Automatic fluid is kind of brown! - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

BoyYota · 02-09-2010, 06:24 PM

Yikes. AT flush coming this weekend. Regular DexIII ATF for this one right?

jelly53 · 02-09-2010, 07:39 PM

If I was you, I would just buy the fluid from the dealer.

Bitter · 02-09-2010, 07:41 PM

it is dex3, says on the dipstick. no need for dealer fluid.

BoyYota · 02-09-2010, 10:16 PM

Thanks to both of you guys. Especially bitter. Seriously I never buy anything at the factory unless its pretty much just necessary or its a well known part that should be gotten from an OEM.

Would you guys get this http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web..._1169792781___ ?

speedy25 · 02-09-2010, 10:19 PM

You better get SOMETHING to replace the filter!

SO far Advance parts have been OK quality.

-SP

modernage · 02-10-2010, 12:24 AM

Is it really necessary to replace the fluid? I heard it's better to leave it on higher mileage cars cause new ones will cause it to slip since the old one supposedly has little pieces of metal that helps it grip better.

BoyYota · 02-10-2010, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by modernage

Is it really necessary to replace the fluid? I heard it's better to leave it on higher mileage cars cause new ones will cause it to slip since the old one supposedly has little pieces of metal that helps it grip better.

That is all true to a certain extent. But this car has 120K and had been sitting for years. Better replace it now while it's early, and the fluid in there looks way too suspect for me to keep driving on it, particles or not.

Edit: Got a different look at things: http://autos.aol.com/auto-repair-blo...d-i-change-it/

Hm....

Bitter · 02-10-2010, 04:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by modernage

Is it really necessary to replace the fluid? I heard it's better to leave it on higher mileage cars cause new ones will cause it to slip since the old one supposedly has little pieces of metal that helps it grip better.

false, old fluid will just keep making it worse. people say that because they wait until there is already a problem to change the fluid, think the new fluid will fix the damage, the blame the fluid change rather than fess up to the fact that they neglected it. or they use the wrong kind of fluid.

Rip The E Brake · 02-10-2010, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bitter

false, old fluid will just keep making it worse. people say that because they wait until there is already a problem to change the fluid, think the new fluid will fix the damage, the blame the fluid change rather than fess up to the fact that they neglected it. or they use the wrong kind of fluid.

There is also this theory...

With the fluid that is already in there, all the seals are conditioned to it, but with new fluid, it may dislodge some stuck particles or grime and allow it to travel into other components like hydraulic areas or clutch discs, etc... so both are true to a certain extent, right?

Edit, and yes, that is the filter kit I use on my car... have at it., remember to scrape away all of the previous gasket, AND DONT THROW AWAY THE SMALL MAGNETS IN THE PAN. Give the pan a good scrubbing. I clean mine with brake cleaner, then scrub it with hot soap and water, microfiber towl dry (a regular terry cloth will leave particles when you goto dry it) then brake clean again and microfiber again.

When putting the gasket on, lay it on the pan, stick the corner bolts thru from the bottom, through the gasket, to hold it in place. You may need a second person to hold the pan up, while you try to tighten the pan

speedy25 · 02-10-2010, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by modernage

Is it really necessary to replace the fluid? I heard it's better to leave it on higher mileage cars cause new ones will cause it to slip since the old one supposedly has little pieces of metal that helps it grip better.

If you really believe that, dont change your engine oil either!

See how long they both last.

(not very!!)

-SP

BoyYota · 02-11-2010, 01:47 PM

I'm still not entirely sure which way to go. The advice I got here: http://autos.aol.com/auto-repair-blo...d-i-change-it/ is sound to everyone else? I should just replace the filter and gasket and keep on rollin on the brown stuff?

Edit: In the article he says "I recommend that you change the filter and refill the pan, rather than perform a complete flush of the system"

Does this apply to our cars? I add some new fluid but only to the pan, before putting the pan on?

speedy25 · 02-11-2010, 03:57 PM

I have heard of people getting their trans flushed only to have troubles later. That could just be the VW's mentioned in the article you quoted or it may be others. I dont know.

My experience has been to drain and refill with a fresh filter. Yeah some of the old goo will still be in the system, but you'll have enough fresh oil to overcome the bad. If you're really concerned you can do a second change later.

But DO IT! Oils dont last forever.

-SP

***PhatRoyale*** · 02-11-2010, 06:11 PM

Don't flush it if your car has a lot of mile on it.

Just do a drain and refill every second oil change a few times and you'll eventually replace all the fluid.

Look at getting some Redline D4 full synthetic ATF.

speedy25 · 02-12-2010, 09:27 AM

Auto parts stores also have a Valvoline synthetic if you are budget conscious.

-SP

BoyYota · 02-14-2010, 09:36 PM

Got the drain & fill done yesterday. Shifts factory smooth now. Fluid looks nice and red. Thanks guys.