So when DOES the transmission fluid need to be changed

[dutchy999]

So when DOES the transmission fluid need to be changed? I am the ower of a 2008 Yaris S hatchback (stick shift) with 61,000 mi on the clock. Trans fluid has never been changed.

Maintenance Guide says to inspect (not change) transmission fluid every 30,000 mi. As a matter of fact, at no point does the Maintenance Guide say that the transmission fluid HAS to be changed. All it refers to are the above-mentioned "inspections".

A search on this board got mixed results: some say trans fluid need to be changed every 30,000 mi, some say every 40,000 mi, some say car needs no fluid changes until 100,000 mi.

Sooo.... which one is it? Does anyone know?

Dutchy999

[ROCKLANDTOYOTA]

TOYOTA WS(world series) fluid is rated for 100,000 mile change interval BUT its all up to owner and driving habits......

[bronsin]

If the manual says you dont have to do it

YOU DONT HAVE TO DO IT!

Having said that my engine oil gets changed 3 times a year because most of the time I drive 6 miles each time the engine starts.

[The Limo]

Hi
Toyota Canada recommends that the automatic transmission fluid is changed every 96,000 Km (60,000 mi)

Please see the " All Maintenance Requirements Based on Mileage Intervals " thread on the page before this one and go down to post #7.

Roy

[gonzo452001]

I put redline 75w90 GEAR OIL in my manual trans feels a lot better than stock oil

[swidd]

I've put MT-90 redline 75w90 as well. First time at 60,000 miles I think (don't quite remember now), because I was tired of stiff shifting. Vast improvement, especially in reverse and cold weather starting. Then put new oil at 90,000 miles, and again I could feel it got smoother with some fresh oil in there.

It is DIY-possible, and a cheap insurance against premature failure of the transmission - if you plan on turning your Yaris into a "life long beater".

[NZ-FE Vios]

I'm interested in the redline as it comes well recommended from the forum.

I just had my gear oil changed at 26,000 miles at the local Toyota dealership, they also added a conditioner. It feels somewhat smoother if only slightly. I've been trying to get them to address some trans issues I'm having and this seemed like a good way to start and have my problems documented as I'll make another claim before I burn up my comprehensive.

[auxmike]

How about A/T fluid? Seems like a lot trickier to change it all out without a machine....

[yaris0128]

Ill be changing mine over my days off this week. At 42k Ill be putting in some Castrol Syntec 75w90 gear oil and Im hoping it runs well. I cant imagine it shifting worse with Castrol but Im extremely excited.

[Hershey]

The CASTROL gear oil looks to be a GL-5 , ( http://www.castrol.com/castrol/sectiongenericarticle.do?categoryId=82915494&contentId=7036193 ) you may encounter more finicky shifting , etc.. Found this out when used MOBIL 1 synthetic gear oil that's GL-5 . This tranny and other TOYOTA manuals works best with a GL-4 such as the REDLINE MT-90 ( http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=46&pcid=7 ) or the AMSOIL MTG ( http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/mtg.aspx ) . I would return the CASTROL ( if possible ) and find the REDLINE or AMSOIL for use . These are about the same price as the CASTROL . Best of luck and let us know on what you decide and how the tranny feels after the installation . Best to drive the car around after the change and go through all the gears , including reverse . Gets better over a short period of time .

[MickZEL]

I did not experiment. Filled that recommended by the manufacturer.TOYOTA ATF-WS 0289

[ROCKLAND TOYOTA]

How about A/T fluid? Seems like a lot trickier to change it all out without a machine....

WITHOUT a machine the most you'll get is around 5 quarts from dropping the pan....

[poorsh2]

I used Amsoil at 50,000 still feels great after 148,000. Thanks for reminding me, it is time for a change