Should You Change Your Transmission Fluid-And How Often?
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- čas přidán 31. 05. 2024
- The transmission is the most essential and complex part of any gas-powered vehicle and the transmission fluid is a vital part of its operation. Should you change your transmission fluid? If so, how often? We explain the ins and outs of transmission fluid, the difference between changing and flushing, and the circumstances in which doing one of those things could make a trip to the shop even more expensive.
Read our full guide when to change your transmission fluid: bit.ly/3xaRsLJ
Run a vehicle search: bit.ly/3vfM4Wk
Difference between Manual and Automatic transmission: bit.ly/2P1wj59
Chapters:
[00:00] Intro
00:35 What is transmission fluid
01:41 Why does transmission fluid need to be changed?
02:13 Signs you need to change your transmission fluid
03:17 Fluid Change vs. Fluid Flush
04:25 Will I damage my car by flushing the transmission fluid
05:43 How to make your transmission fluid last longer
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Tip #4 - want to keep your transmission happy...keep your tires inflated properly - managing the rolling resistance by properly maintaining tire pressures is priceless (and free).
Having an AWD car forces you to do this as tire diameter and inflation pressures have to be equal to prevent wear on the drive system.
Did you just say inflation? As increased cost of living?
True, Best way to see the effect of improper tire pressure is with a bicycle...how much harder you have to work when the pressure is even a little low.
That's great advice. Makes sense
Im obsessive about tire pressure and...this didn't really dawn on me
In 2005 I was driving a 2000 Ford Explorer 4wd. My wife and I were going from Texas to norther Utah to see relatives. It was a long trip, about 1500 miles each way, so I decided to have a fully synthetic engine oil change. While changing the oil, the owner of the shop told me he could flush my entire transmission with completely new transmission fluid. I said ok. On the way home, going up a hill, it started slipping. I went back to the shop and told them they put too much fluid in. They checked it and said it was fine. I siphoned off two quarts using 3/8" plastic tubing in Jackson Wyoming. It was still slipping. I nursed it this way for two years avoiding jack rabbit starts and eventually paid $1700 to get it rebuilt. I will never flush again.
That’s your fault because you waited so long to do it. Your lack of maintenance is what did that, not the shop. Dummy
Heard a lot of horror stories about flushes, sound alike it just pushed crap into places it wouldn’t normally find. Keeping it simple seems to be the way ahead, drain what you can and replace with a like amount.
So talking to 2 master-mechanics, theres the right and wrong way of flushing.. right way is making sure fluid is used but not burnt.
Wrong way is changing fluid thats too old/burnt, and/or using solvents or cleaners in the flush machine. My car has 200k miles, just did a flush a few weeks ago.. runs flawlessly, but my fluid was not burnt at all and I made sure they only replaced my old fluid with new, nothing else.
I change the transmission fluid on my 2011 Accord every 30,000 miles like the book says. (I have never flushed it). It has 434,000 miles and it drives like the day I bought it from the dealer.
You do it yourself?
@@sl4983 Yes I do.
You did the right thing
2001 Chevy Z71. 323,000 miles. Never touched the transmission. Still running like new.
They don't make them like that anymore, my 2007 went through 2 replaced transmissions, 2 transfer cases and 3 rear axles. 3/4 ton pile of junk.
@@55whiplash wow. I’m up to 347,000 and shifts like silk.
I disconnected the transmission cooler line to the radiator, started the engine and poured in fresh fluid as it ran. My transmission was clunking during shifts. After I completely flushed, the fluid, the transmission operated beautifully.
My last car showed some hesitation in the transmission at 58K miles. The manufacturer says the fluid is lifetime, but i know that really means “lifetime of the transmission.” After doing research, I drained the fluid, replaced both filters, cleaned the pan really well, and replaced the fluid. This was about half of the total fluid, since the other half was in the torque converter.
I then drove it a few hundred miles before changing the fluid a second time. This was faster because I left the pan alone. At this point the transmission had 25% old fluid and 75% new.
Then I drove 3000 miles and did a third fluid change. I think the long highway miles on 3/4 new fluid cleaned out the fine passageways in the transmission because there were more contaminants than I expected to find. However, the car drove and shifted very well after this third change. I’m glad I didn’t do a flush, as this gradual replacement of fluid felt more natural and gentle, giving the machine time to get used to a progressively cleaner environment over time instead of shocking it all at once.
