Should we change the transmission fluid when it's A DARK color?
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- Опубликовано: 11 фев 2023
- Follow along in this video while we change this dark colored transmission fluid in a 2006 Lexus ES330.
#transmission #transmissionfluid #lexus #mechanic #autotechnician
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The "if its never been changed, don't change it" only really applies to full flushes. If you do a drain and fill or pan drop/filter change it won't hurt anything. The transmission may already be damaged but doing those 2 won't make it worse. A flush can because its using pressure to pump out all the old fluid which may have clutch material in it and that may have been the only thing allowing the gears to hold.
I bought a 2014 Toyota Yaris with 139k miles. Shop recommended fluid change and they did it but they did not replace the filter, should I get that done?
You should change the fluid at least every 50k miles. The fluid is a coolant, lubricant, working fluid, holds some debris in suspension. The fluid does a few things, and the additive package does wear out over time. I recommend not pushing it.
I agree, thank you
On manual transmission vehicles, fresh fluid can make a massive difference. I did what I would call a slow flush on my PX2 Ranger recently. This is where the fluid is changed twice in succession over a course of a few weeks to a few months. This allows surface deposits in the transmission to be picked up by surfactants in the new fluid and be removed at the second flush stage.
The first fluid replacement did not make much of a difference at all in gear change performance. It's important to note that the PX/PX2 series manual transmissions are notoriously sticky and shifting between 1st and 2nd or 3+ to 1st gears is well known for being rough and sticky.
The second replacement completely transformed all gears but especially the notorious 2/3. Every gear change feels like butter now. The only exception to this is the 3+ to 1 which is still a bit finnicky, but is overall much better than before.
I purchased a 2010 rav4 about 3 years ago. It had 91,000 miles on it. The tranny fluid was also black. I believe the color is from clutches. I did a dump and fill, ran it a couple hundred miles and repeated the procedure. This was done to dilute the rest of the dark fluid. The vehicle now has 116,00 miles on it with no issues at all. I will be changing the tranny fluid again in a few thousand more miles. I hope your Lexus works well also.
Thank you for watching and thank you for the input.
Did you use Valvoline Maxlife or Toyota WS ATF? Also, did you replace the trans filter or just a drain and fill?
@@frankg6578 I used toyota ws fluid. The techs at the dealership said to do a drain and fill because the filter is basically a screen.
You should only change your Toyota transmission fluid every 60k miles unless you have a hybrid or manual transmission. Don’t overdo it
WS is designed to turn dark very quick
Another fine video.
I have a two hybrid vehicles with 7DCT with wet clutches (Acura MDX/RLX sport hybrid). Talking to other owners with the same vehicles and they recommend changing every 4 years or 30,000 miles to keep everything running smooth. Worth doing since it only takes a little under 4 qts to replace.
I agree with "John Naquin" below, do a couple to three drain and fills over a week or two period and then about once a year a drain and fill.
As you stated , the filter is there for a reason . And many units have a magnet in the pan to catch debris . But if you want to gamble on a rebuild , it's ONLY a FEW GRAND !
hi there so is advisable to change the filter and gasket on the drain pan at 158,000 first time doing it
On Toyotas is not a problem. But other brands not sure. My mazda 5 2010 is very sensitive on bad fluid. Same for 2018 Ford Escape Titanium. Usually on severe maintenance trans fluid can be change between 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Towing or heavy city driving probably more 30k miles. Thanks for sharing
Great video. I change the transmission oil every 20k kms or every 2 years which ever comes earlier.
If its shifting fine just do regular drain and fills. Takes like 20 minutes and youll always have relatively clean fluid.
Don't forget the change the filter. No sense in changing the fluid and not the filter.
@@andersonsgarage2334 some cars the filter isn't serviceable. Plus then it's taking way more than 20 minutes.
@@wigletron2846 far more filters are serviceable than ones that are not. Always change the filter when applicable.
Like your video is that dextron 2 or 3 you used
Biggest killer of any transmission is heat and dirt. This dark oil looks like it was subjected to both. No gearbox or engine ever died due to clean oil.
Can't argue with that logic.
I would do 3 drain and fills in intervals of 250 to 500 miles and call it good.
Toyota says "Don't change Transmission fluid for the lifetime of the vehicle" However...the "Lifetime" is actually the length of the warranty. If you don't change the fluid, eventually you WILL have problems!
