99 camry Tranny fuild change

[techguy]

I bought a used 99 Camry LE 4 cyl Auto 7 months ago. It had 36 k on it and now has 49K. The dealer is recommending a AT flush. Is that really necessary? If yes, I figure, I can get a better rate at AAMCO than at the dealership. The dealership also recommends and fuel injector flush. I have been using Chevron PROLINE techron addetive every 3 months. Comments?

Thanks

[Hajoca]

A reputable and nation wide transmission repair / service chain seems to get my business for the Transmission fluid AND FILTER change. In Canada we have AAMCO, but also a chain that is called Mr Transmission, and I take my family's 'warrantied' cars there.

Out of warranty cars.... get personal attention.

[braun]

Haj, how much for a tranny fluid change and do you do the flush thingy??? I get diff opinions on the flushing.

Thx

[jhbhatia]

For transmissions: you really need to know the difference between two IMPORTANT approaches:
1. Drain & Fill - as the name goes, they drain the existing fluid and they replace it with fresh fluid
2. Flush - they drain and they run it w/ a transmission flush machine - that forces the fluid from one side and drains it at the same time - this approach is what only 'some' of the transmission shops do. (there are some tranny shops that call drain and fill as a flush - when in fact its not really a flush).

A drain & Flush should run you close to 65 at the dealership; and a tranny flush close to 110 (i did it for 100 two weekends ago w/ a toyota coupon at a dealership).

I would recommend transmission flushes every 30K miles (30K-60K-90K). If your at 45 and the previous owner never did the service, i would HIGHLY recommend
it. As far as fuel injector flush, it all depends on you...I do preventive maint every 30K miles and that is one of the services i opt for....its no harm if you don't do this one. BUT do the tranny flush and NOT the tranny drain&fill.