[shiftinsert]

We already figured out that tech called the transfer case as a torque converter.

Or may be my noobie noob brain was confused and mis-recalled terms, but I'm sure I asked him why he doesn't top it off with 75W-90 and he told me it's different with 75W-85 from Toyota manual.

 

[Skinny guy]

Most people go with Mobil 1 75W-90 because it's significantly cheaper than Toyota 75W-85 which is $45 per 1 quart

Yeah. Any synthetic 75W-90 GL5 will work.

 

[shiftinsert]

A lot of Toyota owners stated that Valvoline MaxLife ATF is good alternative for Toyota WS. I worry about proper transmission fluid level after his job.

Yes, I have the same concern after you guys enlightened me. But Tazio said it contaminated the Toyota fluid and set me to panic mode LOL. Fortunately, that Duke oil guy charged me $20 total so now I just need to make the fluid content and level right for the next few months. Nearby Toyota dealer listed $300 for this as a Service Special.

 

[Paul894]

Yes, I have the same concern after you guys enlightened me. But Tazio said it contaminated the Toyota fluid and set me to panic mode LOL. Fortunately, that Duke oil guy charged me $20 total so now I just need to make the fluid content and level right for the next few months. Nearby Toyota dealer listed $300 for this as a Service Special.

This is why it's best to buy your own fluids and parts, even though the mechanics may charge more for labor at least you know you're getting the right stuff and you'll have proof the service was done since they'll give you the remainder of the fluid back.

 

[shiftinsert]

Local Toyota dealer just told me they won't touch the trans fluid because it will void warranty on the transmission.

Can anyone point me a link to the right Toyota ATF WS fluid for this model and how much I'm gonna need in order to flush the transmission in a reliable shop near by?

 

[Paul894]

Local Toyota dealer just told me they won't touch the trans fluid because it will void warranty on the transmission.

Can anyone point me a link to the right Toyota ATF WS fluid for this model and how much I'm gonna need in order to flush the transmission in a reliable shop near by?

That's complete nonsense. I called three local dealerships a couple days ago for pricing on transmission fluid exchange and they all quoted $400 - $500. Try calling multiple dealerships and just tell them you want to do a break-in fluid change.

Toyota says the fluid is "lifetime" but according to them it's only guaranteed to ~100k miles...Proper transmission maintenance includes a drain and fill every 30,000 for severe driving conditions, and 50,000 for normal conditions but overwhelming majority of Americans are considered severe if they're in stop & go traffic.

All Toyota WS fluid is the same, you can buy it on Amazon or at the dealership.

 

[shiftinsert]

That's complete nonsense. I called three local dealerships a couple days ago for pricing on transmission fluid exchange and they all quoted $400 - $500. Try calling multiple dealerships and just tell them you want to do a break-in fluid change.

Toyota says the fluid is "lifetime" but according to them it's only guaranteed to ~100k miles...Proper transmission maintenance includes a drain and fill every 30,000 for severe driving conditions, and 50,000 for normal conditions but overwhelming majority of Americans are considered severe if they're in stop & go traffic.

All Toyota WS fluid is the same, you can buy it on Amazon or at the dealership.

They also stated that there are no problems with the car, and if I want to reset the memory of the transmission the transmission must be replaced. They don't know how to check fluid level for the transmission because no dipstick blah bloh

Toyota dealer in my area is nothing better than the Duke oil guy sadly

 

[Paul894]

They also stated that there are no problems with the car, and if I want to reset the memory of the transmission the transmission must be replaced. They don't know how to check fluid level for the transmission because no dipstick blah bloh

Toyota dealer in my area is nothing better than the Duke oil guy sadly

They're obviously clueless if they don't know how to check the fluid level, so I'd avoid that dealership. Just because it's a sealed transmission doesn't mean it can't be serviced it just takes more work and requires diagnostic mode to discourage DIY rather than just including a dipstick. You can try finding an independent shop who specifically services Toyota/Lexus if the dealership refuses to do it, and it'll most likely be a lot cheaper especially if you buy your own fluid.

So the growling noise is gone now?...Do you know if it was the rear diff?

 

[Tazio Nuvolari]

Yes, I have the same concern after you guys enlightened me. But Tazio said it contaminated the Toyota fluid and set me to panic mode LOL.

Your comments about exactly what the Duke oil guy checked and how he checked and what component he actually "topped up" and with what exact fluid raised many questions. If that clown put 75-90W Valvoline into the trans you are in for a world of hurt. Likewise if he put trans fluid into the transfer case. That's why I recommended going to the dealer (one who is competent--not all are) and getting the whole thing properly done. Whatever was put into the trans by Duke is still going to have a quart or more in the trans regardless of a drain and refill. Going to the CarCareNut repair shop you said you would do (post#34) would be the best solution--he is highly recommended.

 

[shiftinsert]

So the growling noise is gone now?...Do you know if it was the rear diff?

That noise is not gone, but I think because it gets warmer in Chicago area so it's not louder OR because there is more oil/fluid in the trans that somehow muted the noise.

Going to the CarCareNut repair shop you said you would do (post#34) would be the best solution--he is highly recommended.

I got no responses from CarCareNut shop whatsoever. So, I went another route... below.

..

I can't describe how grateful I am when you guys jumped into this discussion and educated me about what has gone wrong on my car. I bit a huge bullet this time as I traded the rav4 with a CPO 2020 Escape Hybrid Titanum yesterday. I lost 5 grands out of the door with that car but I think the rav4 is not for me.

What I've learned in the last few weeks is that dealer doesn't care about the cars they buy and the cars they sell as well as the cars they service.

Thank you so much for what you have taught me. Good luck, God bless and enjoy the rid, yall!!!