Just a drain and fill for ATF change

[Ernest72]

I read the entire ATF change thread and I will likely get it done at the dealer. But is there any harm in just doing a drain and fill. Just put back what came out and call it a day. I have done this on my 04 WRX 4eat and it’s still going strong after 14 years and 126k. I also did it on an Acura TL and sold it at 197k with no tranny issues.

Sure I may not get it all out, but I could drain and fill every year as it’s pretty easy to do. No track just DD and some fun twisties.
Any thoughts?

[Mr.ac]

Well, there's a legit reason why the service manual calls out the steps. So might be a good idea to follow them.
Also, if you don't want to play dealership prices any other mechanic shop can do the same job, done right and with a lower price.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by Ernest72

I read the entire ATF change thread and I will likely get it done at the dealer. But is there any harm in just doing a drain and fill. Just put back what came out and call it a day. I have done this on my 04 WRX 4eat and it’s still going strong after 14 years and 126k. I also did it on an Acura TL and sold it at 197k with no tranny issues.

Sure I may not get it all out, but I could drain and fill every year as it’s pretty easy to do. No track just DD and some fun twisties.
Any thoughts?

Oh, since you only have to do it every 60,000 miles, I figure you might as well do er up proper.




humfrz

[Ernest72]

Yeah you guys are definitely right. I just like doing things myself, but those directions are just a bit crazy. I’ll get the dealer to do it. Thanks.

[finch1750]

Originally Posted by Ernest72

Yeah you guys are definitely right. I just like doing things myself, but those directions are just a bit crazy. I’ll get the dealer to do it. Thanks.

It's just a drain and fill x3 basically. The SST is replaced by wire or a paper clip to jump the OBD ports so you can ensure temp is within the correct range. Just do it in before driving the car since it's way easier to get up to temp then have to cool down.

[radroach]

From what I've read about Toyota's procedure for their automatic transmission service, at least on their V6's, their newer automatics are very picky about the fluid levels when changed out. Changing it at the correct temperature is very important, as well as using Toyotas WS ATF. The procedure is very specific and not doing it right will result in rough shifting.

[Ernest72]

Originally Posted by finch1750

It's just a drain and fill x3 basically. The SST is replaced by wire or a paper clip to jump the OBD ports so you can ensure temp is within the correct range. Just do it in before driving the car since it's way easier to get up to temp then have to cool down.

My thought was to just do one drain and refill at ambient temperature. Replace the exact volume with ambient temp ATF and the level should be good. I would do this once a year so fluid is always good. Like I said I did it with Acuras with much success.

[johan]

Originally Posted by Ernest72

My thought was to just do one drain and refill at ambient temperature. Replace the exact volume with ambient temp ATF and the level should be good. I would do this once a year so fluid is always good. Like I said I did it with Acuras with much success.

Yes, this will work fine. If you can properly measure it, your logic is sound.

I've done the procedure myself, and while yes - it requires you to stand on your head and say beetlejuice 3x, ultimately it's still an "estimation" as it is virtually impossible to get the car perfectly level - and they give you a +/- degrees you need to shoot for.

Also, a side tip - when you do it this way, only jack up the front of the car. If you have it level, you won't actually be able to put enough fluid in through the fill hole.

[finch1750]

Originally Posted by Ernest72

My thought was to just do one drain and refill at ambient temperature. Replace the exact volume with ambient temp ATF and the level should be good. I would do this once a year so fluid is always good. Like I said I did it with Acuras with much success.

I've never had an AT before this one so no experience. but I usually change my fluid every 18 months (30-40k miles) or so using the full procedure because my shifting becomes more rough. So I'd say just pay attention to how it feels over time at the very least

Originally Posted by radroach

From what I've read about Toyota's procedure for their automatic transmission service, at least on their V6's, their newer automatics are very picky about the fluid levels when changed out. Changing it at the correct temperature is very important, as well as using Toyotas WS ATF. The procedure is very specific and not doing it right will result in rough shifting.

Any WS compatible fluid is fine. A lot of people have used Redline with success. Redline seems to last longer under abuse as well