Tranny fluid change

[hawkviewrc]

Hi Guys,

Been searching the forum for a DIY tranny fluid change but couldn't find it. Can anyone help me out here? I want to change the fluid in my 08 Highlander and want know what you guys do. Do you change your oil pan gasket everytime or is there a drain plug there? Also, what fluid do you guys use, conventional or synthetic? And according to the dealer, the tranny filter does not need to be change unless you have total transmission failure, is this true?? I find that kind of odd! Thanks for your input!

[CT_highlander]

Normally on a 06 Highlander you can go 100 thousand miles (161k).
reference: 1 kilometer = 0.621371192 miles

Mine was in the transmission shop for wheel bearing work at 63,600 miles. So I decided I might as well change it by my competent guy. Cost of fluid and filter is about $100 US.

Changing transmission fluid and filter can be messy. Don't know if your HL has a drain plug.
Good luck.

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by hawkviewrc

Hi Guys,

Been searching the forum for a DIY tranny fluid change but couldn't find it. Can anyone help me out here? I want to change the fluid in my 08 Highlander and want know what you guys do. Do you change your oil pan gasket everytime or is there a drain plug there? Also, what fluid do you guys use, conventional or synthetic? And according to the dealer, the tranny filter does not need to be change unless you have total transmission failure, is this true?? I find that kind of odd! Thanks for your input!

Sure is, it's in the Modifications & Maintenance sticky under More Maintenance Issues.

[hawkviewrc]

Originally Posted by TrailDust

Sure is, it's in the Modifications & Maintenance sticky under More Maintenance Issues.

thanks TrailDust!!! I didn't realized that the Automatic transaxle and transfer case were together. I guess we can delete this thread now.

[hawkviewrc]

I recently called my dealership and asked about changing my tranny fluid filter and I was told that the filter does not need to be changed. In the past, I have always replaced my filter when changing the tranny fluid. I want to know what you guys do? I called an auto parts place to ask about a tranny pan gasket and I was told that the gasket is sold as a kit(filter and gasket) Please let me know what you do. thanks in advance.

[nov0798]

The "filter" is nothing more than a metal mesh screen. Unless you have hundreds of thousands of miles on it, you probably dont need to change it.