I recently bought a late model car with only 3000 miles. I plan to change the transmission fluid and filter at 30,000 miles and every 30,000 miles thereafter.
Shock the transmission? You were doing fine up until that point.
"fluid felt more natural and gentle" That's TMI fella 🤣
What brand transmission fluid?
Cvt transmission?
That's actually brilliant
I changed my transmission fluid 14 times you never get all of it out you just get out most but not all so do it often and it will last longer
I finally understand the difference between a trans flush and replacement. Thanks.
Thank you for answering all of my questions!
Lifetime fluid means life of the warranty. Test it and change it as needed. CVT's in particular really need it changed when it deteriorates. Heavy towing and weather extremes affect your change intervals. Not a big fan of flushing, drain, change filter, should be good to go. Always use the correct fluid, and some are very pricy eg CVT fluids.
Nice work, traffic communication skills. Great use of humor throughout your video.
also a good tip is to not put it in gear immediately after starting it in winter because the rpms are around 1200 and thats too high to engage gear safely without ANY damage
. same for summer really
Sir good day! Thanks a lot for the important tips about transmission fluid. All the best.
Good advice,thanks for sharing.
Hey amigo!! I like the way you explain the information? Thank you.
Wrong on pricing…dealers are charging $300 to $400 nowadays. 🤑🤛
Great video, thanks for that clear explanation.
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome advise!
Back in the late 1970s I was told by many a mechanic (they were just beginning to become technicians) never mess with a transmission if it is working, Never service it regardless of the "Service/Maintenance" Schedule. To do so might upset its balance or knock something loose. The origin of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."? Mere ADDING fluid was ok, but heaven forbid taking one apart. Many shops swapped bad units for rebuilt. Then they could take their time repairing and then testing a bad one.
Friction modifier can help when flushes prevent tranz from functioning properly.
I have services transmissions and after changing or flushing them would not operate. Had to add friction modifier or add BACK old fluid.
The biggest problem i have found with automatics, the valve body get gummed up, and causes the valves to move slow, which causes the clutches slip when going into gear.
You da man! Thanks bro!
Thank you helps a lot to know of this
YES! Drain & refill. NEVER get a flush. NEVER.
Came here to say this. Especially if the fluid gets burnt and nasty. Then don’t service it at all.
what does a flush consist of.? i know they say avoid them but just curious.
@@daviddowns7552watch here... 2:55
@@jamesblanco7323That simply makes the situation worse.
It’s safe to flush even with bad fluid. Add a transmission additive to prevent problems. The transmission will last longer.
I have a 2019 cruze hatchback. 6 speed auto. Manual recommends changing fluid but NOT flushing. No dip stick. A drain plug and fill hole.
Changed my oil in my dodge truck every 2 years, pulled stock trailer. Have 538000 kms . No problems. Truck is 30 years old.
Very good video 👍 thanks
Question: when I top up my Lincoln Towncar there is oil leaking onto the ground. I am not overfilling. Then I drive and of course oil burns off smoking from beneath the car. It only happens when I have topped up. Do I have leaking seals or gaskets?
Thank you for an excellent video. I was surprised to see the profound difference in intervals by different manufacturers. Some recommend it at as soon as 20k miles. Realizing that I checked when purchasing a used car and found most never had it done. I eventually settled on a 1997 Mercedes E320 with 200K miles. In this case MB recommends changing the fluid at 300K but I went ahead and had it done at 200K, as in this case, this model often does not require an engine top end rebuild or transmission rebuild until 400K.
The OEM mfgers such as GM suggest frequent changes which means visiting the dealership often to make your $ contributions.
I have a classic MB which states NO changes ever needed making sure however your use the recommended fluid as purchased.
I also have a cherry 20 yr. old Buick Century w/155K miles - changed about 70K miles ago.
The fluid looks new, no smell and no shifting problems.
NO flush for certain and I see no reason to wake the sleeping dog for a change.
I was advised by the Mercedes dealer to change gearbox oil every 100k km, which I do and 320k km later no problems 😊👍
Great explaining. Is there a dip stick under the hood to check your transmission fluid level on the Rav 4 2013. ?
Interesting comments on here whether to change the fluid or just leave alone. I'm on my 2nd Honda Accord and my previous one definitely appreciated a transmission fluid change. The gears were so much improved, it changed up/down so much better (Auto of course).
