Auto transmission oil change

[Lasantha]

I just bought a Camry Altise 2004 (June manuf) and the transmission oil seemed dark. The car has done about 124k so far. What brand of oil do I need (is it Dextron II or III?) or would any other brand do? And how many litres needed? Thanks..

[Topdog]

II or III will do, but III is better. 60000K is usually the recommended interval for normal to heavy use..

[Rolla Boy]

Check the dipstick, it may say the car uses type I-V fluid and there is no need to replace the fluid unless it's getting super hot and burning or the tranny is slipping or not shifting correctly...

[Applegarth]

Check what is suitable for your car in the Valvoline or Castrol books, in Supercheap or Autobarn etc

Don't forget a new filter

Your car may use a synthetic oil which can look darker but that doesn't mean it needs replacing but for a six year old car that may never have had a auto box service it's a good idea to do it

It may be wiser to get the auto box serviced by a professional the first time

I bought my '07 Camry Altise when it was two years old, it's now three years old and I've just had the auto box serviced, despite the label on the dipstick saying service unnecessary, call me old fashioned but I just don't agree !

Call a couple of mechanics in your area and ask who they recommend to do an auto gearbox service, they'll know the good ones

It cost me $160- for the service, oil change and filter, and I intend to do it every year, much cheaper than replacing an auto gearbox

I sat there and watch them do it and the new (synthetic oil in the '07 Altise)oil looked dusky red, the synthetic oils don't look red or pink but check what your car needs

You may be lucky in an Autobarn store or similar and be able to look though an Altise '04 manual to pick up a few clues !

[Applegarth]

Have a read of this too !

http://au.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=29489

[Ozzcaddy]

I just bought a Camry Altise 2004 (June manuf) and the transmission oil seemed dark. The car has done about 124k so far. What brand of oil do I need (is it Dextron II or III?) or would any other brand do? And how many litres needed? Thanks..

I would not be surprised that it has the original pan gasket. So you will need a new pan gasket as well as the other items.

I'm from old school where the auto is serviced every 2 years or 30,000 Ks. I'm skeptical with car manufacturers recommending either no oil change or long kilometers between oil changes. I bet they haven't run an engine or auto for those periods they recommend under normal driving conditions, when they design and build a car.