/fill/addative. I took it there with the intention of having it done, the dealer called me and said that 2006+ had "special" tranny fluid that doesn't need changed until 100K. He said that he wasn't trying to talk me out of giving him $99 but I don't need it. You're situation sounds different, if your fluid is brown it should be changed at some point. Do you tow heavy loads? Brown indicated clutch wear or burnt fluid from heat.

Also I'm told that Toyotas, at least Tacomas, don't have filters in the tranny, just a screen

 

I would start saving for a fluid change. I would not go over 60k miles. I guess you could do it yourself if you have the right tools and know how. The thing is you would not get the fluid out of the torque convertor by just pulling the pan.
Make sure you get the correct fluid for the toyota. I recommend if you do it get the fluid from the dealer.Also dont forget a new pan gasket also a dealer item I am sure.

 

Don't know about Tacomas, but our Camry is a cleanable screen. Wow, $150 for a tranny service? I'm in the wrong business. You can get that service done anywhere in town for probably half that; keep the receipt for warranty purposes. FWIW I do our car every 25k miles; the wrecker gets fluid change every 10k and filter every 30k.

Hotrod: You found a dealership service department that should be the model.

 

Without a doubt.... Bob Massey Toyota in White Oak, PA. These guys have treated me great!

 

I would advise servicing the transmission A.S.A.P. Dirty fluid causes transmission failures. Heat causes dirty fluid. If your transmission has a drain plug on the pan at least do a drain & fill a couple of times (this would be the least costly) But if it does not have a drain plug, opt for either a fluid exchange (hooked up to a machine) or have a shop drop the pan and change the fluid and replace or clean the filter/screen.

Manufactures are trying to create the maint. free vehicle so theirs seems the cheepest to maintain. However you will see different models with the same transmission and engine combo that have competely different service intervals.

If you buy a new car every 3 years............leave it alone and sell it without servicing it. (buyer beware)

If you drive the wheels off your car (like I do) Service your transmission every 24,000 miles (more frequently if you tow) and your transmission should last a long while.

If you tow add a larger transmission cooler...... most factory coolers are just barely adequate.