I kept asking the Toyota service center guys if I should have my automatic transmission fluid changed and they said no until finally, at just over 100,000 miles, they finally said yes.
Then they charged me for what they call a "fluid replacement", which they said would take about an hour and a half because it's supposedly some special process. But then when I brought my car in for that "fluid replacement" and an oil change, they somehow magically completed both processes in just under an hour, so I figure they just did a cheaper drain-and-fill but charged me for the longer and more expensive "fluid replacement" process. What's more, they said the fluid that they removed was still clear.
Anyhow, now I'm at just over 130,000 miles and I think I've felt the car shudder twice over the past few months while at a stop light. I'm wondering if their tricking me into waiting too long to change the tranny fluid 1) did some damage and 2) if so, should I bother ever changing it again. Also, since apparently it's not one of those "sealed transmissions" and still has a tranny dipstick under the hood, should I just attempt to do the job myself.
Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks again
More information needed.
Chuck:
Sorry about that. I've got a 2014 Toyota Yaris, most basic L-model, 4-cylinder, 1.5-liter. automatic transmission, with 132,000 miles on it.
Remember its YOUR car. I always drain/fill the trani every 40k. No fuss, no muss! Also use the FACTORY fluid. You'll be glad you did!
Hard to answer but yes if it was my truck I would just do it myself. Drain the pan. Change fluid in the pan and the filter. Rinse and repeat in 60,000 miles. Make sure you put the correct fluid back in. That way you know it gets done and gets done right.
I don't think the mechanic did anything wrong. Drain-and-fill is the correct way to change transmission fluid in an old vehicle. When you flush-and-fill, you may damage the transmission. Normally, you dont need to change tran fluid unless you notice gear slip.
