Re: T-TEC (Trans Tech® ) procedure to change out your transmission fluid?

Question

Two observations:(a) If a fluid formulation change (assuming what you aredraining out is not burned to a crisp) results in a change in shiftquality to the firm side, then your new fluid has a higher frictioncoefficient.  While you may like the "feel" better, this new fluid willnot protect you final drive gears quite as well.  Hypoid final drivegears like slippery high pressure lube whereas bands and clutches likeless slipperiness.(b) Does you 2002 Camry book require T-IV or Dexron?

CamryV6 · Accepted Answer

Thanks for your input. My Camry (now at 19,100KM/11,868Miles) has hadregular service, but I can see that the last change of AT fluid (at18,000KM/11,184Miles Service) is only 3L/0.79G  but the tranny takes6,5L/1.7G of oil so this shop does not flush the tourqe converter whenthey change the ATF. So it has had a total of 3 changes of ATF - thefirst one at a Toyota dealer but the last 2 at two different shops.So I probably should do a total flush like you supposed.

PhilipÃÂ® · Answer

Two observations:(a) If a fluid formulation change (assuming what you aredraining out is not burned to a crisp) results in a change in shiftquality to the firm side, then your new fluid has a higher frictioncoefficient.  While you may like the "feel" better, this new fluid willnot protect you final drive gears quite as well.  Hypoid final drivegears like slippery high pressure lube whereas bands and clutches likeless slipperiness.(b) Does you 2002 Camry book require T-IV or Dexron?

XXXXX · Answer

My 2002 Camry takes Toyota T-IV. If it took Dexron, I would get rid of the factory fill and replace with Mobil 1 ATF.

I noticed that the transmission fluid stick said "no maintenance is needed for regular driving". I took the cautious side and did a drain and fill at

32,000 km. At 7,000 km the fluid was drained and filled when the shift solonoid was replaced.

PhilipÂ® · Answer

It IS CURIOUS that the dipstick has that information on it while the Passport Service book that accompanied your Owner's Book prescribes 30k mile intervals for both Camry and Sienna. Erring on the side of caution is wise.

In my 2003 Corolla, I changed the T-IV fluid at 10k miles and again this week at 20,600. It seems peculiar that both times the fluid suddenly started getting darker between 9k and 10k miles. Hmmm. Oh well, fluid is cheap compared to trans work. Cleanliness is next to Godliness. ;^)

XXXXX · Answer

Actually Toyota Canada recommends fluid drain and fill at 96,000 KM (60,000miles).I just figured I will change the coolant and transmission fluid at the sametime (32,000 km)

XXXXX · Answer

Philip,According to Toyota Canada (not the dealership), for the Dexron basedfluids, the recommend drain and fill interval is 48,000 km (30,000 miles).For the Toyota T-IV based fluids, the recommended drain and fill interval is96,000 KM (60,000 miles).With that said, my Toyota Dealer suggested to change the Transmission fluidevery 40,000 km (25,000 miles) to  48,000 km (30,000 miles).  They say thatits a good preventive maintenance procedure and it provides less wear on thetransmission.  I admit the $80 Canadian ($60 US) cost to do this willprovide the dealer extra revenue and me additional cost, but I figured itsnot too bad if the car starts to shift smoother and adds to the longevity ofthe car.As you already know, I use Mobil 1 5W30 and change the oil and filter every6,000 km (4,000 miles) to 8,000 km (5,000 miles).  I know it costs me more$$ to use Synthetic but from the images of your engine internals and otherinfo I have read, I am fairly certain that the engine gets less wear...

Re: T-TEC (Trans Tech® ) procedure to change out your transmission fluid?

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