2005-2011 Auto box transmission oil

[justaguy]

Hi Guys

What are the thoughts on toyota saying that it is not necessary to change transmission oil on the auto box`s as it is designed to last the life of a vehicle.

Some auto`s out there have done 500,000 km or more how can this oil last so long?

I have a 2008 v6 auto with 140,000km now and i was wondering if i should have the transmission oil renewed , thoughts on this please guys?

cheers

[Mud Dog]

It's an hydraulic oil. Don't change it unless it's contaminated.

[Dirka]

Have a read:

http://etereman.com/blog/toyota-transmi ... avoid-them" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[LouisZ]

If you want it replaced replace it. Just buy the original Toyota oil. Also the filter.

If you think it is contaminated do it.

[JohanW]

I replaced the ATF on my 09 d4d auto a few weeks ago. ~195k km. Atf was brown and slightly burnt. Used 10L of Toyota ATF type iv. Shifts are noticeably crisper and torque converter seems to lock up earlier with less slip up to that point.

Simply emptied the sump, refilled with 3L, undid the return line from the radiator. Ran the engine till about 2L of atf was pumped out. Refilled and repeat until ATF is nice and clean. Cost ~R1000.

[justaguy]

Thanks do you know if the box on the v6 is the same as the D4D box ?

[justaguy]

Have a read:

http://etereman.com/blog/toyota-transmi ... avoid-them" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Interesting thanks , how often do you change your oil ?

[JohanW]

Thanks do you know if the box on the v6 is the same as the D4D box ?

V6 has the A750F with 5 gears.
D4D has the A340F with 4 gears.

Pull the ATF dipstick. Does it smell bad, like bad fish, poo poo etc? What colour is the ATF?
Red=recently changed and perfect
Light reddish brown= still good but used
Dark reddish Brown= well used and possibly burnt. Flush and replace.
Very Dark brown almost black = drop sump clean filters remove metallic bits from magnets, inspect clutch packs and friction surfaces, consider getting solenoids and valve body overhauled.
Black like oil= consult swambo and sell house to replace gearbox.

These Autoboxes are quite Hardy and don't quit quickly. Toyota made a few improvements to the cooling of the ATF with different face-lifts. ATF breaks down due to heat. The cooler it works the better <120°C. But not cold >70°C. The AT warning light goes on from 120°C upwards if I remember correctly. The torque convertor lockup will only happen above 70°C.

[Dirka]

Have a read:

http://etereman.com/blog/toyota-transmi ... avoid-them" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Interesting thanks , how often do you change your oil ?

Agree with everything Johan said.
It's a strong, good, reliable box...but expensive!
So I don't want to take any chances there.

My service on the A750F was:
3 x 4L cans of Toy WS ATF
1 x Filter (Toy calls it an oil strainer)
1 x Gasket for the oil pan.
1 x O-ring
3 x plug washers
..and litlle of my time.

All in all about R2200.

I really think this is little money for good insurance..
(for a transmission that costs 1x house + pension + both arms and legs + eyeball + liver and one kidney)

How often you ask?

I did the above as a once-off simply because I don't know what the previous owner did.
It is also not only the oil but the filter and magnets in the bottom of the pan like Johan said.
It is there for a reason and I wanted it clean.

Toyota WS ATF fluid are engineered for the long run.
So from now on I'll simply make visual inspections and make decisions from there.

Hope this helps

[justaguy]

Thanks for the info guys , i had no idea my gearbox had a dipstick , ive never seen it .......

[Obelix and Dogmatix]

and where does this dipstick sit?

[JohanW]

Consult the owners manual...If owners manual missing look in area near oil filter for a yellow/orange capped dipstick.
If oil filter area unknown look on the right side of engine towards the back with bonnet open.

[Obelix and Dogmatix]

My engine is currently being rebuilt so i am sure if it was in the engine bay i would have seen it. The dip stick for the engine however sits on the left hand side of the motor next to bank 1 cylinder 1 opposite side of the oil filter. the question was wrt the gearbox oil.

[Dirka]

Interesting pointer brought up!

There were in fact A750F transmissions that had a dipstick.
Earlier Gen's up until 2003.
It changed then to a sealed unit with 3 x plugs:
Fill, Drain and Overflow.
The overflow is the Allen key setup at the front of the oil pan.
It has a tube protruding upwards in the pan and will overflow once the correct level is reached.
Must be adjusted on Temp from 46C - 56C (10C Deg Window)
(Write up procedure somwhere on the forum)

For the oil inspection I loosen the ATF cooler line/s and 'swab' onto toilet/ paper/towel.

[justaguy]

the V6 does not have a dipstick , it is a sealed box ...........