I have a 2018 carolla with 55000 miles. I want to have the transmission serviced but one dealership said they won’t do it because the transmission has lifetime fluid. The other wants $299 to do a total service that includes a flush. I have been told that flush is bad for the transmission. I know there is a special procedure for servicing sealed trans and I am not comfortable taking it to just anyone. Any advice will be appreciated.
You are only 5,000 miles from the Toyota powertrain warranty ending (5 years/60,000 miles), so now is a good time to find an independent, honest mechanic that has worked on Japanese cars (ideally Lexus/Toyota’s) do it for you - that would be ideal: drain and fill (with filter service/change if applicable) is all it needs. See below from Toyota Master Mechanic The Car Care Nut for how to do it. It’s not hard but you have to still know what you are doing: his channel also a good resource for other Toyota service/maintenance how-to’s:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eRxSu4-4ojo
Maybe this is a dumb question but couldn’t I just add as much new fluid as the measured amount that was drained?
@Steve1980 yes, you can definitely measure what is drained out and put in/add the same amount.
Oops, … I just posted link to the same vid bellow! Forgive me, …
F.S.
try an independent mechanic
"… they won’t do it because the transmission has lifetime fluid."
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… phlunkin’ dorks! You offer them honest business and they refuse? For contrast, my area Toyota dealers strongly suggest: "drain and fill - every three years". Today’s rate: C$125. Reasonable, considering the process (see vid below)
Anyway, it’s basically "drain and fill", with few important steps that must be followed precisely. True, … here is a vid, Toyota tech is demonstrating the process in his home garage:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eRxSu4-4ojo&t=266s
Watch it few times, … and just perhaps, you can do it yourself?
F.S.