2009 Vauxhall insignia Automatic 2.0, Engine temperature don't go up on the gaze, but left side of the Dashboard feels warm after driving for an hour. This car has slow oil leak under the car for a year, may be a drop perday. But car driving, shifting and reversing well. Can it be a cause of Low on Transmission fluid? Is there a easy way to find it out with Scanner Tool?
Yes !
I have the front and rear differential, transfer case and transmission fluid changed every 30K miles on our 4WD pickup.
Both our Outback and Forester have the front and rear differential and transfer case fluids changed every 30K miles as well, but our Subaru mechanic recommends that we change the CVT transmission fluid changed every 60K miles.
Subaru recommends that the CVT transmission fluid Never to be changed because the fluid is “lifetime”, which means without the fluid being changed every 60K miles, the CVT transmission will fail and CVT transmission’s cannot be rebuilt, so you’ll have to buy a new one for the “small” price of $8K.
I also have the oil and filter changed every 5K miles with Kirkland (Costco) full synthetic oil. Subaru recommends to change the oil and filter every 6K miles.
Kirkland full synthetic motor oil flows quicker in sub zero temperatures than any other synthetic oil.
During our winter months our average daytime temperatures are 20-25 degrees F.
Our 2011 Ford Ranger XLT super cab 4WD pickup is mainly used for work around our property, (it currently has only 36K miles and will soon be 13 years old). I change the oil and filter every 6 months, again with Kirkland full synthetic oil. Because we don’t drive our pickup often, in 6 months we put about 1,500 miles on it.
At our age, our Ranger will probably be the last pickup we’ll ever have to own.
We’ve been driving Ranger’s since they first came out in the 80s. This is our 4th Ranger. They’ve been proven to be durable little pickups.
When the Ranger’s first came out, they were actually a rebadged Mazda. The old Ford Courier pickups were Mazda.
The new Ranger’s are Ford products.
The original 2.3L 4cyl were bulletproof engines.
Our 84 and 88 Ranger’s were worked hard. We put over 300K miles on our 84 and almost 450K miles on our 88 Ranger.
We had a 1990 but it had the 3.0L V6 and when it had only 80K miles, it started burning a LOT of oil, so we sold it and went back to driving our 88.
The 88 was still running like new when my wife didn’t have it in 4WD, hit a patch of ice and flipped it in a ditch.
We bought it back from our insurance company (it was totaled). My father in law was able to straighten the cab enough to replace the windshield, so the 88 became a ranch pickup.
The electrical system fried on it at almost 450K miles so that was the end of our 88.
In 19 we were needing a small pickup again so we started looking around and found our current Ranger with only 20K miles. It booked out for $22K, but we bought it for $18K.
If you take good care of your vehicles and maintain them, you’ll easily get 250K - 350K miles from them.
I have a 2001 Nissan Xterra with 195 ,000 miles and I bought it a year and a half ago with about 9,000 miles less than now and I bought it from the original owner who always maintained it and his son said that he thinks the man had a total flush done at the dealership around 60,000 miles and it’s working fine and I want to ask do you think I should look at the fluid and if pink and looks good do a passive flush with a tube or just the pan filter and gasket or if dark and dirty and smelly leave it alone I’m thinking it looks okay… ? I’m also going to say I have no maintenance records and I know it was taken good care of and garage kept the interior is immaculate. I don’t know what I should do?
I was starting to get transmission shudder before I changed the fluid at 125,000 miles. I added Lube Guard Instant Fix, and the shudder is completely gone. It shifts as good as new. I highly recommend Lube Guard Instant Fix.
The Toyota dealer wanted over $300 to change the fluid in my 2012 Camry, and more than $700 to do a flush. They would not even replace the filter. I flushed it and changed the filter for about $100, though it is a lot of work. Changing the fluid and flushing it isn't all that hard, but it was difficult to access one bolt to drop the pan to replace the filter.
Flushing is BAD, dont do it!
@@cjsteele9594 There is no logical reason that flushing it is bad. It's foolish to leave three quarts of dirty fluid in it and mix five quarts of good fluid with it. No one would change engine oil or any other gearbox oil that way.
My uncle works for a transmission place, you are wrong. But do what you want, its your transmission.@@MeadowFarmer
Crazy isn't it. A Toyota dealer here in Tampa wanted 300 dollars to change about 3 quarts of transmission fluid, no filter. Seriously we are talking about 35 dollars of ATF and an over priced 9 dollar transmission pan bolt gasket.
