Why would one service station say that they cannot change my transmission fluid because I have over 100K miles? They said that the dealer must do it. Another gave me a price of $160. What gives?
Also, doesn't $114 seem steep for a coolant flush and fill?
Question 1. I don't know why they won't do it but find someone who will. $160 is way too high.
Question 2. Yes is is too steep. Should be less than half of that figure AFAIK.
Where are you located?
Located in DC.
Years ago I always did this stuff myself but I don't have a driveway or garage anymore.
Well, maybe in the District it's that much, but I'll bet if you went to a smallish town in MD or VA it would be about half what you've been quoted....but whaddo I know, I live in So. California. (But was back in DC and MD...and Mt. Vernon, last month and loved it (except for the humidity). Got thoroughly soaked in a downpour at the Washington home but loved the views from the porch.
There are a couple of reasons that come to mind why the service station says that they cannot change your transmission fluid. They may not have the proper transmission fluid, which is probably type T-IV, or they always flush transmissions instead of just draining and re-filling. If a transmission has not had its fluid regularly drained and refilled or flushed, then flushing at high mileage can cause problems because sludge and metal particles can become dislodged from the bottom of the pan and lodge in the valve body.
As for the other service station that gave you a price of $160, make sure they are using the correct transmission fluid. Check your owner's manual for the correct fluid, or check the transmission dipstick.
Whether $114 is steep for a coolant flush and fill depends on prevailing labor rates where you are. I always recommend Toyota Long Life Coolant (or Super Long Life if that is what came in your car) instead of the green stuff.
I've changed the fluid once and am now at 149K miles. Do you think there is any issue with me doing the drain and refill myself??
If you have only changed the automatic transmission fluid ("{ATF") once in
149K miles, I would not have the transmission flushed.Doing the drain and refill yourself should be pretty straightforward. Get the proper ATF from your local Toyota dealer, along with a new transmission pan gasket. When you drop the pan, check the magnets in the bottom of the pan for metal particles and wipe out any sludge-like goo that has settled on the bottom of the pan. I'm not sure if the differential has separate drain and refill ports, but if they do, be sure to refill that as well.
I would hesitate to get a cooling system flush at that mileage .All it does in MY experience, is loosen the crud that is helping seal the rad and you will have a leaky rad in short order.(been there done that)
By all means replace the fluid and use Toyota long life Coolant as recomended above.Or use any long life coolant silicon free like Texaco or any other name brand.
You may want to replace the rad hoses at the same time as well as the thermostat.?Check and see what condition they`re in . mred
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