I just bought a 2010 Yaris with an automatic transmission and 90k miles. I have the previous owner's maintenance record. She took the car to the dealer for all the scheduled maintenance. But Toyota does not recommend changing the tranny fluid except at maybe every 100k miles, so I guess the fluid has never been changed.
Of course, a 100k tranny fluid change interval is ridiculous. The manufacturer can get away with never changing the tranny fluid because nearly all transmissions will last at least 100k miles with no fluid changes, and after 100k miles the warranty period has expired. Most recommend tranny fluid changes every 40k miles or so. If the tranny fluid has never been changed well after 40k miles then some recommend never changing the fluid because the new fluid has less viscosity because of less debris, and detergents in the new fluid can dislodge debris that can clog the tranny.
The tranny fluid in my car is purplish brown. Black tranny fluid is in very bad condition and brown is the color it turns when it first needs to be replaced. So I guess my tranny fluid is in between brown and new pink. If the fluid has never been changed wouldn't it be black after nine years and 90k miles? It also does not stink and is at the correct level on the dipstick. The tranny shifts fine and shows no signs of wear.
I think some people send their fluid to a lab to have it analyzed. Is that a possibility? If a lab determines that the fluid is in decent condition wouldn't that mean that there is not a lot of sludge buildup and that the clutch packs have not deteriorated, and therefore it's safe to change the fluid? Should I do a full flush or just a drain and refill? Thanks for any replies. .
Of course, a 100k tranny fluid change interval is ridiculous. The manufacturer can get away with never changing the tranny fluid because nearly all transmissions will last at least 100k miles with no fluid changes, and after 100k miles the warranty period has expired. Most recommend tranny fluid changes every 40k miles or so. If the tranny fluid has never been changed well after 40k miles then some recommend never changing the fluid because the new fluid has less viscosity because of less debris, and detergents in the new fluid can dislodge debris that can clog the tranny.
The tranny fluid in my car is purplish brown. Black tranny fluid is in very bad condition and brown is the color it turns when it first needs to be replaced. So I guess my tranny fluid is in between brown and new pink. If the fluid has never been changed wouldn't it be black after nine years and 90k miles? It also does not stink and is at the correct level on the dipstick. The tranny shifts fine and shows no signs of wear.
I think some people send their fluid to a lab to have it analyzed. Is that a possibility? If a lab determines that the fluid is in decent condition wouldn't that mean that there is not a lot of sludge buildup and that the clutch packs have not deteriorated, and therefore it's safe to change the fluid? Should I do a full flush or just a drain and refill? Thanks for any replies. .
