Labor for transmission pan drop service?

[sundarpn]

2002 Camry 4 Cyl.
I plan to get the transmission filter changed by dropping the pan.

Found a private mechanic to do this.

Any idea on how much labor cost to do this? (I'll be getting the T-4 and filter kit from dealer).

[gdanaher]

Probably about 2 hours because I think you need to lift it up a few inches, but unless the things has a lot miles, just flush the fluid and be done with it. Rarely does an AT filter need to be cleaned, and that is after some failure has occurred.

[sundarpn]

Well the thing is there is a debate on whether the filter is a felt based one or a metal screen/mesh. Some say the early 2002's had a felt based one...

Even the dealer isn't sure. So i figured get the pan dropped. Yeah i read a different post here about three bolts that are difficult to get to...

[gdanaher]

Well, good luck with that. I'm an old geezer and could loosen the mounts and get it up to pull the pan in a couple hours or less. Let us know what your mechanic has to say about it and what he finds when the pan is dropped.

[JohnGD]

See if the filter the dealer gives you looks like the felt one below, about $18 w/ gasket in the aftermarket. It's fine to use OEM if that gives you peace of mind.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=478465

As for the T-IV, did you consider Castrol Import Multi-vehicle ATF? or the Valvoline MaxLife fully synthetic ATF that's also suitable for T-IV? Both are superior oil to the dino Mobil-3309 Toyota relabels as T-IV, according to BITOG (Bob is the Oil Guy) discussions.

I don't know if you've seen the Jiffy Lube video. Just make sure the mechanic actually replaces the filter and does the service properly.

You Tube

You Tube

Originally Posted by sundarpn

Well the thing is there is a debate on whether the filter is a felt based one or a metal screen/mesh. Some say the early 2002's had a felt based one...

Even the dealer isn't sure. So i figured get the pan dropped. Yeah i read a different post here about three bolts that are difficult to get to...

[profuse007]

I would negotiate to get an hour work done or less. fairly easy work and should be quick.

Ask them to warranty the work for at least 30days just in case it leaks at the pan.

[JohnGD]

^ +1.

One hour is typical. Ask to see "how dirty" the filter or pan is.

[sundarpn]

Yeah. He is a private mechanic and doing to do this my garage at home. But the thing is w don't have a lift, just jack stands. So I want to let him know about those 3/4 pesky pan bolts.

The dealer says 1 hr labor to get the pan dropped/filter change. But I don't want to go to them. Who know if they really changed it. They always sell the flush option, so they might just do that and tell me yeah we changed the pan!. Unless I put a small camera under the car

And yeah even my mechanic and another private Lexus dealer mentioned Castorl multi import ATF says T-IV behind it... but I am not sure... Has anyone here actually used it? Time for a poll I guess

[hevster1]

1. It should take about 1 hour
2. Use T-IV NOTHING ELSE unless you use Amsoil ATF and do a complete flush.
3. When the pan is off, clean the pan and magnets.
4. Loosen the filter assy (it is a screen) and about 1/2 a quart more will drain out. TORQUE the filter- DO NOT overtighten!!!!!!!!!
5. Use ONLY an oem pan gasket.

When I do this service I charge 1 hour labor and do what I have listed.

[Donald E. George]

I would avoid all the quick change places like the plague. The drive for quotas is part of the culture of these franchises and nothing short of state AG or federal action is going to reform them. There are plenty of honest independents who do good work and appreciate their customers and depend on good service to assure repeat trade.