Question--I have a 2012 Toyota corolla with 145,000 miles on it. Tranny fluid has never been drained--it is pretty dark but not burnt. It seems to be slipping--basically in Drive after about 18 mph when it would normally shift to second, it wants to rev to 3900/4000 rpms before shifting and it seems to be shifting to 3rd gear. However, if you manually put it through gears: L, 2, 3-D it will shift into all gears but seems to kick into second. No engine light and the car otherwise seems to drive fine. I took it to a Transmission guy to diagnose it and he hooked it up and even went through amps-- doesn't seem to think its the transmission--couldn't really tell me. He said to have a mechanic look it over and thought it was maybe an engine issue causing the transmission to shift strange. Went to mechanic and he drove it around and said he felt the engine was fine and suggested going to the dealer...should I drain and fill a couple times to see if that does anything? was a bit worried it might make it worst.
Just picked up a Mazda CX-7 with 155K on tach - oil is no longer pink - only problem with the tyranny I have is that you can't change the oil filter - I can only change the oil...
you can change the filter thats one up many now days you cant. now put 50 or so miles on it drain an refill again maybe one more time . the point is cycle as much as possible from torque converter
Change it and if it has problems add lucas transmission fix
Ur transmission if screwed wen you swap fluid and it’s slipping ur to late it’s ur fault for not maintaining the vehicle don’t listen to the manufacturer bullshit
Hahaha I would like to see some ppl driving testing their transmission... "Shift now" .."shift now please" haha I know I'll do it 😅😂
Lol, I do also. Instructions from Transgo.
The previous owners may have had use the lexus to haul things. That is why the TF is dark and obviously worn out. Nevertheless always change every fluid. Itbis cheaper than to repair
Or they were racing it.
I just bought a 94 Toyota pickup with 157k miles and wanted to change the fluid and filter to make last as long as possible. I checked it and it’s brown not black. Thanks for calming me down the situation. Did you only drain it once? Also I knows it’s been 4 months but how’s it holding up?
Drained and changed filter once. Drain and refill after that.
Thanks for the video man, I've a question. I've a 2008 Kia óptima with no transmission issues, the fluid is slightly dark but not too much and I want to change the fluid with the "pan method", how do you do it exactly? Do you take out what comes (like 40%) leave it be and then do it again sometime after?
I would say yes. Replace the filter and fluid and then in 1000 miles or so change the fluid again. Or run it to a shop that can exchange the fluid after you have replaced the transmission filter.
@@andersonsgarage2334 Thanks a lot!
I have 2013 sonata gls, changed the trans fluid only (no filter)with genuine hyundai fluid at 79k miles. At 84k all of a sudden transmission started to slip, took it to hyundai they said i need new transmission. Added quart of lucas transmission slip and drove it for like 5k and drained the excess fluid, now im at 96k and it seems way better than it was. What is your take, should I drain it completely and replace the filter as well or no? The color is blacker than black 🙂Thanks
I would always recommend changing the filter. If the transmission fails because you changed the filter and fluid it was on it's way out anyway.
@@andersonsgarage2334 thanks for your input, strange since i had no issue before I changed it, will see how it behaves in the coming months
Is there such a thing as too frequent fluid changes with an automatic? I'm used to driving manuals where it's impossible to hurt anything from changing the oil "too frequently".
Probably not but I would think somewhere around 60,000 is the average recommendation.
@@andersonsgarage2334 Correct.
The Care Care Nut, a Toyota Master Tech., says he's never seen a Toyota (including Lexus) that required a transmission filter change. He recommends fluid only every 6 years or 60,000 miles. He also recommends Toyota ATF only. Valvoline "recommends" their fluid for Toyotas and Lexus for both Type IV AND WS. Those fluids are NOT compatible with each other. How can Valvoline be compatible with both? It would be good to see their explanation.
He's WRONG about the Toyota fluid, they DO NOT manufacture their own fluids! Use an approved replacement like Castrol at 1/3 the price.
@@squirrelcovers6340 "Approved" by whom? Certainly not by Toyota. Yes, they don't make WS, but it's made to their spec., probably by Aisin. Better safe than sorry.