I just bought a 94 Toyota pickup with 157k miles. I checked the trans fluid from the dip stick and it’s brownish not black and burnt. Would you recommend and change the filter and fluid?
You give good advice, especially about following the car's owner manual for any/all maintenance, and don't say you bought a used vehicle that doesn't have an owner's manual, they can always be found/purchased from the car dealer or the internet. Best advice I can give is, if it ain't broke - don't fix it.
I had mine changed once & transmission filter too. Drove well for a while then boom started slipping all at once. My Dad had it done one time then right after that boom his transmission went out. So I'm skeptical about it.
My car had done 125k miles and I changed it, but mainly because my driveshaft slipped out while changing a balljoint, but it's fine now, so yes, imo
Is it to late to change my cvt transmission fluid if my vehicle has 160,000 and I bought it when it had 35,000 miles and idk if it's ever had a transmission service on it. So should I do a transmission change on it? It's a 2016 Jeep Patriot Latitude 2.0
I purchased my 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix new. I've flushed the transmission every 50k, religiously, and it shifts perfectly with over 230k miles. I pulled a loaded 4x8 trailer from Albuquerque to Boston through the mountains, and it never skipped a beat. Prevention is always better than a cure. 😊
Have a 2019 Ford Ranger with only 14,000. I was kind of shocked when the service manual recommended to change fluid and filter change at 15,000 mi.
There is some misleading information here. A fluid flush is not "pumping out" the fluid. Transmission techs don't have some special pump that removes it. They might have a pneumatic tool that pushes shop air through it. But it isn't a pump. A fluid flush is simply emptying and filling roughly 3 or 4 times. Basically it is a huge waste of oil. A 6 speed ZF brand transmission (ford, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, RAM, jaguar, land rover, etc) might need 26 liters of oil. 1 bottle of oil can be $28 a liter, it'll get expensive quick. For a road car it is effectively pointless to ever do a flush. Unless you are the owner of a Top fuel, NASCAR, or F1 team/car. Don't ever bother with a fluid flush. It would be easier/faster and a lot less wasteful to just remove the transmission and empty the torque converter manually, then to do a flush. Also Transmission Fluid isn't only red or pink. It can be green, blue, clear, yellow. It can be any color. As long as it isn't black, brown, grey, you should be ok... Also NEVER leave old fluid! A fluid change is always better then nothing at all. It is an old wives tale to leave old fluid if never changed. That's garbage advice. It will lead to the death of the transmission. A fluid change WILL NOT CAUSE A SLIPPING TRANSMISSION! Warn out bands and clutch packs will cause slipping. If you are suddenly feeling that you need a transmission fluid change because it isn't acting right. Chances are it isn't just the oil. It could be solenoids or seals. Your Transmission controller (it's sometimes inside the transmission) or valve body will need to be rebuilt and/or resealed. These are things that can be checked when the oil is removed. If the tech simply just replaces the oil without checking the other items I just mentioned, GO TO ANOTHER SHOP! They are wasting your time and money. A transmission rebuild or replacement is ALWAYS THE LAST OPTION! Also a mechanic IS NOT A TRANSMISSION TECH! Mechanics specialize in engines and suspensions. Transmissions are a totally different subject. Asking a mechanic to service or rebuild a transmission is like asking a gynecologist to do brain surgery. ALWAYS GO TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP FOR TRANSMISSIONS!
I did my Ram 1500 2014 8 speed at 40K and it NEEDED it... it was dirty. I did a new filter and pan ran it for 20 min and changed it again. Will do again at 80K. Shifts much nicer.
Excellent presentation here! Old retired tech here and I am a big believer in regular maintenance. I've seen first hand what dirty old fluids do to hydraulic systems!
What brand did you work on?
He said it Right! 👍
I drive a 2015.5 Volvo S60, turbo 5. Cyl. It has 66,000 miles on it, and the owners manual says it is lifetime lubricant, and there is no dipstick present to even check it. I am thinking I’ll ask the dealer change the fluid this summer. What is your feeling on this one?
I have a ford Explorer and the torque converter is shuddering I went to the dealer and they said a flush wouldn’t work if converter is weak . Flushing it would be a bandaid. Taking back in this week for another look see.
don't forget the differential oil too !
