2000 Corolla Transmission Filter?

[cdog999]

New member here, first post. I have a 2000 Corolla and will be changing the transmission fluid on it. My wife got the vehicle in 2003 with 20000 miles on it and it now has 80000 miles on it. I don't believe there has ever been a change of the transmission fluid. I was planing on removing the fluid and replacing with 4 quarts of Dexron 3 (what I believe it calls for).

But, I've had a hard time determining whether the filter actually needs to be changed. I have a 96 Saturn SL2 which has an external filter which is easy to get to. I've seen part FT1162, but is this more of a permanent filter that doesn't need to be changed? I'm very confused here...

[scys]

Have you concidered running synthetic tranny fluid? I would say yes change the filter as well, the filter is there to trap the impurities and by not changing it they will eventually work through the filter or clog it. It is easier to just drain the fluid and replace with the same amount you take out. that would refresh the fluid. Might just be more of a personal choice.
The saturns are the easist to change the tranny filter dont know why more cars dont do it that way.

[pdq]

Here's the DIY tranny fluid/filter change thread:

A131L 3-Speed Transmission Fluid & Filter Write up and Pics.

At bare minimum it would be good to drop the pan and clean the magnets off. They are almost surely coated with black goo after 10 years. The filter is your choice but if you have the pan off, I'd change it as well.

[lukem80]

its three 10mm bolts

super easy and only like $10-12 bucks at autozone or your auto parts store