New to the forum, but looking for some advise. I changed the fluid in my 2006 Avalon about 10,000 miles ago. I went to the dealer to purchase the fluid and they sold me T-IV. Believing they knew what they were doing I replaced the transmission fluid with T-IV. Now I find out that my car takes WS fluid and the fluids aren't compatible. I immediately changed the fluid twice hoping to get out all of the T-IV. I haven't experienced any problems with the transmission up to this point. Just curious if I need to do anything else.
New to the forum, but looking for some advise. I changed the fluid in my 2006 Avalon about 10,000 miles ago. I went to the dealer to purchase the fluid and they sold me T-IV. Believing they knew what they were doing I replaced the transmission fluid with T-IV. Now I find out that my car takes WS fluid and the fluids aren't compatible. I immediately changed the fluid twice hoping to get out all of the T-IV. I haven't experienced any problems with the transmission up to this point. Just curious if I need to do anything else.
Did you just drain what you could or "flush" it. If you just drained and refilled, you probably only got about 4 quarts out, so you then would have mixed 4 quarts with what was left in there. May want to try another dealership or toyota specific repair facility to make sure.
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Did you just drain what you could or "flush" it. If you just drained and refilled, you probably only got about 4 quarts out, so you then would have mixed 4 quarts with what was left in there. May want to try another dealership or toyota specific repair facility to make sure.
If you haven't had any problems with it after 10,000 miles, you should be fine. I'd get a complete transmission flush, PLUS change the filter, but do this before you take it into for a flush. I went synthetic with BG automatic transmission flush (I've used their oil before and never any problems) I just don't use the ATF flush kit, it's not necessary since you've had a filter on this transmission. Some shops suggest it, others don't. If you do, get the 8 quart box (flush machine, they may want to sell you the 12 quart, but you don't need it.
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I would go get a transmission flush at the dealer. Make sure they use WS.
The same thing happened when my friend and I were getting transmission fluid for his Tacoma. Dexron III is the specified fluid but the parts guy gave us T-IV. Long story short, the transmission needed to be rebuilt.
Always look in your manual and transmission dipstick to ensure you have the right fluid.
Thanks for the advise, sounds like the consensus is a flush. When I realized I had the wrong fluid in there my first reaction was to do something right away. I basically drained it overnight twice. I got roughly 5 qts. out of it each time and replaced it both times with WS. What is hard to believe is that the parts counter at my old dealer is still telling me I need T-IV. I've since switched dealers.
Thanks for the advise, sounds like the consensus is a flush. When I realized I had the wrong fluid in there my first reaction was to do something right away. I basically drained it overnight twice. I got roughly 5 qts. out of it each time and replaced it both times with WS. What is hard to believe is that the parts counter at my old dealer is still telling me I need T-IV. I've since switched dealers.
I owned a Honda once, and they are SPECIFIC about their fluid (some additive they add, just like P/S fluid. Anyway, getting that advice like you did, ended up costing me a rebuilt transmission. I've spoken to my local Toyota Service Rep. asked him about this, said there shouldn't be a problem. Just have it flushed.
I've read several car owners on here that prefer the Toyota fluid and I've used it in the past, but I've had at least five new Toyota's flushed (friends/family) with BG synthetic fluid PLUS took it an extra step and change the filter (some imports use a metal screen and don't need changing. Most transmissions also have magnets inside the pan to attract/collect the metal from clutches/gears, ect. I've either changed those out to flat round magnets or clean the magnets inside the pan, then replace ATF pan. Sounds a little too much labor for some, but it's all about preventive maintenance.
You'll be fine, might want to find a reputable import shop in your city, Toyota dealership is the LAST place I go.
It's good to hear the Toyota rep says it shouldn't hurt it, thanks for checking it out. I figured the dealership at least knew which fluid my car used, but, I guess that was too much to ask of them. I try to save some money by doing it myself and it winds up costing me more. Any idea how many quarts the transmission holds?
Yes, I drained it twice and refilled both times with WS. I actually let it drain overnight both times and got out about 5 qts. each time. Obviously, my concerns are damage to the tranny.
I've been a true believer in preventive maintenance. Transmission fluid exchanges are nothing new because before you could drain the torque converter (they had a drain bolt) but now you end up having about 1/2 of the clean fluid mixed in with the dirty fluid.
This is why I've gone and I've seen this done at my buddy's shop where the filter is changed out and the pan magnets cleaned/or replaced. Not everyone has the luck as Mike Murrell has, but I would rather take it an extra step and prolong the life of a very expensive part of your car (not including the labor) So, if you forgo the fluid exchange, consider the filter change and those magnets.
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1999 Toyota Avalon
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