Should you replace the oil in the torque converter while changing the transmission oil
Yes
Short answer YES. I've had hard shifting on my 1997 Lexus LS400 and it cured it with 215K. Have a bout 300k on it now with no transmission issues. Have a Ford 150 with 100k with the same problem but worse. Transmission flush cured it. 1999 Grand Marquis. Had to do it twice in it's 250K Cured it both times. Maybe not all cars and if you have too many miles. But, in my case, it worked, no doubt about it.
Bought an old vw golf 2009 1.6 tdi 145000 kms on odometer. No service record. Drive Gear and reverse will take 3 sec delay to get engaged with engine after start. Do i need to flush or change ATF.
My truck has an Allison transmission and the manufacturer says 100,000 miles for a fluid and filter change. But I pull as camper and boat so I changed the fluid and external filter at 50,000 miles.
Nice video. About to drain and refill, but not flush, my 20 year old BTRE 4spd. Have a spare transmission just in case 😂😂😂 One point I would add : don't drop your Fluid until you have removed the fill point plug first. No point having an empty trans that you can't refill....
Infiniti G35 2005 with 58k miles. Only maintenance it has is oil changes and tires. What should I do? And should I change the automatic transmission fluid due to the low mileage? concern is the age.
Exelente tnks
How does Lucas Transmission Fix compare with AT-205? My Mazda has now done 330K Km and the current AutoTrans G4A-EL is a recon unit installed 150K km ago. About to do another 14K km roadtrip around Australia and plan to have a Refill done prior to leaving. I have had AT-205 in the Auto for the past 30K km and was put in to successfully stop some persistent Leaks (did same with the engine too) The Trans does not slip at all and the ATF seems the right colour and no smell. Only existing mechanical issue is a split Engine Transaxle Mount Rubber due to be R&R this week. If I did instill the Lucas after the Refill wondering if it may cause conflict with the AT-205 still in the system? so would it be better to simply keep with AT-205 assuming it does a similar job to the Lucas?
I agree with you on all you say except for not rocking back and forth when stuck in mud or snow! Rocking back and forth is the only way to get unstuck, but you should do it right!
Also, when you say the life of the car, how many years is that?
I have a X Trail Hy brid how often should I change the transmission fluid
Ford transmissions such as on some Escapes and Fusions don’t have a serviceable transmission filter, the only way to change the filter is to split the transmission housing. I do a simple fluid drain and fill on mine every second year, it only takes one gallon of Mercon LV and half an hour to do so and I don’t want the filter getting to dirty and plugged. I have a 13 and a 17 and they still shift and pull smoothly by doing so, I may change it to often but it’s cheap maintenance.
Hello everyone !
My mechanic put wrong oil trasmission on my c300 2012 . He put red one 236.14
But the car need 236.15 blue one. I have made 14k km , what should i do . Could i have problem if i change now with blue one or should i keep red one
Some manufacturers say not,the ATF is there for life but we have had trouble with Land and Range Rover automatic gearbox’s so we have the transmission oil and filter drained and refilled with new ATF. It isn’t a cheap job but the difference in driving the vehicle afterwards is unreal and well worth the cost if you can afford it,it’ll drive like a new vehicle once done and for thousands of miles thereafter.
LIFETIME fluid is BS.
thx
You should have also address how to check fluid IF YOU HAVE NO DIP STICK like most cars today. No dipsticks.
My transmission is giving a hit and knocking sound any time it put in drive. What could be the problem. It is suggested that l replace the transmission completely. What do l do. I need help with this please.
It may blow up tomorrow and if it does, I'll drop a new one in, but I have a 15 year old F-150 super crew with 335,000 miles on it and the transmission has never been touched! Save and except for checking the fluid level. I've been across country several times in this old truck and intend on driving it until the wheels fall off. It gives me new meaning to the old slogan, "Ford Tough".
That's very educative, thanks.
I'm driving Toyota Avanza 2019 module, everytime when I put it on reverse(R) the car doesn't move back it will take 5 or more minutes to move, it immediately flashes a (Tf) light what might be the problem?
