3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
I was told that my transmission fluid was dirty when I took it in for a recent oil change. After looking through all of the maintenance records that I have, it does not appear that the fluid has ever been changed. (The car has around 110,000 miles) I know that it is unwise to do a flush on an older car if the fluid hasn't ever been changed. But is there any risk to doing a simple drain and refill? Should the filter be changed also? Since the car shifts normally right now, I don't want to do anything that could cause problems down the road.
Last edited by camryowner25; 09-10-2011 at 12:38 AM.
I would start with a single drain and refill, see how the transmission reacts, then do a couple more until the fluid is red and lastly drop the pan, clean and replace/clean the filter.
Flush with this method and it'll never hurt as you are using your tranny's oil pump and no pressure building on the other side (assure you not any more than how your tranny operates) as the old oil gets dumped.
Also you might want to consider buying Valvoline Dexron VI Fully Synthetic oil for $6.79/quart (Dex II compatible, 60,000 interval). My local store sells non-synth Dexron III for $5/quart. I just flushed mine with 340k with the above method and oil and never seen her run like that.
I was told that my transmission fluid was dirty when I took it in for a recent oil change. After looking through all of the maintenance records that I have, it does not appear that the fluid has ever been changed. (The car has around 110,000 miles) I know that it is unwise to do a flush on an older car if the fluid hasn't ever been changed. But is there any risk to doing a simple drain and refill? Should the filter be changed also? Since the car shifts normally right now, I don't want to do anything that could cause problems down the road.
Please create a detailed signature of your vehicle........you do it in control panel......
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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.
I know that it is unwise to do a flush on an older car if the fluid hasn't ever been changed.
A myth with lots if discussion here. Dirt is not designed to assist seals in sealing but it can restrict flow through orifices and wear bearing surfaces as well as dynamic seals. Old oil losses it's properties. The term "flush" does not mean high pressure, just complete change of old with new fluid.
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1995 Camry Wagon LE. 2.2 4cyl, 5S-FE, Auto, 187K
I would start with a single drain and refill, see how the transmission reacts, then do a couple more until the fluid is red and lastly drop the pan, clean and replace/clean the filter.
Wouldn't it be better to drop and clean the pan (and replace the gasket since it's probably deteriorated by now) on the first drain and fill? If sludge has settled in the pan, it seems the fluid will probably still be dark, even after several drain and fills, which would make them almost a waste.
Does your '98 have the four cylinder 5sfe engine with an automatic transmission? Those models have a seperate drain and refill plug for what's called the differential. Draining amd refilling the diff is also required if your renewing the fluid in your transmission. It's sort of a PITA though. There are good DIY's on doing these procedures here on TN. I am in the middle of doing three drain/refills on my 2000 and still have the 'clear fluid on the dipstick' snafu that you can also read about here - haven't really found an answer as to why the fluid on the dipstick is clear instead of red..
Does your '98 have the four cylinder 5sfe engine with an automatic transmission? Those models have a seperate drain and refill plug for what's called the differential. Draining amd refilling the diff is also required if your renewing the fluid in your transmission. It's sort of a PITA though. There are good DIY's on doing these procedures here on TN. I am in the middle of doing three drain/refills on my 2000 and still have the 'clear fluid on the dipstick' snafu that you can also read about here - haven't really found an answer as to why the fluid on the dipstick is clear instead of red..
starting from the best wqy to do to the better than not doing anyting method
1) drop the pan and change the filter..........then pump out the rest of the fluid 1 quart at a time
2) Drain the pan.....and then pump out the fluid one quart at a time
3) drain the pan and refill......if you do this multiple time you get a lot of the old fluid out but not all
#2 is less time and better overall then #3..........after you drain the pan just remove the return line and add a hose to it and stick it in a bucket. start the car for a few seconds and pump out a quart, then replace, repeat until the old fluid is removed......
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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.
Does your '98 have the four cylinder 5sfe engine with an automatic transmission? Those models have a seperate drain and refill plug for what's called the differential. Draining amd refilling the diff is also required if your renewing the fluid in your transmission. It's sort of a PITA though. There are good DIY's on doing these procedures here on TN. I am in the middle of doing three drain/refills on my 2000 and still have the 'clear fluid on the dipstick' snafu that you can also read about here - haven't really found an answer as to why the fluid on the dipstick is clear instead of red..
If you check when the car is really hot I tend to get clear fluid too. Its normal, I have no idea why the camry does is to such a degree. Next time pull the dipstick after its been sitting overnight, don't start it. You'll see the fluid is pretty red.
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