I worked at Lexus toyota scion, Type IV fluid is a semi synthetic type WS is a Full synthetic fluid. All oils and tranny fluids are made by mobile 1 ….. car care nut is correct, in the 14 yrs. I worked there we never changed out the tranny filter, it’s a screen not a typical Chevy or ford of Hyundai paper filter. If mileage exceeds 90,000 we would either recommend a full flush or if customer told us there was any issues we would recommend only a drain and refill. I know people that used amsoil fluids, there fluid says for type WS and type IV and type 3 for older vehicles. Type 3 is regular tranny fluid. I would not recommend a tranny fluid that says covers type IV and type WS. Watch out cause a lot of aftermarket fluids will say this witch is false
@@squirrelcovers6340 Seriously you are going to risk your transmission to save a few dollars on a gallon of ATF?
Thats true on the atf filter, its more of a "strainer" then actual filter, since its on the suction side of the pump and cant be that fine, no need to change it if you dont want but no harm to changing it either. Always change the atf fluid 60k miles, it actually very cheap to get the dealer recommended WS, even some VW owners with asin transmissions opt for the toyota WS rather then the VW version because of the cost
The mistake people make is really using the wrong fluid. For example, here you used Valvoline max life instead of Lexus/Toyota fluid. If your transmission takes a shit, most will say it’s because you should have never changed the fluid, when in reality it’s that you used aftermarket fluid
So was it a mistake to use valvoline?
That actually makes a lot of sense. I'll admit I hadn't thought about that. People will throw any transmission fluid off of Walmart's shelves and dump it into their cars, then the transmission fails, and naturally they will say it was running better with the old fluid. My car's manual calls for DexronIII/Mercon. There's DexronI, DexronII, DexronIII, DexronIV, and DexronV Mercon. So it's not the change in fluid, but using the wrong stuff like you said Tyrone.
I would like to ask your advice. I recently bought a 2014 Honda Fit with 12000 miles on the clock. The Honda dealer said that the transmission oil had never been changed and that it was not necessary to change it. I feel that after almost ten years the oil and filter should definitely be changed. What are your thoughts? Many thanks!
This is not meant to be condescending. What could changing it possibly hurt? In my opinion it's ALWAYS better to change it. Trans fluid has lots of detergents not to mention the temperature it's subjected to. Change it.
@@andersonsgarage2334 Many thanks for your reply. That’s what I wanted to hear. Your reply makes complete sense. Many thanks!
@@daveredknapmedium absolutely.
I have a 2012 Toyota Tacoma that I'm embarrassed to say I've never serviced the transmission. It has 120,000 miles on it, and I need to change the fluid, but I get people telling me not to flush it and just do a drain and fill. The dealership tells me that a flush is fine, but I'm afraid that will mess up the tranny. It works fine and shifts great. What's your opinion?
Just like in the video I will always opt for changing the fluid and filter. The filter is just like any other filter, it only lasts for a certain amount of time. At 120000 I'm sure it will do it some good getting the fluid and filter changed.
In cases like this you can also do multiple changes. One change you drain the fluid and change the filter, then maybe in another 250mi do another drain and refill but probably won't need to change the filter more than once. But just keep diluting that dark fluid with fresh stuff over time and eventually you'll have all fresh fluid.
I flushed My 2010 Sienna at 244k and nothing happened. Toyota is probably the only company that you can flush at much higher mileage.
My friend you forgot to say the most important thing. Bro it's a Lexus made by Toyota. LOL. That's why you didn't have any issues after changing the fluid. And you also didn't say how many miles it had on it. I have owned Toyota Corollas since 1990. Do a lot of traveling with the job that I had for 30 years. I rather hate to admit this but I never changed the transmission fluid on any of them and I got over 300,000 miles on them before I sold them never having a transmission go bad on me. I think the biggest thing is smelling if the transmission fluid is burnt then you know you have a problems. Mine never did. I have 319,000 miles on my latest 9th generation Corolla that is still going. I don't know why anybody would buy anything other than a Toyota or maybe a Honda
I have a 2019 Dodge caravan with 118k miles and it's never been changed, the fluid is pretty dark and smells burnt, I feel the transmission shift and kick a tiny bit when I slow down out of nowhere after driving fast. Do you recommend me leaving it alone or changing the oil and filter ?
It's kind of like different religions. Some say change it, some say don't. Have you checked your owners manual for transmission service intervals?
@@andersonsgarage2334 the owners manual says 120k miles but if you drive it aggressively then 60k miles. I bought this car used at 94k miles and I don't think it's ever been changed. I only feel a slight little kick when I'm slowing down and it shifts from 2 to 1 basically. (It's an automatic)
@@Brazil101kid I hate to recommend it as a stead fast rule. I always change mine, if on this Lexus that was extremely dark we changed it. My son is still driving it with no transmission issues.
