I would do a simple drain and fill of the transmission to see if it improves. The fluid may just be old. At 132K, I'd advise against using a flush machine - just drain and fill.

 

When was the fluid last changed?

 

According to CarFax service history at 54630 miles Supeior Mazda changed it thats before I purchased it from Carmax at 89K.

 

Time to change it again, and again. Nothing wrong with a flush machine. Make sure you flushing chemicals or aftertreatments aren't used. Exchange with ATF and nothing but ATF.

Also scan for codes. Might have a solenoid or sensor on the verge of failure.

Its a higher mileage transmission, so treat it respect if you want it to last.

Did you check the ATF level?

Best option would be to trade it in for a new Highlander. You'll appreciate the older Toyota 4/5/6 speed transmissions after you spend some time with the 8-speed.

After 100k miles, I recommend cleaning the pan magnets and changing the ATF filter. So, if no error codes, I would start there since that would include the 1st drain/refill.

 

Yes, Drain and fill as this should have the drain plug back then as mine does. Use the toyota fluid the manual specifies from the dealer. Don't mix with aftermarket fluids. As mention you might need a 2nd drain and fill to blend a higher ratio of new fluid in the system after some driving. Especially if the colour on the dipstick is not normal after the 1st drain. You'd need 5 Liters on hand for this.

 

Keep us (skeptics on usefulness of drain and fill) updated on.. if it made any difference. :dunno:

 

I sure will. I'm going to a long trip soon so not sure if I wanna mess with the fluid just yet.

 

Running a long trip like that could create other problems when something isn't right with it. Doing a drain and FILL with Toyota fluid WS type is what mine uses as per the manual. It won't create any problem but might fix yours. If the dipstick fluid is either burnt or have some other issue several drain fills maybe needed. I had the dealer do mine and its simple for them. Not much different than an oil change. Call for a price.

 

I would not want to run a long trip with a transmission that doesn't shift properly. Drain and fill the fluid, as advised above, and see if the transmission shifts better. If the transmission starts slipping, you probably shouldn't have taken that car on a long trip anyway.

 

How may Qt to just refill? 6?

I have only noticed it holds to 4th when I"m under load or like I'm flooring the car on freeway from the on ramp so it's not really doing that daily on streets etc just when you want the car to haul faster. I just want to make sure its normal or not but I will do the refill before my trip.

 

I'm little confused when the car is cold like sits over night and you check the transmission fluid it should be on the cool side? I checked mine and doesn't matter if it's Hot or cool it reads on same level on the dip stick.

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0g0k4ePOmifDTXuTyc5CH-rUg#Home

 

It should be a slightly different level if you check hot or cold. Are you wiping off the dipstick and then reinserting and pulling straight out? If in doubt, the proper way to check the dipstick is when the car has been up to operating temperature.

 

I personally believe the last shop filled the fluid over the limit. When checking the fluid if the car has been sitting over night vs Hot its still over the limit line on the dipstick. Hopefully I can drain and fill and follow the How to steps that is posted on this form and report back.

 

Yesterday I drained the fluid change the filter and refill to proper level. I can't say the problem went away but the transmission pan was much easter to remove then was told and yes the 2 bolts was hard but not as scary as some had reported. I went and purchased couple tools and end up not even using. I could tell the filter was not original and it looked nasty.

I'm little confused to when reading the dipstick what's the difference between cool and hot? I checked this morning and the level was by hot and when I checked the car after driving for 30 min or so it was on Hot and not past the 2 notches.

I took some pictures.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14T_COrPXy1x_CjM7ZAfU1OVOxJDeVEy2?usp=sharing

 

After a long drive and over 100F it is where the fluid expands to the Hot mark. Cold would be the lowest level at or below room temp but may vary with vehicles.

I am not 100% but some vehicles the checking is done in NEUTRAL, some in Park. Its normally stamped in some dipstick on the metal. Otherwise the manual needs referring to I manage to many vehicle to recall which it is for the SF The fluid will discolour into a darker redish colour in type buy still be fine. If there is debris from the clutch as may be in you case then that needs to be cleared out.

 

Check transmission fluid level while parked on a level surface. Vehicle must be RUNNING. Cycle shifter in all spots prior to putting in Park for the ATF level check while vehicle is running. Dipstick hot level is 176F and requires a scantool or IR temp gun.