I think the manufacturers have all the data, and they have determined that improper ATF service destroys more transmissions than ignoring it and not changing the fluid at all. There are an insane number of idiot mechanics and lube techs out there that don't use the correct fluid, contaminate the fluid, loose fluid when checking the level and then don't replace it, drain the wrong fluid when doing an oil change, etc. etc. etc. So the manufacturers increased the size of the pan, put in giant filters and magnets, and sealed the tranny up so it CANNOT be serviced by these idiots and shade-tree mechanics. Honestly, they are correct that the average auto owner is better off this way. When it comes to AT fluid changes, I think getting it serviced properly by a reputable shop that knows what they are doing or a dealer is much more important than how often you change it.
@@PeterAnglesbingo!!!!
Thats why i go to a Transmission guy i know, been doing it for 40 years, would never trust another shop.
In many cases, dealers and shops are as reliable as doctors! -That comment might ruin your day!
I had a 2006 dodge sprinter that I used for expediting. Drove it for 850,000 k or (480,000 miles). Never had any transmission problems other than changing out the conductor board due to erratic shifting. I would change the oil and trans filter every 100000 k. The best thing was that the NAG 1 transmission has a drain plug for the torque converter to completely drain everything! Transmission was still working after I retired the vehicle. The frame around the windshield was rotting away.
Wonder if the was from water getting into the window
just follow what manufacture recommend. they know better than we do
All a sealed unit means is the filter is not serviceable. I have yet to see a transmission that didn't have a drain plug or a way to fill it. Most people never think about their transmission until it does something stupid. Then they realize they have never serviced it. ATF is extremely high detergent. Introducing new fluid literally starts cleaning the inside of your unit. Debris finally finds its way to a solenoid or shift valve. Then people equate fluid change with failure. Fluid didn't make your transmission fail, that 180k miles on it did.
2003 Pontiac Sunfire with over 300,000 miles. Everything has been serviced regularly EXCEPT the transmission. The service people said it was a sealed unit and didn’t need it. 100,000 miles in they said I needed to service it, but I said y’all told me not to when I bought it. Sold it to a guy 3 years ago and he’s still driving it.
I've never heard of checking Trans fluid with the engine off but a lot of Chrysler products requires checking with the trans. In netural with the E brake on
😅HI from South Australia we’ve changed our D S G FUILD AUTOMATICALLY EVERY 30 thousand Kay’s …These VW DSGs transmission would cost 20 grand to replace ..So as we’ve done 120 thousand
Kay’s is in great condition..cheers from down under 🎉
I had a BMW X5 with over 100K and the dealership recommended NOT changing the fluid. They had too many slippage issues after. Either do it before 60k or not at all
If i change fluid and last time synthetic was used will it hurt to use non synthetic?
Does a
2017 honda accord have a At dipstick ?
WAUUUU am always amazed with 56 years old you always learn something never knew there was a difference between a flush and changed transmission fluid tks buddy. i knew the rule at the end old vehicle you don't know the history leave it alone.
I've had two local mechanics say if it ain't broke don't fix it.
My interval is 34000 miles but I'm told to come back at 60000. Scratching my head now.
Center & other workshops due to the unavailableilty of the spare part. There are many other owners who are driving daily with the fear of the ATF cooler replacement and AT failures at anytime.
Please advise us with your expertise view on this and suggest us is there any other alternative for this issues and is it possible to use any after market ATF coolers to resolve the issue for the long term usage of our cars.
Your expertise and advice would help many thousand owners.
Thanks in advance
Flushed my Chevy Cruze at 183K yesterday. No filter change because xmsn must be removed to do it. Guess we'll let you know if it destroys it.
My Mercedes CLS320 CDI does not have a transmission dip stick and is supposed to be sealed for life! How can I check levels?
Thank you for this video. I just got a certified used, well maintained 2017 Toyota Camry with 63,000 miles. The car runs very fine, I have never noticed anything going wrong with the transmission and I have been contemplating changing the fluid. Now I know better after watching this video that I have to change it at some point to keep up with the maintenance. Sir, when do you suggest I change the fluid? Thank you!
Like he said on the video: from 30k to 60k miles. Most people that maintain their cars well don't include the transmission fluid change. If you cannot confirm that yours has been changed at some time, you need to have it changed right now. Don't wait any longer.
I just changed mine on a 2017 hyundai elantra, 61k miles. It runs really smooth. I can almost feel the difference now. Car is recently paid off so im gonna try to ride it to 1 million miles
Googled it: for an automatic, it's not recommended at 30K to 60K. It is recommended at 60K to 100K.
