I have a 2013 Toyota Rav4 at about 50k mileage. I am looking to get a tranmission change (I will be dropping the pan). My Mechanic will drop the pan, but doesnt do the fluid extractor through where the dipstick would go. Is that necessary?
Or should I just have the mechanic drop the pan, change the filter, change the gasket, and put it back on?
it sounds like you want to change the fluid, not the transmission right? Is it a manual or automatic?
So, to clarify, my mechanic will change the fluid through dropping the pan. I was mainly asking if using a fluid extractor to change out the rest of the fluid through the dip stick would help, we did this on my 2013 Dodge Avenger. It is an ATF.
You don't need any fluid extraction. Just stick to the 30k mile change interval.
Awesome, thank you 🙂
The fluid extractor through the dipstick method only removes the fluid that is in the pan, so same as dropping the pan. Since you are changing the filter, you have to drop the pan.
When I had my old car, we would drop the pan, then use an extractor to extract even more fluid. I am trying to see if that is necessary or not.
Your mechanic is acting out of fear of blame, IMHO. What's the point of dropping the pan and changing the filter without changing the fluid? The fluid is going to come out when the pan is drained, anyway.
Actually, if you have a conventional dipstick, it's a relatively easy drain and fill.
The car should be warm-to-hot (unlike oil changes). Drain the fluid out and MEASURE IT. Put on a new filter, after you remove the pan. Check the gasket. Replace if necessary. Torque to spec.
Then use fresh OEM WS-ATF ONLY (check your manual, but I believe that is the right fluid) to refill, EXACTLY the amount of the old fluid that was drained. Let the transmission fluid warm up, run through the gears, and check the dipstick, multiple times. (Don't mix with other brands or types of ATF).
Here's an article on how to read the dipstick (which can be tricky on fresh fluid):
http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/89
Here's a visual representation of stages of ATF contamination:
http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/141
I actually am switching the fluid to Amsoil as I have found it to be a great fluid to use for my oil and tranny. Also, I think there might have been a bit of a misunderstanding. My mechanic will be changing the fluid by dropping the pan and applying a new filter. However, when I had my old car, we used to drop the pan and then after that use a fluid extractor to extract even more fluid than just by dropping the pan. I was just seeing if that was necessary or if just dropping the pan was ok
I wouldn't bother. Just change your fluid regularly.