'96 Avalon, Maintenance & Repair Questions

[carbonbased]

I've got a '96 Avalon with 205k miles. It's been a great car, and still runs strong. The repair costs lately have gone through the roof, and I'm looking to start doing as much as I can myself. I was surprised to see some references on the forum to testers, as I thought cars these days always needed a computer costings thousands to run diagnostics.

Anyway... I'd love to get information on the following, if anyone knows about these topics:

1. I want to change the filter on the transmission, if possible.
2. I want to get a good book on repairs. I've only found a Haines manual covering several yrs. of Camry, Avalon and Lexus 300, all in 225 pp. or so it looks. Looks awful.
3. Some references to some good diagnostic tools and how to use them.

I've always changed my own oil, I've changed the transmission fluid, and done my own brakes, so I'm not totally daft. I've just had my fill of paying mechanics an hour's wage for doing 35 mins. of work and getting a bill that looks like I've been to the urologist several times.

Thanks in advance for all responses.

[zythr]

No problem. If you try E-bay there are a few service manuals up for bids, some with "Best offer" choice.

[carbonbased]

Yeah, and most are for other than '96 and as expensive as what I can buy new at a book store online, namely $95. From the picture of the service manual, it looks a bit thin to contain much information. Not being able to examine its contents, I'm reluctant to drop the $95.

[HATEnFATE]

The transmission filter is a metal mesh filter and should never need to be replaced unless it is damaged. if you drop the pan, you should be able to spray it out with brake clean and that should pretty well take care of it. Don't even remove it from the trans.

[zythr]

Originally Posted by carbonbased

Yeah, and most are for other than '96 and as expensive as what I can buy new at a book store online, namely $95. From the picture of the service manual, it looks a bit thin to contain much information. Not being able to examine its contents, I'm reluctant to drop the $95.

True, but E-bay is a decent place to start. Have you tried Craigslist?

[carbonbased]

Originally Posted by HATEnFATE

The transmission filter is a metal mesh filter and should never need to be replaced unless it is damaged. if you drop the pan, you should be able to spray it out with brake clean and that should pretty well take care of it. Don't even remove it from the trans.

Would it be necessary, is it wise precautionary maintenance, or is it best to merely change the fluid often?

[robcam13]

changing the fluid will be fine. these trannys are very well built. probably outlast the engine.

[carbonbased]

Talked to a Toyota service mechanic today about flushing the trans., and about the risks to high mileage cars. He said that the trouble starts when a high mileage car has never had the trans. flushed. If the trans. has been flushed often, then the risks are low. He said that he's never seen a trans. blow the seals by flushing it. Says he's got a Toy. truck w/320k miles on it and still flushes the trans. He said that the gunk knocked loose from flushing an older trans. never flushed before is what blows the seals.

He made some interesting points, but being unable to test his theory I cannot conclude anything.

[ASG14]

http://www.**********s.com/camry/

'94 Camry factory Repair Manual. The drivetrain stuff will be almost the same as your Avalon.