Avalon Tranny Fluid change

[bear1906]

Quick question - I have an 05 Avalon Ltd with high miles 90K (we got it for cheap) ... Want to change the tranny fluid as I want to make sure its done (despite what previous owner said).

My tranny guy wants to use Dextron 5 in the vehicle...I thought I had to use the WS fluid...Should I allow him to use the Dextron?

Also, I want to add Lucas Tranny oil in with this change? Think thats a bad idea? I figure what the heck...

What do you guys think?

[ron in sc]

I thought I had to use the WS fluid...Should I allow him to use the Dextron?

I would go with what is recommended by Toyota. I've been in the same situation with a couple of my Mercedes vehicles. The Mercedes fluid was much more expensive but given the cost of a transmission I just went ahead and used what was recommended.

I would bet your mechanic has a machine that is filled with the fluid he recommends. He may not be set up with equipment that is filled with the proper fluild.

If you are handy you could do it yourself.

[messerchmidt]

use the toyota ws stuff,

redline makes a WS certified fluid, but I am not sure how well it mixes with the WS stuff.

Avoid the lucas stuff. its only to be used when your tranny is on it way out, putting it into a good transmission will cause more problems then it fixes.