Transmission oil change

[Swaffo]

Hi, I am trying to find out if I need to change my transmission oil . Every car I have owned previously required a regular change and filter clean. Can someone enlighten me.

[campbeam]

There are a number of threads on this Forum about this specific issue.

If you want your transmission to last then you do need to change the Automatic Transmission Fluid.

Toyota refers to it as a strainer rather than a filter so a bit of a debate whether it really needs to be changed.

Main question is When and the answer is going to vary depending upon mileage and driving conditions. As a general guide, I would suggest 70,000 kms on the original ATF in severe driving conditions. Do have a look at the maintenance schedule in your vehicle owners manual.

[Swaffo]

Thank you. There is nothing in the handbook . A Toyota service manager advised me that it was a sealed unit and should never require changing which seemed to me, odd, as all oils will break down. I have a 2012 GSV50 series Aurion. Have to had your transmission oil changed?

[LordBug]

This thread will be relevant to your interests;

 

[Tony Prodigy]

4 hours ago, Swaffo said:

A Toyota service manager advised me that it was a sealed unit and should never require changing which seemed to me, odd, as all oils will break down.

I think with advice like that, Mr Service Manager should get a job at McDonalds instead 🤣

Lord Bug has you covered 👆 

[Swaffo]

Thanks, I will check with a couple of local service centres.

[Tony Prodigy]

33 minutes ago, Swaffo said:

Thanks, I will check with a couple of local service centres.

If you're handy and have some basic tools, it's not too difficult to do yourself. I can totally understand if it's not for you and you prefer others to do it. For me, I hate other people touching my car if I can help it because almost every time it will have an extra nick here and there and they show no respect for other people's property. 

[campbeam]

3 hours ago, Swaffo said:

Thanks, I will check with a couple of local service centres.

Best to confirm how many U660E transmissions that they have previously serviced.

They absolutely need to know the procedure for checking/adjusting the transmission fluid level. 

[Nzwarrior]

Got my aurion trans flushed used lube guard complete oil +filter change cost $400 5 months ago work done by integrity automatics Dunedin nz 10000kms later still changing smooth as

[Tony Prodigy]

1 hour ago, Nzwarrior said:

Got my aurion trans flushed used lube guard complete oil +filter change cost $400 5 months ago work done by integrity automatics Dunedin nz 10000kms later still changing smooth as

Good to hear mate. Looks like they followed the correct procedure because if they hadn't, it would've protested by now. Can I ask why they used Lubegard ? Were you having shift issues or something ?

[Nzwarrior]

Nah mate just recently bought it had couple hundred kms on the clock and I didn't know the history of it so thought I'd get a flush done went to a local Toyota dealer first an they said it was specialist job but they recommend an autotrans guy in Dunedin he said they use lube guard cause it's cheaper than Toyota fluid and that the local Toyota dealers were buying fluid off him anyway.

[Tony Prodigy]

OK cool. Toyota WS fluid is recommended by Toyota, of course, but as you said it is very expensive for what it is. The alternative, and we think it is better, is the Penrite ATV LV fluid. It's a fully synthetic fluid. We all use it here with no issues reported. If you hold out for the specials from the usual suspects, you can get a 4lt for around $36. This enough to do around 3 pan drains and 2 containers for a full flush. The filter you speak of is also known as a strainer. Most times it's not even required to be replaced but in your case with high mileage and no known history, definitely recommend that.

[Swaffo]

Thanks. The most promising comment yet. I am a Penrite convert for years so I will look out for the trans. Oil. 

[campbeam]

15 minutes ago, Swaffo said:

Thanks. The most promising comment yet. I am a Penrite convert for years so I will look out for the trans. Oil. 

This Forum is a treasure trove of information. There are a few lengthy threads about this topic that are worth reading from the initial post. As per usual, Tony's post is a very good summary and to the point. My last Penrite ATF LV purchase was last year from Repco when they had a special at approx. $36

1 hour ago, Tony Prodigy said:

OK cool. Toyota WS fluid is recommended by Toyota, of course, but as you said it is very expensive for what it is. The alternative, and we think it is better, is the Penrite ATV LV fluid. It's a fully synthetic fluid. We all use it here with no issues reported. If you hold out for the specials from the usual suspects, you can get a 4lt for around $36. This enough to do around 3 pan drains and 2 containers for a full flush. The filter you speak of is also known as a strainer. Most times it's not even required to be replaced but in your case with high mileage and no known history, definitely recommend that.

Quite a few years ago, I was using a different brand WS ATF then changed to the Penrite ATF LV for the last 3 years. I have gone looking and have yet to find a better quality ATF with the Toyota WS specification at that price when on special.

I have noticed differences in posts about the amount of ATF replaced when doing a transmission pan drain. For my Oct. 2006 Build 40 series Aurion, I am using at least 2 litres of ATF per pan drain if not 2.2 litres. Definitely agree that you will need to have 8 litres [2x4L containers] for a full flush.