I just bought a used 2012 rav 4 sport with 104000 miles on it. Runs and shifts great. I checked the transmission fluid and it is dirty not horrible but definetly not clean. Owners manual says to change every 60k miles if towing otherwise the fluid shouldnt be changed. Should I go ahead and change the fluid or will I cause damage because it hasnt been changed before?
Please check the FAQ on transmission maintenance.
Where do I find the FAQs? Sorry I am new here, thanks
The FAQ is in the visitor info.
Scotty has talked about it on his videos when they say not to change the fluid, calling it "lifetime" fluid. Other countries often times tell you to change it more often, many toyotas recommend it at least at 90k mile intervals.They mean that lifetime is when the transmission breaks. I prefer to extend that lifetime as long as possible by changing my fluid regularly.
You must do your own research and make the call on your car. To me, 104k isn't that much for a toyota. I have changed several toyotas at around 100k and over without issues with regular transmission, and my 2013 prius had a cvt that I changed at 80k without issue.
I just did a single drain and fill on our 2015 Highlander with 98,000mi
I have been debating it for a while, and decided to go with that. It only replaced less than 1/3 of it, but I figure it makes it like 65,000 mi transmission fluid.
I’m no expert, but have been researching and debating what to do for a year or so…and that is what I went with.
There are some very detailed videos on YouTube on how to do it if you decide to (some great, some not so much)
