[ahellers]

Hello,
We inherited at 2012 RAV V6 with about 75k miles. Since the service history is unknown I’ve decided to change all the fluids, filters, etc and I’m now onto the transmission. I am wanting to avoid doing a full flush but am wondering if that is wise considering I do not know the brand/type of fluid currently in there. I was planning to do a filter & fluid change and fill it with idemitsu TLS-LV (WS). Label says “customized formulation engineered for Asian vehicle models with Type-WS transmission specifications”

Questions:
1. Is Idemitsu TLS-LV acceptable for the RAV? Its designation and labeling has me a little confused.
2. If I dont do a full flush do I need to worry about this fluid co-mingling with whatever fluid is already in there?

Im trying not to overthink this, but the more I read about peoples opinions on transmissions, fluid changes, and flushes, the more I feel like I’m being pummeled with overthought.

Tks

 

[Dr. Dyno]

Easiest & safest answer: At 75K do nothing.

 

[Nzgsr]

Drain and fills only exchange about 30-40% of the fluid. So the general consensus is to stick with the "Toyota" branded fluid.

Saying that, many have had success with other fluids. But some "ws" fluids have clearly different viscosities and additive packages.

Your call, but most would agree that sticking with the Toyota branded fluid will minimise the chance of problems.

 

[Savory]

Been using penrite LV @ 160k currently at 240k, 3 years later. Still good.

Originally did 3-4 drains once per peek for 3 weeks.

Had to drain and fill again recently as I had dropped the pan to remove a bolt for the control arms. Normal metal wear on the magnet.

 

[DL175]

Hello,
We inherited at 2012 RAV V6 with about 75k miles. Since the service history is unknown I’ve decided to change all the fluids, filters, etc and I’m now onto the transmission. I am wanting to avoid doing a full flush but am wondering if that is wise considering I do not know the brand/type of fluid currently in there. I was planning to do a filter & fluid change and fill it with idemitsu TLS-LV (WS). Label says “customized formulation engineered for Asian vehicle models with Type-WS transmission specifications”

Questions:
1. Is Idemitsu TLS-LV acceptable for the RAV? Its designation and labeling has me a little confused.
2. If I dont do a full flush do I need to worry about this fluid co-mingling with whatever fluid is already in there?

Im trying not to overthink this, but the more I read about peoples opinions on transmissions, fluid changes, and flushes, the more I feel like I’m being pummeled with overthought.

Tks

You can use that Idemitsu which is WS compatible but there are other brands out there that is made of synthetic which is better like Redline, Amsoil or Valvoline Maxlife.
For those that prefer Toyota WS you can't go wrong as long as you don't push it too long beyond 60,000 miles . Change around 30,000 miles in extreme conditions such as dusty roads, mountain driving, towing, extreme cold temperatures etc. WS does break down quicker than synthetic.

If you do a drain and fill it only changes 30% of the fluid and the remaining is trapped in the torque converter. So you will be mixing the ATF no matter what.

If you do a flush you can use a machine flush which I don't recommend. I prefer the return line flush which uses the car pressure to push the ATF out of the return line.

ATF selection and maintenance is the most misunderstood and that is why it is important to fully research the pros and cons.

 

[road_rascal]

I use a Mityvac fluid extractor and suck about 4qts of trans fluid out every 30,000 miles or so and replace with either Toyota WS or Idemitsu fluid. I have yet to replace the filter at 156,000 miles and the transmission shifts fine.

 

[ahellers]

I use a Mityvac fluid extractor and suck about 4qts of trans fluid out every 30,000 miles or so and replace with either Toyota WS or Idemitsu fluid. I have yet to replace the filter at 156,000 miles and the transmission shifts fine.

Oh that is helpful. Why do you use a fluid extractor vs pulling the drain plug?

 

[road_rascal]

It's much easier and less messy.

 

[Calson]

Flushing transmissions is likely to damage the seals and result in an expensive repair job. For the 2022 Rav4 there is no recommendation to change the transmission fluid up to 120,000 miles which is where the warranty and maintenance guide ends. With most passenger cars the transmission fluid is only to be changed when the transmission is being overhauled or repaired.

 

[Dr. Dyno]

Flushing transmissions is likely to damage the seals and result in an expensive repair job.

Going to disagree. So-called flushing has been discussed many times and done properly the term "flush" has nothing to do with it. The hoses are simply disconnected at the oil cooler and the old fluid pumps itself out while new goes back in. No pressure above normal is involved. And virtually all of the fluid gets changed.
The drain & fill method simply dilutes the old fluid with some new.

 

[Nzgsr]

Flushing transmissions is likely to damage the seals and result in an expensive repair job. For the 2022 Rav4 there is no recommendation to change the transmission fluid up to 120,000 miles which is where the warranty and maintenance guide ends. With most passenger cars the transmission fluid is only to be changed when the transmission is being overhauled or repaired.

COMPLETELY UNTRUE.

Will NOT cause damage.

Maintenance schedule recommends more frequent trans oil changes if towing, or hot, or dusty environments.

Please stop spreading misinformation.

 

[ahellers]

Hi all,
I went ahead with the job and it was fairly uncomplicated. The splash guard was actually brand new since I just had insurance replace it as part of a front crash hit and run claim. I removed the support bar that covers the last two transmission fluid pan bolts. That made things much easier. I also elected to use Toyota WS since there just didn’t seem to be enough consensus to make somthing going wrong anyones fault but my own. Just a drain and fill, no flush. Everything seems to be running tip top.
Tks