Re: Trans fluid change 2003 Avalon

"Jim Pettway" <jbpettway@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:S_cxh.38416$Ts.911@bignews6.bellsouth.net...[color=blue]
>I have a 2003 Toyota Avalon with 48,000 miles. I have been told by the
>Toyota service techs that it is time for the transmission fluid to be
>changed. The service center wants $130.00 for this change. A non-Toyota
>service center will change the fluid for $80.00. I understand there are
>two ways to change the fluid and one is better than the other. Can someone
>explain the differences and which is the way to go?
>
> Jim Pettway
>[/color]
One way to change the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is to hook the car
up to a machine and flush the transmission and the other is a simple drain
and refill. There are those who say that a flush will get rid of dirty ATF
more thoroughly, and as long as the transmission has been serviced in
accordance with the manufacturer's service intervals, a flush should not be
a problem. The drawbacks to a flush, particularly if the transmission
hasn't been serviced in accordance to the manufacturer's schedule, is that
it can dislodge debris that can clog internal passages. The manufacturer
only specifies a drain and refill, so that should be sufficient. Check the
ATF specified on the transmission dipstick - it may by Dexron II or it may
be Toyota Type T. If you go to a non-Toyota service center, make sure they
have the correct type of ATF on hand.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)