I have a 2003 Toyota Avalon with 48,000 miles. I have been told by the
Toyota service techs that it is time for the transmission fluid to be
changed. The service center wants $130.00 for this change. A non-Toyota
service center will change the fluid for $80.00. I understand there are two
ways to change the fluid and one is better than the other. Can someone
explain the differences and which is the way to go?

Jim Pettway

"Jim Pettway" <jbpettway@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:S_cxh.38416$Ts.911@bignews6.bellsouth.net...
>I have a 2003 Toyota Avalon with 48,000 miles. I have been told by the
>Toyota service techs that it is time for the transmission fluid to be
>changed. The service center wants $130.00 for this change. A non-Toyota
>service center will change the fluid for $80.00. I understand there are
>two ways to change the fluid and one is better than the other. Can someone
>explain the differences and which is the way to go?
>
> Jim Pettway
>
One way to change the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is to hook the car
up to a machine and flush the transmission and the other is a simple drain
and refill. There are those who say that a flush will get rid of dirty ATF
more thoroughly, and as long as the transmission has been serviced in
accordance with the manufacturer's service intervals, a flush should not be
a problem. The drawbacks to a flush, particularly if the transmission
hasn't been serviced in accordance to the manufacturer's schedule, is that
it can dislodge debris that can clog internal passages. The manufacturer
only specifies a drain and refill, so that should be sufficient. Check the
ATF specified on the transmission dipstick - it may by Dexron II or it may
be Toyota Type T. If you go to a non-Toyota service center, make sure they
have the correct type of ATF on hand.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

On Sat, 3 Feb 2007 23:08:33 -0500, "Jim Pettway"
<jbpettway@bellsouth.net> wrote:

>I have a 2003 Toyota Avalon with 48,000 miles. I have been told by the
>Toyota service techs that it is time for the transmission fluid to be
>changed. The service center wants $130.00 for this change. A non-Toyota
>service center will change the fluid for $80.00. I understand there are two
>ways to change the fluid and one is better than the other. Can someone
>explain the differences and which is the way to go?

A simple fluid change is all you need, Not a "Power Flush" - they
should call them Wallet Flushes, they don't really accomplish much
unless your transmission has been abused, and often they hasten the
final demise of the abused transmission.

The transmission holds 5 to 10 quarts of ATF fluid depending on the
car model, but most of that is trapped inside the torque converter.

For a fluid change they just drop the transmission pan, drain the 2
or 3 quarts of fluid in the pan, clean the screen or change the
filter, check for abnormal wear materials or ?chunks? in the pan, new
gasket, seal pan and refill.

You only change 20% to 30% of the total fluid volume that way, but
that's more than enough to refresh all the additives and detergents to
keep the inside of the transmission sparkly clean.

--<< Bruce >>--

Jim Pettway wrote:
> I have a 2003 Toyota Avalon with 48,000 miles. I have been told by the
> Toyota service techs that it is time for the transmission fluid to be
> changed. The service center wants $130.00 for this change. A non-Toyota
> service center will change the fluid for $80.00. I understand there are two
> ways to change the fluid and one is better than the other. Can someone
> explain the differences and which is the way to go?

Don't Toyota transmissions still have drain plugs, making a fluid
change about as easy as changing the engine oil because the pan
doesn't have to be removed? My older Toyota's owner's manual doesn't
even mention removing the pan or cleaning the filter for the
transmission maintenance.

In article <S_cxh.38416$Ts.911@bignews6.bellsouth.net>,
"Jim Pettway" <jbpettway@bellsouth.net> wrote:

> I have been told by the
> Toyota service techs that it is time for the transmission fluid to be
> changed.

Have you confirmed that "diagnosis" by checking your owner's manual?

Always get a second opinion, and always doubt the guy who makes money
off of his recommendation.