Concluding the Tranny fluid change

[ClownColor]

I have a new truck that now has around 35K miles. Per manufacture, tranny fluid should be check/changed around 120k. But...here's everyhting I've read regarding tranny fluid:

1) never change it if you've gone over 100k

2) flushing it can cauase problems

3) always drain and fill

4) do it every 50k

So whats the deal here? Should I wait until 120K? Do it every 50k and do a drop and fill? Can I flush if I do it early and often? I did a flush on my last truck around 120k and the tranny started slipping around 140k. Not sure if releveant but it happened. I want this truck to go 200k+!

Thanks,

CC

[Macgyver55]

It depends on the vehicle somewhat, since many vehicles no longer have serviceable filters. But, if you have a serviceable filter there's really not much sense in changing or flushing fluid and pumping it back through the same dirty filter. If your vehicle has a filter, the most time-tested, tried-and-true method is to drop the pan change the filter and fluid. Depending on how you use it 50,000 to 60,000 is a good range to do it on average. Less if you do heavy towing, and maybe a bit more if you are a light hauler.

[Scott K]

Fluid and filter before tranny runs out of warranty, so if there is debris in the pan, you can get the repair done under warranty. A flush isnt really needed unless you tow a lot with it, and it is breaking down already. When I refer to flushing, I am not talking about a back flush, with a machine. I am referring to removing the return line, placing it in a bucket, starting the truck, and adding fluid to the dipstick as it drains into the bucket. Do this until you see clean fluid dumping into the bucket. Dont let the tranny run low, keep filling as it is draining into the bucket.

Atleast that is how I have always done it, and how I recommended it.

Changing fluid will not do damage to your tranny, it will wash the worn clutches off, and a slip can occur after that. The dirty fluid and clutches were just making the clutch discs hold. If you put new fluid in, and it starts slipping after that, it would have started slipping very soon anyhow. Always use the correct fluid for the vehicle, make sure it is full, but not over full.

Most of the time when people that dont maintain their vehicles regularly, all of a sudden decide to do a tranny flush, it is because it already is shifting weird, so then they flush it, and it washes the dirt off of the clutches, then it slips more, they then blame it on the tranny service. While the wear was already there.

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I do a fluid change every 25k on my F150, which might total overkill. I think tranny fluid is listed as either 100k or lifetime, can't remember off the top of my head.

I burnt up a tranny to tune of $4k....2005 F150 with 72,000 miles, never towed more than a 16' aluminum boat or 2 place snowmobile trailer. 95% of those miles were not towing, and probably 60% of those miles were highway.

For me, I'll happily spend the $200 for a fluid change that will do nothing but help prevent a big bill down the road.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I service 50 to 100 transmissions myself a year and rarely if ever have an issue as a result. Wether it be a filter and fluid or a fluid exchange. Most shops will advertise a fluid "flush" but in fact the equipment does a fluid exchange much like what was described above but automated. The new exchange equipment we just purchased will do a none evasive fluid exchange right through a dipstick tube.

[Capt. H (Ret.)]

What make of truck do you have?? Most of what I've seen don't mention tranny service until at least 50,000 miles.

[ClownColor]

2012 tundra 5.7 flex

[Jeremy airjer W]

I will be drain and filling my tundra at 50k. As far as I know the filter is a screen type. I will be filling it with the toyota world trans fluid from the dealer.