Gen 5 Camry Transmission Fluid Change Intervals?

[1200mk]

I have about 50k mi. I think I am due for a transmission oil change.

Am I late?

And how much does it usually cost?

[sundarpn]

i have 50 K miles on my 02 XLE too... that I got about 3 months ago.

Not sure what the interval is to get the fluid changed.

[1200mk]

i read that if the oil is pink, it's still good. If it's brown it is time to change.

There isn't a filter on the camry is there?

[BlackCamSe]

there is a filter in the trany, if i were you i would get the fluid changer right away, if u wait any longer and change the fluid later down the line you will actually do more harm then good.

[RICO8458]

why more harm than good? what happens?

[thapranksta]

The dealer told me that the radiator and transmission should be flushed at around 60k. Was this incorrect information?

[shimp999]

My Haynes manual says every 50,000 miles do a drain and refill. So no it shouldn't be "too late". When people say "more harm then good" it usually refers to those who have never serviced their transmission fluid with tons of miles on their car (like 100k+ or something). Usually by that point all the gunk in the fluid is whats keeping your transmission together.

I do a drain and refill every 30,000 miles. Its fairly easy to do. As for cost, I just got my gf's Corolla flushed for $80 bucks. I called my dealer and they gave me a quote of ~$60 to do a drain and refill for my 2004 Camry.

If you do it yourself, I think the Toyota ATF Type T-IV fluid is like $5 bucks a quart from the dealer. Tire Kingdom mechanic tells me the Valvoline ATF fluid is a Type T-IV and its fine for my Camry, but my Haynes manual says exactly Toyota ATF. So I go with the Toyota stuff

[thapranksta]

So am I fine at 60k?

[shimp999]

Originally Posted by thapranksta

So am I fine at 60k?

Yes, you're fine. Check your fluid level on your transmission after you get back from a trip to the grocery store or something to make sure its warm. Also the color should be a light red/kinda pink. If its a real dark red or brown it should be changed. Also, if it smells burnt.

[marc780]

I say dont wait til it turns brown or otherwise changes color, just change it and not be a cheapskate or something.
change your atf or change your transmission at 150k, your choice.

[qprint]

when checking the trans dipstick, why is one side of the stick have a different reading than the other side ? And should you follow the lower reading or the higher one ?

[JSM1284]

Every 30k, Do not do anything to it if it has gone over 60k without a trans service being performed ever.

[ToyotaToday]

Actually the GEN5 is very easy to change. You can do it yourself. But read the proper procedures in a manual. The engine/tranny has to be warm, running, and in Park before you check the tranny fluid level. Never over or under fill. You don't want to damage the tranny.

There's a drain plug like the drain plug for your oil.

[MinMet]

Originally Posted by shimp999

My Haynes manual says every 50,000 miles do a drain and refill. So no it shouldn't be "too late". When people say "more harm then good" it usually refers to those who have never serviced their transmission fluid with tons of miles on their car (like 100k+ or something). Usually by that point all the gunk in the fluid is whats keeping your transmission together.

I do a drain and refill every 30,000 miles. Its fairly easy to do. As for cost, I just got my gf's Corolla flushed for $80 bucks. I called my dealer and they gave me a quote of ~$60 to do a drain and refill for my 2004 Camry.

If you do it yourself, I think the Toyota ATF Type T-IV fluid is like $5 bucks a quart from the dealer. Tire Kingdom mechanic tells me the Valvoline ATF fluid is a Type T-IV and its fine for my Camry, but my Haynes manual says exactly Toyota ATF. So I go with the Toyota stuff

I looked at the manufacture's service manual. Couldn't find any description about the ATF change procedures. Any body care to describe it. Also, what's the capacity for drain and fill? Is there a specific filler balt or just through the dip hole? Thanks!

Min

[Webb26]

Just out of curiousity...since i have never changed tranny fluid before....is there any difference between auto tranny and manual tranny as far as procedures?