I have a 2003 4runner v8 awd limited. 97k miles. I want to change the filter and fluid on the trans. The dealer said it doesn't have a filter. Dipstick says toyota- IV. Castrol has a multi- vehicle for imports that is compatable to t-IV. Has anyone done this? or used the castrol multi-vehicle for imports?

 

my suggestion is to get a synthetic. i know that with valvoline synthetic, it will work with most vehicles. call this number to check for compatibilities 800-832-6825. not sure about the filter, and about other brands, but where i work this is what we use as a bulk transmission fluid and it works on most vehicles and can be bought off the shelf.

 

I rechecked with the dealer today. No filter on these models only " valve body screen". They hook it up to a machine and flush out old and fill with new. All at one time. but cast $175.00!!! I'm going to buy some of their fluid and do my own drain 'n fill. That's for your help clyde.

 

Yes there is a filter, you just named it, the Valve Body Screen.

This screen has a very fine mesh that can become clogged, if you have high miles, its worth dropping the pan, replacing this screen as well as the magnet that collects metal shavings.

Don't have your tranny flushed...it just kills them faster. Just drain the fluid and refill 2 or 3 times, then you're good for another 50k.

 

dont be cheap! the fluid is the life of the transmission.. get the flush as it will get 100% of all old fluid. A drain and fill will only get a couple quarts at a time.

 

Yeah it just gets fuzzy when you start having auto trans problems with high mileage. I just listen to my cousin lol hes a factory trained toyota tech with his own shop for almost 20 years now.

Check this out http://autotechrepair.suite101.com/article.cfm/040206

Not saying its a "bible" but they do make a good point, and many mechanics do not recommend transmission flushes.

Just the dealer who wants to see you back for regular servicing....

 

i think it really depends on if the service intervals were done done on time. If they were... shouldn't be a problem. If it has never seen a service before and the the fluid resembles diesel oil.. then i'd just drain and fill 5 or 6 times over a period of time until its clean again. I would not recomend it for any american made transmission or honda transmission. They tend to fail from lack of service and then a flush.

 

Yeah good point, I agree that I would not want to flush a trans that has never seen new fluid outside of the factory doors lol

 

I'll say this though... the 2 toyota's that i have flushed... 04 is300 and a previa... both had black trans fluid... both flushed with toyota fluid. Both drove away and have not had issues to this date.

 

Nice, definitely not saying that flushing destines your transmission for the wrecking yard.

I would just personally prefer to drop the pan, change the screen, magnet, and maybe inspect the valve body but I like wasting time working on toyotas

 

haha of course who doesn't. If the pan is easy to get to... drop it clean it, clean the screen then flush it. Or have it flushed *using toyota fluid* then take it home drop the pan and clean the filter screen

 

Word on the Toyota fluid

 

I read too that you shouldn't power flush an auto tranny that hasn't been regularly serviced. it makes sense, your just going to stir up all the junk. drain, fill, drive and repeat a few times. you'll end up with fresh fluid but you'll leave the bad stuff where it belongs, at the bottom. that's my method at least.