I bought a 2010 Toyota Highlander with over 200,000 miles. It doesn't look like the transmission fluid has ever been changed. I've heard Scotty say you should never change the transmission fluid on an American car with that many miles, but I thought I heard him say on a Toyota you can because the transmissions built different. I've looked through his videos and have not been able to find where he said that, but I remember hearing it. I want to service the transmission so that the car can last as long as possible. The transmission doesn't seem to be slipping, but the transmission fluid is dark. It also doesn't smell like it's burned, just smells like oil. Would it be okay to suck out whatever fluid I can get through the dipstick and replace with new fluid without causing the transmission to slip? Thanks
There's not even a distinction made between Japanese transmissions and American transmissions.
You have to understand what the distinction is. If you listen carefully to Scotty's videos on the issue you will find that he says Japanese transmissions (particularly Toyota) are not as prone as American transmissions to shedding clutch and band friction material when not serviced regularly. That's the bottom line, and you can tell whether this is happening regardless of where the transmission was made by examining the condition of the transmission fluid on the dipstick, via the fill hole if there is no dipstick, or when the fluid is drained.
While a "quintillion" is obviously hyperbole the fact is that "Should I change my transmission fluid?" is the single most common question asked here. With over 309,000 posts and more than 64,000 topics on this board it's a good bet that it's been asked at least one or two thousand times, possibly more.
For that reason details on changing transmission fluid and evaluating the condition of your fluid are in the site FAQ. The advice therein pertains to any conventional automatic transmission regardless of where it was made since what you're really looking for is any sign that worn friction material suspended in the fluid is the only thing keeping the transmission working - and probably not for long in that condition.
@chucktobias
That makes sense. That's why I was going through the dipstick. I can control the amount I take out. The whole transmission holds about 9 and 1/2 quarts. Instead of dropping the pan, replacing the filter and adding 4 quarts, what if I cleaned it up slowly. Say like 2 quarts at a time every other month. Would that be okay?
That depends on the condition of the existing fluid. If friction materials are badly deteriorated due to lack of maintenance the introduction of new fluid may cause slippage. You really need to check your fluid's condition to make that determination.
@chucktobias
As I said originally, it's obviously darker after 200,000 miles, but doesn't smell burned. It smells like oil. What else should I look for to see if it's a good candidate to clean?
I was able to squeeze 230,000 miles out of a 2009 Dodge Grand caravan transmission. I got that car with 100,000 miles, dropped the pan and changed the oil every 25,000 miles. I used Lucas transmission stop slip for friction. The thing that killed the car was the Florida hurricane flood last year. Can you use Lucas in a 2010 Toyota?
@chucktobias
Thanks for the input, really appreciate it.
There's not even a distinction made between Japanese transmissions and American transmissions.
It's not a significant distinction. Japanese and American automatic transmissions (and indeed ANY conventional automatic) all work on the same principles. They all have clutches with friction material that wears out. Variables that actually matter are the manufacturer/model, service history, fluid condition, and how it drives currently (All this was explained in the FAQ). Having a Japanese made transmission is not some kind of guarantee that the trans will or won't fail.
I read the FAQ, it just gives me the same general information,
That's because nobody can see inside your transmission. Nobody inspected or test drove your vehicle. Anybody who gives you specific information or predictions over the internet is making up baloney. Would you trust a medical diagnosis by someone who hasn't run any tests? This is why it's foolhardy and dishonest to make any promises.
I'm looking for the opinion of an expert
then take your car to a transmission shop, so they can actually look at it, test drive it , hook up diagnostics, etc.
I want to service the transmission so that the car can last as long as possible
That ship has sailed. Bottom line, if the transmission was never serviced in 200k, then it's not in good shape. If it's not worn out now, it will be soon. Changing the fluid now is not going to magically restore it. Any benefits from changing fluid are severely diminished at this point.
Would it be okay to suck out whatever fluid I can get through the dipstick
If you're going to change the fluid, do it properly. Drain it all. Clean out the pan, magnet and change the filter. Just like the FAQ says.
Going through the dipstick tube kind of defeats the purpose.
I love Scotty
I love watching Scotty too, but he isn't a transmission expert, which he also freely admits. They are complex devices best left for the specialists.
@imperator
Thanks for the input, I really appreciate it.
@fishingandcarsenthusiast123
Really? A quintillion? There are over 8 billion people on earth. They would each have to ask that question 125 billion times. Most don't even speak English.
I read the FAQ, it just gives me the same general information, like what I found doing Google searches. There's not even a distinction made between Japanese transmissions and American transmissions. If I'm going to do something that could damage my transmission and cost me a lot of money, I'm looking for the opinion of an expert, not FAQ or Google searches.
I love Scotty, I've been watching him for years. I remember him making a distinction between a Toyota transmission and an American transmission. Thought I might get a professional opinion.
What else should I look for to see if it's a good candidate to clean?
As mentioned because this kind of question is asked so frequently you'll find your answer in the FAQ:
Signs that your transmission is near the end of its useful life:
- It "slips" (vehicle does not accelerate when you press the accelerator)
- It begins to shift too late, there is hesitation, the shift duration is long, or it slams into gear.
- Fluid shows black particulate contamination (clutch material has been used up)
This usually happens when the transmission reaches around 200k miles (varies by model and service history of course). If your transmission does not have advanced mileage ( <150k miles ), the fluid looks fairly clean, and it has not exhibited any of the above symptoms, then you should continue to service it. Neglecting to maintain a healthy transmission (or any machine) will guarantee that it will fail sooner. If you are uncertain, then service the transmission, but pour the fluid that you drain out in a clean container, and keep it on your shelf.
Bottom line is if your fluid is gritty it's probably too late. If it's dark but still smooth you might be OK but keep the old fluid as a precaution. Avoid snake oil additives, those are really just for an old worn-out vehicle where it's either that or the junkyard. They might provide temporary relief or might not work at all.