@@andersonsgarage2334 ok thank you for you help 🙌 you got a new subscriber!!
@@Brazil101kid fyi your transmission may not have a dipstick. If not there are videos on RUclips on how to check it.
You are brave putting in that oil. Don't get me wrong it is fantastic oil I use it on my customers with regular cars, but for Toyota ( Lexus ) I have seen and heard too many horror stories with using oils other than Aisin. Because it's your car it's ok but when you doing it for customers you are liable if it fails. Good luck.
That actually was my car. We have 4 toyotas all with over 270,000 miles. All have been running SuperTech for well over 100,000, 4runner with 326k, Highlander 302k, Sequoia 286k, Lexus ES330 185k
Don’t believe it when they say that the transmission fluid is “lifetime fluid”. It does eventually get dirty. Fluid needs to be changed out every 60,000 miles. Since cars nowadays don’t have dipsticks anymore, just drain it out and measure it and put that amount back in. For Honda vehicles, use ONLY the Honda fluid.
Can I get away with it by not replacing the filter.
Anything you do will be better than nothing.
I drive a Sonata with no way to drain, check or top up the transmission fluid. It is all sealed! Makes no sense to me.
Can't remove the pan to drain? It most likely has a check plug and a fill plug on the side of the trans.
There are a lot of newer cars like this now. It is changeable - by the shop. The owner cannot even check it!
Do you need to add any transmission additives when changing transmission fluid?
I don't. If everything is functioning correctly the recommended fluid should be all thats required.
@@andersonsgarage2334 That's what I always do with all my vehicles...
@@andersonsgarage2334 Cool.
I just was concerned that's all so I thought I'll just ask...
@@cammtheman7 I don't think a little Lucas or something would hurt.
@@andersonsgarage2334 Alright cool...
Of course you change it. Dump & fill. No point in changing the filter.
why didnt you flush the rest of fluid out.
Fair question. My plan is to have my son drain and refill a couple times over the next 1000 miles or so. I don't have a machine to flush the transmission with new fluid as the old is being drained. Like an oil change has.
@andersonsgarage2334 I like to use Amsoil's signature series ATF in my vehicles. To completely change the fluid I like to do at least one full service, drain, refill and change the filter. And then like you say over 1,000mi I'll suck fluid out the dipstick tube and refill and I'll do this 2-3 more times to ensure all new fluid.
That's the way to do it. 😎 I wonder if project farm has done any amsoil testing.
@@andersonsgarage2334 in my experience their transmission fluid is pretty amazing. I completely changed all the fluid in my 01 Toyota camry with 280,000mi, that car since I've had it has always shifted kinda slow and you kinda have to let off the gas for it to shift, now the amsoil didn't fix it so to speak and make things seamless but it was a very noticeable improvement for that many miles. It also worth noting in the 50k miles I've put on the car it never got worse, actually improved with the new ATF.
I also completely changed out all the fluid in my 2008 crown victoria police interceptor which currently has 133k miles, which are known for their transmissions being beat to death, mine was a detective car in its service life so that helps. But again the Amsoil did make a very noticeable improvement, especially when the transmission didn't have any actual problems, it shifts a little faster and definitely smoother.
I am very particular about maintaining my vehicles. It's my honest opinion that 95% of the time you're quite simply never gonna get your money back out of a car. But why not have solid, bulletproof transportation? Especially in the case of my crown vic I have an absolute ball with that car, V8 RWD no driving assists and limited slip.
@@xOGKuSh the ole crown vic. No doubt it's great fluid. I try to stay on top of everything around here. Nothing under 200k. Civic, Highlander, F250, Fusion, Mustang, 4runner
So in my manual it says to use nissan matic K for my car. But do initially need to use matic k? Valvoline said it could be used on nissans as well, my transmission fluid definitely needs changed its on the low side and pretty dark. But i just wanna know if its okay if i go with valvoline for my 06 nissan maxima 3.5 SE.
Is this a CVT transmission?
Read the manual closely. It will likely say Nissan Matic K*. Pay attention to the asterisk*. Look down at the footnotes and it will tell you the substitute. For my car it's Dexron III/Mercon. I have a Nissan Sentra 2005.