Hello, Scotty
I have a 1996 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD with 296k miles. I owned it for 3 years and it had 236K miles when I took over. It cranks up with no issues, idles nicely, runs perfect and shifts smooth. I've kept up with all the maintenance since I've owned it. The only thing I haven't done is the transmission flush and I don't know if it's ever been done. My question is; should I flush it or is it too late?
Thank you,
Christian Ayala
Never flush a transmission. You'll risk clogging up the valve body and all of the small passages the transmission fluid runs through, causing it to potentially not operate correctly. Only do a simple drain and refill. Check the fluid quality on the dipstick, before you do anything. It should be dark red, not burned smelling and shouldn't look or smell like varnish, nor should it feel gritty. If it's dark red and not brown like varnish, you might be able to do a change, but I would be cautious because of mileage.
With that mileage if you don't know it has been changed or not, leave it alone. Even a simple drain and refill could cause issues.
I am With Justin Shepherd, if it were mine, I would check the fluid and see if it looks okay, not burnt or anything. If it looked okay, I would do the drain and fill.
I would highly suggest amsoil signature series atf, I used it in my 98 4runner and it loved it.
In the end, it is your vehicle so you have to make the call, as mentioned, be cautious.
Just drain it, change the filter and refill it. DO NOT flush.
