I bought my 2000 Toyota Echo about 2-yrs. ago. I didn't get any service records from the previous owner. I currently have 117,000 miles on my Echo. I have never checked or had anything done with the transmission fluid. I was never taught how to check the transmission fluid and I'm kind of scared that I might do it wrong. I've watched Youtube videos about how to do it, but I'm still afraid. No need to tell me I'm an idiot and a wimp about this. It's just that I learn best by having someone show me how to do things. I could pay a mechanic 50-miles away ( yeah, that's how far the closest GOOD mechanic is where I live) to check it, but I'm dirt poor. So, I just keep putting if off. I'm not having any issues with my Echo right now so I don't think the transmission is faulty ( I saw Scotty mention what the symptoms of a bad transmission are on Youtube). I am not a mechanic and I have no one else to ask about this. I know that you should drive the car around and warm it up for around 15-min. and then get the car on a level surface while it's running, and then take out the trans. dipstick ( I know where it is) to check where it is in the HOT section of the dipstick. You should also check the quality of the trans. fluid by rubbing some fluid between your fingers. If needed, you should add more trans. fluid ( I already called a Toyota dealership to find out the CORRECT type of fluid and they sell it) while the car is running, in very small amounts. I learned you should NEVER overfill it or you could ruin the transmission. If what I just listed is incorrect or I left something out I would truly appreciate it if someone would let me know. Even being a non mechanic, I would think that I would know if my transmission is failing just by how it rides and how it feels when I drive. One thing I'm sure of is that I would never have my transmission flushed at this point in the mileage. Perhaps I might have it drained and refilled, but I'm really not sure if it's too late to do that at 117,000 miles. I would appreciate some good advice, and perhaps a little encouragement in getting this done. When it comes down to it, I just don't want to mess anything up by being too vigilant in trying to maintain my Echo. Thanks everyone!
here you go. step-by-step instructions (it's actually for removing the valve body, which you DON'T want to go that far, but it will drain the fluid and explain how to reassemble/refill)
fluid type and capacity specifications:
I would replace the oil strainer if it has a paper filter element, and thoroughly clean the magnets and pan as well.
You can do it. The procedure is very straightforward. Later model Toyotas get far more complicated.
some helpful youtube channels for you
https://www.youtube.com/@TheCarCareNut/
https://www.youtube.com/@ToyotaMaintenance/
If the car has a transmission dipstick then checking the fluid is trivial, no need to get worked up about it. It sounds like you already have a good grasp of how to do this and pretty much have the bases covered. You will also find detailed information in the site FAQ for evaluating the condition of the fluid and whether it is safe to change.
