Hello I have a Tacoma that is close to hitting 60k miles. I have a small recall on the truck so I have to take it in to the dealership and I looked into getting a oil change and transmission fluid change because I’m due and their prices seemed pretty good. But they said they want to do a full transmission flush, not just a fluid change. I’ve seen some of your videos in the past advising against transmission flushes and you said you should just change somewhere close to 3/4 of the fluid. Should I tell them I want a fluid change instead of a full flush, or because it’s a Toyota shop should I let them do their thing?
dealers love flushes because they're quicker to do, and they can charge more.
It's not necessary in most cases.
When they flush it do they just run the engine while the seal is off so the pressure pushes it all out? Or do they hook up some sort of air compressor into it? I’ve only ever done fluid changes so I don’t really know what a flush even involves
and why do some advise against a whole flush? Because for a brief second the components aren’t lubricated sufficient and there’s risk of wear? Or because there’s high risk of outside stuff like dirt or sand or something getting into the transmission?
Surprisingly I can’t find a whole lot of info about this online. I see a bunch of people say to do a full flush or not to do a full flush but no one really explains why or why not
you'll have to ask them how they flush it. Usually they disconnect the cooler lines, which in itself makes me nervous. Some places won't even drop the pan to replace the filter. No I don't think dirt will get in. I just don't trust dealerships and quick-lube places to do a good job. An independent, experienced transmission shop is a different story though. If you don't NEED a flush then don't get one. It's like shaving your head bald when you only need a trim.
It’s your truck, don’t let them force you into doing (and paying for) a flush.
As @mountainmanjoe said, it’s not required in most cases & you’re due for a regular drain & fill.
If they won’t agree to it, take it somewhere else or do it yourself.
All the best!
I bet you can find independent mechanics who do the drain and refill with much less money than the dealer.
I would never personally do a flush I'm not a mechanic but I would just drop the pan change the fluid change the filter and the gasket however other people will argue that it doesn't get all the fluid out and they're absolutely right but that's just my two cents and I certainly wouldn't let the dealer do any work and I don't think you need to flush it at 60,000 stay away from the dealer find yourself a good local mechanic.Also typically when they do the flush they DO NOT change the filter and gasket!!! that is what happen to my mother.
You are the customer. When I pay someone, they do what I want, not them. A trans flush is just another of the many ways they jack up your bill. Go somewhere else.
I like to pull the trans cooler lines and do a non power flush. One line goes in a bucket, marked with gallons so I can see how much goes out, and the other I have the new fluid going in, and let the trans take it in like it normally would. Not hard with two people at all. I do like to use amsoil over the regular toyota tranny fluid, but there is nothing wrong with it.
