I've got a 2011 Toyota Camry with 203k miles. I bought it with 153k miles and the previous owner didn't know if any transmission changes were ever done. So I've been on the fence on changing it or just letting it ride out. I drive far to work each day but it's 85% interstate travel. Should I just leave it be and cross my fingers it lasts to 300k-400k?
Check the condition of the fluid first & see here for further guidance -
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/faq/#post-63966
I did a partial change. I let a little over 2.5 quarts and replaced with Toyota WS fluid. Based on the link you provided for transmission fluid - if (1) being new and (4) being burnt or worst condition, I would rank my fluid condition at a 2.5...so basically right in the middle of good and burnt to a crisp. My plan is to repeat the same process at the next oil change so I anticipate draining out another ~ 2.5 quarts and replacing back with new transmission fluid in the car in 3,000 miles from now (which will not take long since I drive about 600 interstate miles per week). Does that sound logical?
Sure, but save the old fluid as a ‘just in case’. Since it’s a Toyota Aisin transmission, you should be good though.
Actually I am stopping with the one change. So drained 2.5 quarts and put in 2.5 quarts of new Toyota WS fluid. It's got 210k miles. Will repeat process in 50k more miles. This is a 85% highway driven car. Hoping to get it to at least 300k.
Sounds good. All the best!
Go ahead and change it. Toyota transmissions don't shead clutch material like American transmissions so changing it won't cause it to slip. Just do a drain and fill though. You do not want to flush it because that is just asking for trouble.
I did a "partial" change - just drained and filled once. I let a little over 2.5 quarts and replaced with Toyota WS fluid. The condition of the fluid was dark but not completely burnt. I estimate it was right between new and completely burnt. My plan is to repeat the same process at the next oil change so I anticipate draining out another ~ 2.5 quarts and replacing back with new transmission fluid in the car in 3,000 miles from now (which will not take long since I drive about 600 interstate miles per week). Does that sound logical? I am thinking this will slowly introduce new fluid back into the system which I believe would be the safest bet considering my car has 209k miles.
I think it’s a good plan. I have 190,000 miles on my matrix that I just purchased. First thing I did was completely drain the transmission fluid, drop the pan, cleaned out the screen. Refilled. Close to 4 1/2 quarts came out of that thing. Now it makes A bit of a whining noise shifting from 1st to 2nd. I guess I got rid of the dirt buffer. Thinking I may suction a little out the dipstick and replace with Lucas to quiet down the bands
I have never owned an automatic but according to Scotty's answers, it is recommended changing it every 60k miles.
Good luck!
You are right, but I think he says if it hasn't been done with high mileage you may be better off letting it ride out. I have one of those stupid sealed transmissions and you cannot check the fluid with a dipstick.
If I remember right, he advises that for american cars. Hope it has never had any ATF leak. According to Scotty, you measure what comes out and put same amount of fresh fluid back.