Home Forums Gear Hunting Trucks and Four-Wheel Drives Toyota - lifetime ATF?

How can any trans fluid truly be lifetime?

Has anyone here serviced the dipstick-less sealed trans by dropping the fluid in the pan and topping off?


If so, did you replace it with the Toyota WS ATF or go with an aftermarket product?

I would change it at 100k. It is designed for the Toyota fluid, it is drained and filled , the transmission has to be at a certain temperature when being filled. Should be 200-300 at a dealer .

Have changed my Tundra at every 40,000. no fluid can last 100,000 and the tranny go for the long term.

'05 Taco here....166K miles

transmission fluid changed twice.....

NAPA shop did the last time....flush system.....$170 IIRC

This.

Google some pictures of the "lifetime" fluid that was the factory fill for Volvo and other European cars. Trust me, it isn't lifetime and to paint with a broader brush, who defines lifetime and what is their definition of such?

What kind of fluid did the NAPA shop use?

Service Advisor at the dealership recommended I change mine at 60K --2017 Tundra

There are plenty of Tundras running around with 300K on them that have not had meticulous tranny fluid changes

Exactly!

Aisin makes some good transmissions in Toy, Volvo and others.


You guys confirmed my feeling, it may be money wasted, but I'll feel better if I start draining and top-off at 60k (Venza). Each drain and refill is about 30% of the capacity.


Now to decide whether to stick with the Toyota/Aisin WS fluid or go with an aftermarket ....I can't find any factual data that says if factory fill is synthetic or dino.

Lifetime on the WS fluid is good for about 100 -125K from my experience with 2 vehicles. My 2010 4 runner went 145K and then started shuddering when shifting at around 50 MPH. That is the sign it needs to be changed. Drained fluid was pretty dark. Draining the pan will only drain about a third of the fluid so 3 changes will be needed to get about the most of the old fluid you can. Dropping the pan will only get you another quart or so. I have not found an aftermarket replacement for the Toyota WS fluid which runs about 7-8$ per quart. I would just use the Toyota fluid (WS) and not worry about it (check AMZ for both fluid and drain plug gasket). The biggest hassle with changing it is not having a dipstick for checking level and refilling. The fluid must be pumped in using an inexpensive hand transfer pump (not hard, just not as easy as pouring down the dipstick tube). There is an overflow plug on the trans pan to verify proper level (with fluid at proper temp). Measure the amount removed (cold) and refill with the same amount. The drain plug uses a crushable gasket. Be sure to not overtorque the drain plug, it doesn't take much.

Sounds like 1 more step in the process of eliminating the home mechanic.

When the design philosophy of many manufacturers is a 10 year/100k mile life cycle, then yes, it is lifetime fluid.

On the cars that come through my shop, I recommend 60k intervals, or leave it alone entirely and see how far it goes. Your call.

Badger
What's your view on backflushing the trans vs drop and add?

I did a 100% fluid change in mine. I have a front trans cooler. Pull the return line and fill the bucket two quarts at a time. Start engine, drain two quarts. Turn off engine. Put two quarts in. Start engine -repeat.

Lifetime fluid. It last exactly the life of your trans if you never change it. Just a shorter life.

I don't like to back flush them. I prefer to drop the pan, replace the filter, and then run the fluid out of the cooler output line while replenishing to clean out the cooler and T/C. Back flushing can dislodge sediment and push it into valve body components and t/cooler thermostats.

thanks. Confirms the horror stories I’ve heard about the flush.
My ford says 100k. I’m thinking I want to do it now at 70k. 1/4 to 1/3 of the miles are towing, some of it heavy.

As an aside, opinion on the drop and add method? Interval for that?

I would do it now. I do mine every 50k just because I’m anal, but 50-70k if you tow a lot would be a good thing.

I would bet most of those don't see much towing and/or heavy off road use. I had mine changed at 70K and it made a huge difference in how the truck drove and shifted. I do tow a fair amount though, and also make lots of short trips.FWIW

Toyota WS ATF $10/qt
Aisin WS ATF $6/qt

Lots of aftermarket alternatives for $5-$15/qt


I've got a 12 pack of Aisin heading my way. I'll do a drain and refill every 20k.