transmission flush or drain

[btrusty]

2000 camry v6 le
118k miles

had alignment done 2-3 weeks ago (about 117k)
dealer service said transmission fluid was starting to get dirty and i should get it done before 120k

checking with previous owner for when it was done previously

did searches around here and found several comments that ranges from
never do flush
always do flush
always do drain and fill
do every 25k
do every 60k
do every 4 oil changes

so, i am at the current think that i am at a crossroads

1.it has been changed previously based on toyota suggested maintenance
is it ok to go to dealer and get a transmission flush and fill

3. it has been changed previously based on toyota suggested maintenance
do a manual drain and fill
inspect anything in filter and bottom of pan

3. it has not been changed previously
dont do a flush, just drain and fill
inspect anything in filter and bottom of pan

i will post back tomorrow when i get word back from the original owner.

thanks for the input

[hill8570]

Well, opinions are like assholes...

Sounds like the dealership thinks the tranny has had regular changes -- they usually won't touch an old tranny that looks like it's never been changed.

Drain and fill is better than nothing at all. You're at least refreshing the additive package.

Personally, I like to know what I'm dealing with with an unknown transmission, so I'll drop the pan the first time around to make sure there isn't something nasty lurking. Each to their own.

Full fluid exchange is optional. If the fluid has been changed on a regular basis it won't hurt anything. If you're not sure, baby steps are better.

[btrusty]

flush was done by toyota dealer @ 92k
so its about 22k since then
should it be dirty that quickly

dealer said that it should only have to be every 60-90

cant i tell how dirty it is from the dipstick?

(please excuse my general lack of transmission knowledge)

[JohnGD]

That's using the Aisin A-541E transmission. It has no decent filtration system. Severe service 15K miles; normal service every 30K miles. If you can do your own drains/refills, I'd just do it every 10K miles. Don't forget to drain the differential too (probably never been drained is my guess).

You can get a gallon of GM Dexron III type of ATF at Walmart for <$10. I'd actually use Walmart's SuperTech Ford licensed Mercon V that's also suitable for D-III (not all M-V are). $3.77/quart. It's more shear stable than dino D-III and is overall a better fluid.

I'd drop the pan and change the strainer too. Wipe clean the pan and magnets. An ATF strainer kit with pan gasket is about $15-20.

Originally Posted by btrusty

2000 camry v6 le
118k miles