Toyota is one of those companies that claims the fluid is "Lifetime" and never needs changing. It's a BS sales gimmick! You need to do a drain and fill at 60,000 and make sure you use authentication Toyota transmission fluid as it designed for your transmission. For the ultimate advice on Toyota maintenance see The Car Care Nut videos on CZcams…absolutely the best!
Now, as was said , do not follow manufacturer BS. 5 years or 50K . And definitely use the Toyota WS fluid.
Very important here if you have an old car over 10 years old and you don’t know when the fluid or ever the fluids been done. Do not get a flush just ask for a change and you should be fine. Reason for this is if you get a fluid change all the mechanic will do is drop the oil pan change the filter and put new fluid back in the same amount that came out. That’s probably best for older vehicles. When the fluid gets old it gets a little dirty and will leave some junk floating around if the transmission still shifts and operates properly you could screw it up with a full flush the new fluid might effect the shifting. So older cars get a fluid change if the cars been kept up too date on services get a flush.
Thank you for your information. Nissan told me it’s the transmission 🤦🏽♀️😥
whats the difference between a flush and a change?
@@williamgomez5876 when you flush it takes all transmission fluid out even the stuff that's left in the transmission, when you Just change it you Just change whats in the transmission pan and leave whatever is in the transmission in it
@@williamgomez5876Change: drain and fill, usually about 50% come out and torque convertor still holding some fluid which doesn't drain out.
If your transmission is only being held together because of the gum and varnish of the old fluid, it's not long for this world regardless
My wife 2017 Toyota RAV4 is at 47,000+ miles the owner manual said to get it checked at 60,000 . Should I change transmission fluid or flush it at 60k
Some people drive with a very heavy foot. When they are driving they always seem to drive like they are in some kind of a race. That will greatly affect transmission life.
If you are buying a car, look at the condition of the brake and accelerator pedal. If they are heavily worn, walk away. Just for comparison, my car has 200,000 miles and the pedals are barely worn.
You see people racing to the stop light all the time . Moderate acceleration ......moderate braking makes a big difference. ( retired auto mechanic)
@@johnready630 I know someone who is well off and buys a new car every 3 years. He used to trade in the old car but now he sells it privately because he gets a lot more for it.
I'll tell you; I feel sorry for the person who buys that car. Even if the car shows no obvious problems at the time of sale, the way he beats on it, you know the overall life of the car has been significantly reduced.
@@johnstack5008 Having been a mechanic for many years I know what you mean. A city driven car takes way more abuse then the one that comes from a small town and commutes on the highway. Big difference in longevity .
@@johnready630 Oh he really beats on it. Racing to every stop sign and red light riding over potholes without any regard, doesn't bother with maintenance. He gets rid of the car after 3 years because he knows mechanical problems are around the corner if he keeps it any longer.
great info thanks. my situation is a 2000 ford ranger, 4.0 liter automatic 2 WD. it has 204,000 mile, the fluid's never been changed. shifts great but after sitting for 5 months, on the highway I've not been able to get it to drop into the passing gear. i've been told it does not have a kick down cable so there's no adjustment that can be made to make the passing gear work. any thoughts for a remedy? thanks!
Drain and fill. See how it drives after. If it feels fine or better do another drain and fill. Do that a few times and you'll have mostly new fluid without the harshness of a flush.
Thanks, I'll do it! @@wigletron2846
I raced mostly th350 transmissions I discovered that a hydraulic fluid filter in its own can plumbed into the in line at the radiator, made an enormous difference, it caught even the smallest partials. Because I rebuilt them myself, I saw first hand how clean the blowed up transmission was inside ,as the extra filter work really well. I saved money and time not flushing the lines. And even with severe abuse the Trans lasted longer.
that would make a great video, building and installing the external filter.@@carlstephens1532
Hi, I really liked your video. I have a question, so here in Nevada we have been getting a lot of snow, so my cousin told me to use the 4 wheel drive on it. He said I don't have to stop the truck to put it on or turn off 4 wheel, is that true? Because when I turn it off while driving it feels like it is still on. And now that I have been using it a lot, it feels like the transmission keeps slipping, it is a 2001 Dodge Dakota, do I need to change or flush?
Change only
For those who want a Complete (Trans, Torque Converter, and Radiator-cooler) fluid exchange vs an approx 40% pan exchange, the following 2007 RAV4 approach SHOULD be applicable to Most makes and models:
1.) Remove the plastic shield under the front of the vehicle. Note, new assorted plastic push-clips are recommended.
