Nothing has changed concerning ATF flushes and internet fear scare.

Use the drain plug. Shouldn't cost any more than a quick lube oil change to remove drain plug, drain out old ATF, replace plug's o-ring gasket seal, reinstall drain plug, and refill via dipstick tube. Its takes little less than a gallon for a drain/refill!

Repeat at every oil change until old ATF looks as good as new ATF(use glass test tubes or similar clear glass bottles to compare new/old ATF colors). Should be close to 4-5 drain/refills to be good as new, then drive another 100k.

Any of the full synthetic low visc ATF's can be used. I prefer Amsoil ATL and Ravenol TWS. Pennzoil, Supertech, Castrol, Mag1, ... are some other LV ATF brands that can be found in local stores.
I have no issue with using Maxlife. But, the internet hype concerning it is simply based on PRICE and I'm a firm believer in you get what you pay for. It works well but may not be perfect. The transmission does take time to adjust to new fluid so be patient and respect the transmission while it learns.

If you want filtration, install a Magnefine inline or NTZ Transprotector
http://magnefinefilters.com/Magnefine-3-8-Magnetic-Inline-Transmission-Filter-R038M.htm
http://www.magnafilter.com.au/magnefine.html
http://transprotector.com/sect1b.asp

Unlike the 6-speed, I also find that the 5-speed is very tolerant of full viscosity ATF, as it was originally filled with T-IV few years earlier. I've used the T-IV equivalents from RoyalPurple, Amsoil, Redline, Pennzoil, Castrol, Valvoline, import/multivehicle ATF's without issue.

The same transmission fluid can be used with as a Toyota power steering fluid. Siphon/refill that PSF reservoir once or twice a year too.

 

If I'm buying the Supertech ATF @ WalMart for a 96 Camry V6, what should the code be, like, uh...Dextron 3, or something..?

I heard the official word for what I need is no longer used, or something.

 

DEX3 is fine in DEX2 applications.
I had used the Supertech once, in my fairly well maintained and now very well maintained Volvo, when I first got it. Luckily I check it often. To get to the point, I think Supertech is very inferior quality. The trans fluid looked very bad after 3k miles.
I used Valvoline MaxLife trans for my Volvo, my 98 Camry and my 91 Celica. You can buy it at Walmart as well for about $6 more dollars a gallon, than Supertech. It is compatiable/mixable with DE2/DEX3 and others. https://www.walmart.com/ip/15125768
On an older car (as mine are) I would drain and fill the trans at the next 3 oil changes with the Valvoline Max life. If you choose to use the Supertech, you will see what I mean.
Another great product that is NOT 'snake oil' is - "Life Automotive Products 4001 Smart Blend Red Synthetic Transmission Protectant" Trans shops told me I needed a trans in my old Ford Explorer. This fixed it permanently. I add it to all my cars at final fill. If you are having problems maybe a good idea to try it on 1st fill also.
These are my life experiences, your mileage may vary but I doubt it.

 

Is THIS okay for a 96 camry V6..?

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Super-Te...per-Tech-Multi-Vehicle-Low-Visosity-Automatic-Transmission-Fluid-1-gal/52626199

 

If I'm buying the Supertech ATF @ WalMart for a 96 Camry V6, what should the code be, like, uh...Dextron 3, or something..?

I heard the official word for what I need is no longer used, or something.

Is THIS okay for a 96 camry V6..?

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Super-Te...per-Tech-Multi-Vehicle-Low-Visosity-Automatic-Transmission-Fluid-1-gal/52626199

The owners manual will tell you what you need, and its sometimes listed on the ATF dipstick.

Use this for that old transmission:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Super-Tech-High-Mileage-Automatic-Transmission-Fluid-1-qt/17133890

 

...just a bit more info - I do my oil changes every 3k miles without regard to manufactures interval recommendations. Synth in the Volvo(turbo) and conventional in the Toyotas (NA), because that is what they always have used.
I say this just to let you know how often I changed my trans fluids, til I call it good, and then change at something close to manufacture's recommend interval, while monitoring it.

 

Yes flush it, you will notice better smoother shifts I would bet. I also like the dealers push pull machines, they get all the fluid out. A drain and fill still leaves a little. A whole lot of folks do it that way though so probably no real harm if you want to save some money.

 

How does the push pull machine work?

 

I changed the ATF in my 2003 Avalon twice (about 5K miles apart), and it now looks almost new. The car had about 90K miles on it when I changed it. I bought a T55 Torx socket to remove the plug. I also got a new gasket for the plug, but it wasn't really necessary on my car. It took about 3.5 quarts to refill. I used Valvoline Maxlife.

 

They hook up to the lines and pump fluid in as the suck it out the other line. They know exactly how much to put in and get all the old out.

 

I just flushed my 2005 using the trans cooler line. Took about 12 qts for a full flush.

 

Can anyone tell me the part number (or size or whatever!) for the transmission drain plug crush washer? I don't want to buy the wrong kind. I'll be doing a fluid change here shortly, kind of overdue... Valvoline MaxLife.

Thanks!

 

90430-18008 was the original gasket number.

It has been superseded by 90430-A0003.

You may find either one available online. Both work and are really the same.

Car mfgs. change part numbers when they source a new supplier. This is likely what happened here.

 

Thanks!!! Ordered a set...

 

HOLY COW! Why didn't I change the fluid on this transmission before?! This one $20 expense completely transformed my transmission's behavior. Vavloline Max-Life from Wallymart for $17.87 and one new trans plug crush washer and the transformation is shocking. The vehicle shifts so much more smooth now, it "glides" through the gears and doesn't CLUNK! I took it out to do some slow speed testing, heat up and level check and I was just blown away. So smmooooottthhhh...

I have about 50 miles on the change so far, honestly this thing is like a different car.

And note, if you do a search here you'll see I'm the guy with the '07 that had to have his transmission rebuilt at 82k. So I've been through the Avalon transmission blues big time. Once rebuilt the transmission
was better, but never great. This fluid change, wow. We'll see how long it lasts but for $20 if only last 10-15k who cares, I'll keep doing this!

Highly recommended and easy to do; thanks to the TN Avalon crew here as always!

 

And that was only about 1/3 of the fluid you changed.

 

How much total is in the transmission, if you were to do a complete "flush?" I put almost 4 quarts back in, I need to check it again this week.

Thanks again!

 

A little over 11 qts to get all old fluid out. The drain only gets the pan. The flush gets the fluid in the torque convertor, lines and trans cooler.