2005 Camry Automatic Trans Fluid Change Interval

[marc780]

As an engineer who designs auto trans, I have to say that it is not necessary to change the ATF on these newer cars. This is because the newer transmissions now have better hardware and shift control. It would not hurt the transmissions to do a fluid drain and fill, however, do not do a flush.

You'll be amazed to what sort of meticulous engineering goes into these automatics nowadays.

As a mechanic who has removed automatic transmissions that were killed by not changing the fluid, i have to say i promise i read your post before ignoring it.
The carmakers recommend against changing the ATF for one reason, they want to sell cars and transmissions. It is not in their interest to do anything that will help make the car run forever, (DUH!)....Toyota, or any other automaker for that matter, could not care less how long my car lasts, as long as it lasts at least one day longer than the warranty. They are not the ones paying for my next car or rebuilt transmission, I am. And i have always changed the ATF in everyone of my cars so equipped and i have never once had to replace a transmission.

[Daffunda]

On some AT, fluid does need to be changed. Just depends on who manufactures them. It is not like there is only one kind of AT out there. Aisin Warner, Jatco, ZF all make transmissions, and they all have different requirements for ATF change interval, if they do require it.

I agree that changing the fluid will help and prolong life (no flush)

There are 5/6speed, 8speed AT's nowadays, and these guys go through rigorous testing, and these will not fail in 40K miles or so, just because you didn't change the fluid. (Unless you deliberately try to break the transmission by driving in a mud pit and flooring it with TCS off) Those that have that short of a life span are the earlier 4 speed models that are used in like a 95 Pontiac Trans sport. These guys need attention, or they will fail.