2.) The radiator cooler transmission fluid out-fall is on the drivers side approx 3/4" OD, 3/8" ID rubber hose with spring clasp clamp -- EASY to see and access!
3.) Disconnect the hose and attach an extension line to a translucent 1gal jug in an catch pan (for overflow/spills).
4.) The steel return line may drip into a second catch pan.
5.) Snuggly attach a clear extension line to the dip-stick tube with a funnel. (I inserted a clear plastic kitchen "baster" keeping the refill level from overflowing at top of the "baster"/funnel).
6.) Start the engine and put in gear (automatic) until approx 1/2 gal OLD is collected and turn off engine.
7.) Fill approx 1/2 gal NEW.
8.) Repeat for approx 2 1/2 gals until bright pink is dispensing.
9.) Reattach radiator/trans Return line.
10.) Adjust fluid level to the low side of the "Cold" mark on dip-stick (so you can top-off to the Hot mark).
11.) Drive vehicle until transmission is up to approx 115 deg. F and adjust fluid level to "Hot" mark.
12.) Reattach the plastic shield using new plastic push-pins.
13.) This should replace the Trans, Torque Converter, and Radiator Cooler with ALL New Fluid.
NOTE: For Sealed transmissions attach an extension line with funnel to the steel Return line (instead of the non-existent "dip-stick tube").
Happy motoring!
Just drained and replaced mine at 150k miles and it's never shifted so smooth.
I have a question for you....I have a 2010 Honda Pilot EX-L that I purchased back in 2019 from a used car dealership with 185,000 miles and now I have 262,000 miles. I am not sure when the previous owner changed the transmission fluid and when I checked my transmission fluid, it looks brown. I always heard if you are unsure when the transmission fluid was changed just to leave it alone because changing the transmission fluid could destroy the transmission. Should I drain and fill the transmission fluid anyway or just leave it alone?
I had a 100k civic and did it, have heard ppl do it at 200k, just as long as its not burnt, you can perform a drain and fill, never flush. Use honda dw1 or the rated for that trans. Do one change today, the other one in a week or month, and one more a year later. Then change the fluid every 2 to 3 years or every 30,000. If you use the engine in a very hot area like a tropicla island, consider cutting the interval in half
I have a 2010 Nissan Murano I bought it used and don’t know the maintenance history. The transmission fluid is dark(burnt) so I do a change or flush? Thank you
@Veronica Dillard it probably has a drain plug in the bottom of the transmission pan,......my Nissan qx4 does , what I do is drain whatever comes out and replace with same amount ,...I use only Nissan trans fluid from dealer wait 3-4 k miles do it again , for mine it take 3 qts.yours my be more and leave the filter alone
I changed it on my old civic I bought. It had 200,000 km on it. I've done 3 drain and refills now and so far it's running great.
I don't use the oem dw1. I use motomaster low viscosity atf. So far it's been great.
Agree...30k makes the most overall sense.
All newer GM 8 speed transmissions have the same performance issues if not flushed and new filter installed every 50,000 to 55,000 miles ! Lagging shifting at lower RPM , hesitation at highway speeds , vastly increased fuel consumption ; my Colorado gets serviced every 55,000 miles ! Runs a lot smoother , and restores lower RPM performance , better mileage !
All transmissions should have a drain plug and a spin on filte
My 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo has 150K miles and the transmission has never been replaced. It runs fine so far. Should I still change the fluid but not do a complete flush and filter change or just leave alone. Appreciate any advise you can provide. Thanks.
Leave it alone. The transmission needs the clutch material to keep it from slipping.
Hey Andy, excellent info about the transmission fluid flus and change. I have question for you. I have 2012 Toyota Camry which has 17000 thousands milage on it. I never change transmission fluid and filter since I bought it. What would you recommend me to do as per knowledge?
According to the Car Care Nut (an excellent CZcams channel from a Toyota/Lexus mechanic) says if you haven’t done a drain-and-fill before your vehicle reaches 100k miles, then don’t change it. The risk is too great at that point.
@@koomo801You really don’t need to change the fluid under light use. You can change it even after 200k miles with no issues. I’d go ahead and change it. Drain and Fill only.
The problem with a transmission flush, does the filter get changed?
can you do one on manual transmission?
Scotty says no flushing. Drain is ok if done at the right mileage. If never done before and it’s high mileage Not worth the risk