3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
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Hi guys, I'm new to the forum here, but I've been reading a lot of the posts about changing/flushing the tranny/differential fluid and was wanting to try the drain and filter replacement outlined in the DIY section. My only concern is that my Cam has 200k on it, and to my knowledge has never had the tranny fluid changed or flushed. I know that flushing is probably a bad idea but would just changing the filter and draining the fluid pose any risks??
Does the fluid look dark/black/burnt in any way? When you pull out the dipstick, does the fluid smell burnt?
If you have a 4 cylinder, bear in mind, your differential casing also has it's own fluid supply, and is NOT connected to the transmission fluid...
It looks pretty dark, kinda dark red.. smells a little burnt. I've had the car since 70k and there's 200k on it now and I know I've never had it done, (bad owner, I know ) so its probably pretty used up..
It looks pretty dark, kinda dark red.. smells a little burnt. I've had the car since 70k and there's 200k on it now and I know I've never had it done, (bad owner, I know ) so its probably pretty used up..
Hmm that's kinda tricky... The fact that it's dark red is a very good sign, but I'm not sure what to say about the smell. Maybe someone else can chime in about that?
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1995 Toyota Camry V6 LE-6M1 250K Miles, Fun Car
1997 Acura RL-Gone
2007 Acura RL SH-AWD, Technology Package, Opulent Blue Pearl- Fun Car/Daily Driver
I would drain the pan and fill 3-4 times over the course of a week instead of doing a full flush. After you've done that, then drop the pan and replace the filter.
See my thread here for what might happen if you do a full flush and fill on a transmission that was poorly serviced. I have no proof that doing a full flush caused my problems, but it might have. BTW my transmission is still driving okay surprisingly, I keep expecting it to die but so far so good. I'll update my thread if after another week the tranny is still doing fine.
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...but I'm not sure what to say about the smell. Maybe someone else can chime in about that?
Transmission fluid does have a distinct odor to it, especially when it's old, it's normal. Burned fluid smells really, really bad if it's burnt you'll know it the smell will knock you on your ass.
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Transmission fluid does have a distinct odor to it, especially when it's old, it's normal. Burned fluid smells really, really bad if it's burnt you'll know it the smell will knock you on your ass.
I was kinda worried about that and wasn't really sure to recommend a a couple of drain/fill procedures. But thanks for clearing that up
__________________
1995 Toyota Camry V6 LE-6M1 250K Miles, Fun Car
1997 Acura RL-Gone
2007 Acura RL SH-AWD, Technology Package, Opulent Blue Pearl- Fun Car/Daily Driver
If you have a 4 cylinder, bear in mind, your differential casing also has it's own fluid supply, and is NOT connected to the transmission fluid...
so what year camrys have a a separate differential. are these front wheel drive cars with a transaxle?
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2006 Vibe, White, 1zzfe, auto ( Toyota type IV), AWD, PW, PL, CC, AC, 161,000(5/12/2012)
1998 Camry LE, 4 door, Puke Green, I4(5S-FE), CA Emissions, Auto(A140E), 122k(3/22/2012), AC,CC, ABS, Built in Japan 04/98. Grandmas old car(acquired 7/22/2011), work= precat Denso A/F sensor, NGK wires.
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"Should I change transmission oil as I have 2XXK miles on it?"
Please go ahead and change it asap with the correct fluid type. Use Synthetic ATF if possible. Change differential oil with the same fluid that you use for transmission oil change.
Dont worry about transmission slippage. For a mileage that high some kind of transmission slippage is happening already. I wouldnt worry about it. I did mine for the first time after 164K miles and man...did it shift better!! The jerkiness in gear shifts was gone, the car seemed waaaay responsive!!
If for any reason your transmission does slip after oil change dont worry. Go to the DIY section of this forum for Gen 3 and Gen 4 camry. Follow the DIY for quicker transmission shift by user "toysrme".
There are forum members who have fixed their slipping transmissions just by adjusting the Throttle Valve Cable shown in the DIY.
