Automatic Transmission service at 207,000!

[wins0me]

So my 2012 Aurion AT-X has done nearly 207,000 and the automatic fluid hasn’t replaced since day one.

Shifting from park to drive is a bit harsh (their is quite a bit of resistance) when its cold but it smooths out after the trans fluid gets a bit warm after driving around.My personal conclusion was to get the transmission flushed as 207,000 is a bit too much for any modern oil to hold on to it’s characteristics plus the contamination.

So I got into contact with Toyota Dealerships and got two different quotes.One of them provided me with a quite of around $800 which will include replacement of the filter,a conditioner, 8lts of WS, new strainer and trans pan gasket.While the other one simply said that using a machine to circulate a product to flush the old oil and refill would be enough ,cost $400.

Just need advice on which things should be replaced on a transmission with this many k’s?

 

 

[AurionX2]

What's that conditioner?

[campbeam]

I am very much DIY and spent quite some time researching how to service the Auruin automatic transmission which is sealed and does not have a dipstick unlike my previous 1998 Camry. Quite a number of internet posts warn against using a machine to flush the transmission which can result in the transmission failing about 6-12months later. You should do your own research to confirm whether I am being too alarmist.

At 160,000kms on my 2006 Aurion ATX, I removed the transmission pan and replaced the transmission  filter which is referred to as a strainer in the parts manual. I was somewhat surprised at the amount of accumulated sludge on the bottom of the transmission pan. Other Forum members have reported the same. My Aurion has now done 208,000kms and I have replaced the ATF in the transmission pan [approx, 2 litres] annually.

As the dealership has included 8 litres of Toyota WS ATF fluid in their quote, I expect that they intend to replace the fluid, drive the vehicle to circulate the fluid then replace the fluid a 2nd time.

[Oreoaurion]

diy mine recently in july 190k km, replaced my transmission filter too. Got one difficult bolt to deal with... enjoy your diy.

Edited August 9, 2019 by Oreoaurion

[wins0me]

On 8/9/2019 at 12:06 AM, AurionX2 said:

What's that conditioner?

As per the email i think it’s just an in-house product “The automatic transmission flush involves introducing a product into the automatic transmission which cleans out any build-up and then we flush it using a machine to completely flush the transmission with new fluid.”

One of the dealership said that changing the strainer is not part of the normal flush procedure ( what?) while the other said the totally opposite.

@campbeam Yes they said they will need to book the car in for two days.

I can’t DIY as I just moved to a new place and don’t have the tools and time.

 

[campbeam]

6 hours ago, wins0me said:

The automatic transmission flush involves introducing a product into the automatic transmission which cleans out any build-up and then we flush it using a machine to completely flush the transmission with new fluid.

Will they provide a no questions asked type of guarantee to replace/repair the transmission if it fails after being flushed by their machine?

I have seen the amount of build up on the transmission pan and precisely why I would stick with the more expensive option of removing the transmission pan and replacing the filter/strainer.

[AurionX2]

On 8/10/2019 at 2:29 PM, wins0me said:

As per the email i think it’s just an in-house product “The automatic transmission flush involves introducing a product into the automatic transmission which cleans out any build-up and then we flush it using a machine to completely flush the transmission with new fluid.”

One of the dealership said that changing the strainer is not part of the normal flush procedure ( what?) while the other said the totally opposite.

Haven't heard of such cleaning product, can you ask them to offer more details on it? And you have to book the car in for 2 days? And as Ashley said, what kind of warranty do they provide?

When I did our Aurions I didn't use any extra product, only what was required: gasket, strainer, o-ring and fluid. Rather than flushing with who knows what I think it's more important to drop the pan and clean it properly. And no, I didn't have to work for 2 days for transmission service. And no, I'm not a mechanic. See if you can get few quotes from independent transmission specialists.

[wins0me]

All three dealerships here in Christchurch use this cleaning product.I have postponed the service until November as these guys are busy and require 7 weeks advance notice for a loan vehicle.

Haven’t enquired about warranty yet but will do so.Will update this thread again with the information later.

[nzzr6]

On 8/15/2019 at 12:10 AM, wins0me said:

All three dealerships here in Christchurch use this cleaning product.I have postponed the service until November as these guys are busy and require 7 weeks advance notice for a loan vehicle.

Haven’t enquired about warranty yet but will do so.Will update this thread again with the information later.

Edit: Nevermind, didn't read OP properly

Edited August 15, 2019 by nzzr6

[Tony Prodigy]

On 8/9/2019 at 11:31 PM, Oreoaurion said:

diy mine recently in july 190k km, replaced my transmission filter too. Got one difficult bolt to deal with... enjoy your diy.

Lol.. I always have a little chuckle when I read that part..

I'm getting ready to do my trans service and have already ordered the M6 x 12mm (Full Thread).