Toyota RAV4 Forums banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

when to have transmission fluid change?

1 reading
Jump to Latest
21 - 32 of 32 Posts
#21 ·
I did mine (drain and fill) at around 50K and 110K miles. The filter got replaced the second time. I do tow a lot with my four cylinder, but I also have been running a giant trans cooler since day one. The fluid never looked burnt, just well worn. The first drain and fill I sprung for the expensive Toyota WS fluid. The second time I used Valvoline Maxlife ATF with zero issues.
 
#22 ·
I have heard to many bad stories about flushing tranys. I have an 08 Rav and drain and fill is super easy. Two things #1 use proper Toyota fluid. #2 measure what you drained and replace. You should do twice one month or 1000 miles apart.
 
#24 ·
jmettx said:
"No need to change ATF fluid under normal driving circumstances."
Click to expand...
The problem with this verbiage is - practically none of us experience 'normal driving circumstances.'

If you drive in heavy stop and go traffic, it's not normal.

If you go up and down a lot of hills or mountains, it's not normal.

If you tow at all, it's not normal.

So basically all of us experience harsh and/or extreme driving circumstances in our daily lives.

I had a problem with my transmission overheating while towing a small boat. I installed a medium-sized transmission cooler and that light hasn't come back on.
 
#25 ·
We do all our cars right around 70k, that includes a filter change. Drop the pan, clean it up and replace the filter and fluid. Not to bad, less than an hour of work.

Little tip for those with a 2.4, unbolt the brace on the drivers side if I remember correctly (what ever is blocking the pan). It doesn't support anything and makes getting the pan off a ton easier since a few of the bolts are blocked by it (its only 4 large bolts).

Also the 2.4 I changed had a filter and took 4.5 qts of fluid.

I don't trust and haven't heard good things from a flush, especially at higher mileages...

Tyler
 
#26 ·
One alternative to risking a full fluid/filter change causing problems, is to install a remote trans filter. Just tap into the trans line going into the rad/cooler, put a spin on filter on there, and its as easy as that. Now, every time you change your oil, pick up a second filter and change that trans filter. Granted, this was pointed out on a car that was to have oil changed every 3k..and Im still not sure why that has changed.

Once you cycle through it a few times, you can afford to drop the pan and change the filter there without worry
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#27 ·
amxguy1970 said:
We do all our cars right around 70k, that includes a filter change. Drop the pan, clean it up and replace the filter and fluid. Not to bad, less than an hour of work.

Little tip for those with a 2.4, unbolt the brace on the drivers side if I remember correctly (what ever is blocking the pan). It doesn't support anything and makes getting the pan off a ton easier since a few of the bolts are blocked by it (its only 4 large bolts).

Also the 2.4 I changed had a filter and took 4.5 qts of fluid.

I don't trust and haven't heard good things from a flush, especially at higher mileages...

Tyler
Click to expand...
How did you measure old fluid? Did you collect fluid from the pan into some container?

And people suggesting "drain and refill": does it mean keeping old filter?

Thanks!
 
#28 ·
for a drain/.refill, you keep the filter in. you do not drop the pan.
You can collect the old fluid, but when you drop the pan you cannot possibly collect all the fluid (fluid in filter and you can expect a little dripping when the . You put in the approximate amount (a little less, say 4.25 qt) and then add until the right level is reached.
 
#29 ·
Hello,

Is your transmission still good? I am not sure should I do the transmission fluid change.

vanib said:
1 drain/refill at 50K miles, another at 60K miles and you're good to go. It is a DIY project.
Each drain/refill costs about $30 in fluid.
Ideally you need 3 drain/refills to replace most of the fluid.

Or You can just do a transmission flush at 60K miles at the dealer.
Just the fluid might cost you about $100 + labour.


I already did 2 drain/refilll and I am only at 40K miles. I guess I am just over-doing it. I have not dropped the pan to change the filter and clean the sludge at the bottom of the pan as well as the magnets. I plan to do this at 60K miles.

Dealers don't like to drop the pan since flushing is easier, more profitable.
Click to expand...
 
#30 ·
Hello,
Do you ever change your transmission fluid?
thanks
jmettx said:
Hey folks. I wanted to chime in here since I have the same question. I have a 2010 RAV4 Sport, 4cyl. The quickie oil change place told me the same thing this weekend..."it's dirty, got change it." Well the car only has 40k miles, has never been used for towing, nor off-road, so I thought that was just a pitch to spend money. I thought I would look at the owners manual. Nowhere in the manual does it call for trans fluid to be changed. Also, right on the ATF dipstick handle, it says "No need to change ATF fluid under normal driving circumstances." So, do any of you fellow RAV4 owners know if this is really the way to go, or am I missing something? Thanks.
Click to expand...
 
#32 · (Edited)
cwheye2118 said:
Hello,

Is your transmission still good? I am not sure should I do the transmission fluid change.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately Toyota did not mention when to change the transmission oil in the US. In Canada they had a supplement manual and it mentions to change it every 60,000 miles or earlier (25,000 miles) if under certain conditions such as towing, driving mountainous roads, driving in dusty conditions, short trips less than 5 miles, etc. Transmission fluid does break down and get dirty over time. Extreme heat reduces the life dramatically causing the fluid to break down. Soon the fluid is metal to metal and if the transmission goes it can cost as much as $5000 to repair. If the transmission fluid is too worn out and the grit is the only thing holding the gears from slipping then replacing the transmission oil can free the grit and cause it to fail!
 
21 - 32 of 32 Posts
About this Discussion
31 Replies
25 Participants
Last post:
DL175
Toyota RAV4 Forums
posts
1.1M
members
174K
Since
2004
Rav 4 World is the internet's largest Toyota Rav4 SUV and EV online forum community. Discuss towing, modifications, and more.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
4.3 General 4.3 Mechanical 4.5 RAV4 Hybrid (except Prime) 4.5 RAV4 Prime 4.3 Exterior