I have read all of the posts about trans flushes and just drain and fills. The dealer tells me to only use the Toyota brand trans fluid aka T4. My reputable local trans shop said the stuff they use is regular ATF but they put an additive in it to make it the same as the manufacturer. I have read people claiming that after they had it flushed they had problems with slipping and shifting. I just want to make sure I am not making the wrong choice by going to the local trans shop and not the dealer who has screwed me over in the past. Thanks for any and all input.

2004 4runner 4.0 V6 SR5
49,000 miles never towed anything some mild 4wheeling
265/70/17 Nitto Terra Grapplers

 

Just go purchase a case of Toyota ATF at an oil distributor. And drop it off to your freind.

 

00279-000T4, see if you can buy that part number for a good price somewhere. If not, let me know, maybe I can help you out.

 

To do a complete flush on the sealed trannies you need the Toyota computer to open all the valves and stuff inside, otherwise you're just getting what's in the pan. Why do you want to change the fluid with only 49k miles, no towing, and no hard off-roading? You're probably good past 100k driving like that.

 

I would also use ONLY Toyota Transmission fluid, it is a special transmission fluid called World Standard (WS)

 

In the Audi world many people tried to use non Audi tranny oil, and most had to get new trannys soon after. 2 options. Every service suck the oil out of the pan and replace it. Does this get all the old oil, no. Over time though you will be changing out all the oil. Option 2, have the dealer do it right, open the valves etc. I might want to watch them to see just how much oil they get out though. I seem to remember that the 2003's had an AT dip stick for the 5 speed, and in 04 they went sealed.

Me, I just tell the dealer to do the "heavy use service" which is a complete flush & oil change, like those who tow would need.

 

only use toyota fluid. dont forget, ur powertrain warranty is longer than the 3 year 36k mile base warranty. i had to deny a warranty claim to a customer because when the fluid tests came back from toyota, it wasnt the right fluid. felt bad that i had to tell him that its goin to cost him 4grand for a trans and 15 hours of labor to install it. just something to keep in the back of your mind. spend the extra money, get it done at the dealership.

check and see if you even have a trans dipstick. if not, you dont touch it until it hits 100k.

 

With any sealed unit take it to the dealer...at least my 02 has a dipstick.