In August of 2021 I purchased a 1995 Toyota Camry LE (2.2 I4) with 138,000 miles and the 4 speed automatic transmission. Right now it is just below 143,000. I bought it from the original owner and, although the car is in mint condition and was maintained regularly, I don't know if the transmission fluid was ever changed. Should I drain a certain amount out every certain amount of miles, should I drain it all, should I just leave it alone? Wondering what to do as I don't want to risk having it start slipping.
Check the FAQ on changing transmission fluid.
Oh, that old thing? Almost nobody reads that!
@chucktobias
what are you calling old?? It's up to date. 😆
Is it just me or is asking to change the transmission fluid the most commonly asked question
it's up there
You can drain it into a CLEAN drain pan & see just how bad it is, also if the tranny pan has a bunch of silver goop (metal particulate turned into sediment).
If you find a good amount of crud, change the filter/clean the pan with brake kleen & elbow grease but put the old fluid back in.
If the fluid & pan seem clean, replace the fluid but keep the old in clean jugs for a couple months in case it starts slipping. Whatever you do don't flush it!
Hello all,
I have a 1995 Camry 4cyl automatic with 148,000 miles. I bought it with 138,000 in 2021 from the original owner but have no proof or record that the transmission fluid was ever touched. Upon looking at the dipstick, the fluid is still relatively clean. I know Scotty says to not flush a transmission, but would it be okay to do a drain and fill since I do not know when it was last changed? Transmission shifts perfectly regardless.
Don't repeat questions please. They can be updated with new information.
my bad, I forgot I had asked this question before
drive it for 3-4 miles until it reaches operating temperature then take the dipstick out and on a paper towel get a sample put it in an out a few times and see what the color looks like after about 15 minutes if it’s dark brown it needs to be changed if it’s reddish it may still be good. If you do decide to change it, make sure you do not to get a flush done that could potentially destroy your transmission. I recently got a transmission fluid change on my 2004 mercury grand marquis but I didn’t do a flush. I only did a pan drop and replaced the filter and the gasket and better than ever so I would recommend doing that.