Download the Gen3 camry manuals and start reading up on the transmission/differential specifications.
Most importantly do it yourself...its FUN!
__________________ 1995 Camry DX L4 178,6XX miles and counting each mile.... acquired 05/25/2007 at 129K miles
2004 Mazda6 I4 5-Speed Manual 115,500 miles acquired 01/21/2011 at 109,XXX miles
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I did mine for the first time after 164K miles and man...did it shift better!! The jerkiness in gear shifts was gone, the car seemed waaaay responsive!!
So did you do the "full flush, drop/clean pan, change strainer" procedure or the "drain/fill several times" method? Thanks
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So did you do the "full flush, drop/clean pan, change strainer" procedure or the "drain/fill several times" method? Thanks
a "flush' is when they power force tranny fluid through the system to get all of the fluid out of the torque convertor etc. that is the method that is highly discouraged on a car with your mileage. I think most people would recommend doing a drain and fill a few times and then drop the pan and clean the screen etc. ATF fluid is a good cleaner if you did the drain and fill and drove it a few miles it would prob clean it up . then do it again.
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2006 Vibe, White, 1zzfe, auto ( Toyota type IV), AWD, PW, PL, CC, AC, 161,000(5/12/2012)
1998 Camry LE, 4 door, Puke Green, I4(5S-FE), CA Emissions, Auto(A140E), 122k(3/22/2012), AC,CC, ABS, Built in Japan 04/98. Grandmas old car(acquired 7/22/2011), work= precat Denso A/F sensor, NGK wires.
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There is the legitimate concern about new ATF washing the varnish and buildup and maybe plugging up something.
However, I believe new ATF is better than old, burned whatever fluid. Maybe start by using Valvoline MaxLife.
The differential in A140E is separate, so you can fill it up with SuperTech Mercon-V that's D-III suitable. Not bad at $3.77/qt at Walmart. It's more shear stable than dino D-III. Maybe start with the differential fluid change first. They're just gears in there, no friction clutches.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 97LE
Hi guys, I'm new to the forum here, but I've been reading a lot of the posts about changing/flushing the tranny/differential fluid and was wanting to try the drain and filter replacement outlined in the DIY section. My only concern is that my Cam has 200k on it, and to my knowledge has never had the tranny fluid changed or flushed. I know that flushing is probably a bad idea but would just changing the filter and draining the fluid pose any risks??
Any help/opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks!!
Last edited by JohnGD; 06-02-2010 at 02:58 AM.
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Thanks so much for the good info, guys!! I gotta tell you, this forum is soo much more helpful than the last forum I was a member of. (a Honda Prelude forum btw). I was getting used to expecting a dozen flames or, "Use the search feature" for every question I asked. So I really do appreciate the help and I will be DIY'ing it from now on thanks to this forum!!
Thanks so much for the good info, guys!! I gotta tell you, this forum is soo much more helpful than the last forum I was a member of. (a Honda Prelude forum btw). I was getting used to expecting a dozen flames or, "Use the search feature" for every question I asked. So I really do appreciate the help and I will be DIY'ing it from now on thanks to this forum!!
Hey not a problem, that's what we are here for!! The Gen 3 & 4 section has some really great, nice and helpful members as well moderators (I'm not too sure about other sections, I spend most of my time here) I think I speak for all of us when I say don't hesitate to PM any of us, and if we can't answer, we can probably point you to a thread/member who does know
Keep us posted on what happens!!
__________________
1995 Toyota Camry V6 LE-6M1 250K Miles, Fun Car
1997 Acura RL-Gone
2007 Acura RL SH-AWD, Technology Package, Opulent Blue Pearl- Fun Car/Daily Driver
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Transmission fluid at 200k??
) so its probably pretty used up..
I4 5-Speed Manual 115,500 miles acquired 01/21/2011 at 109,XXX miles
(I'm not too sure about other sections, I spend most of my time here) I think I speak for all of us when I say don't hesitate to PM any of us, and if we can't answer, we can probably point you to a thread/member who does know
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