Anyone Flush Your Transmission Yet?
- Thread starter mikenews
- Start date
Good afternoon!
I'm new to this forum, so I'm still gleaning a lot of info and "lurking"
However, I did have a question regarding the transmission on my 2010, 1.8L Corolla LE with 53k miles on it.
I've had a difficult time finding definitive info regarding the transmission service intervals. The Owner's Manual Maintenance Log only references inspecting the transmission fluid at the 60k mile interval, and I don't see any recommendations for changing the fluid unless the vehicle was used for towing, then the log recommends a fluid change at 60k miles. Out car has definitely not been used for towing
During routine warranty maintenance at the local dealership, I asked the tech about servicing the transmission, and he advised to have it serviced at 90k miles (I still don't see anything in Toyota's documentation regarding this change) and he printed out a copy of the Corolla maintenance schedule from Toyota's TIS.
Based on the information in this thread, it looks like people are doing their own drain-and-fill transmission services. However, based on Toyota's TSB TC010-07, it looks like this job is impossible for the weekend mechanic without access to Toyota's Transmission Fill System (looks like there is also a closed topic, on this form, regarding this issue as well).
Does this service bulleting also apply to the 2010 models (since they are using the Toyota WS fluid standard)? I'm trying to discern whether I will be able to complete this service on my own, or if I will need to shop around for a shop that has this specific equipment.
I'm new to this forum, so I'm still gleaning a lot of info and "lurking"
However, I did have a question regarding the transmission on my 2010, 1.8L Corolla LE with 53k miles on it.I've had a difficult time finding definitive info regarding the transmission service intervals. The Owner's Manual Maintenance Log only references inspecting the transmission fluid at the 60k mile interval, and I don't see any recommendations for changing the fluid unless the vehicle was used for towing, then the log recommends a fluid change at 60k miles. Out car has definitely not been used for towing
During routine warranty maintenance at the local dealership, I asked the tech about servicing the transmission, and he advised to have it serviced at 90k miles (I still don't see anything in Toyota's documentation regarding this change) and he printed out a copy of the Corolla maintenance schedule from Toyota's TIS.
Based on the information in this thread, it looks like people are doing their own drain-and-fill transmission services. However, based on Toyota's TSB TC010-07, it looks like this job is impossible for the weekend mechanic without access to Toyota's Transmission Fill System (looks like there is also a closed topic, on this form, regarding this issue as well).
Does this service bulleting also apply to the 2010 models (since they are using the Toyota WS fluid standard)? I'm trying to discern whether I will be able to complete this service on my own, or if I will need to shop around for a shop that has this specific equipment.
From what I have read...DON'T CHANGE IT!!! Unless you have a burnt smell when you check the dipstick, leave everything alone. Changing the fluid can actually shorten the life of the transmission on Toyota vehicles. According to the manual, it should just be checked and topped off if required during a regular scheduled servicing. The only time a filter change and complete fluid change is required/recommended is if you live in an environment that is dustier than normal.
I have a 2010 S model with 101,000 miles. I had my Toyota dealer change the fluid at 80,000 miles. I'm not one of the "Toyota transmission fluid never needs to be changed " people. Our 2008 Sienna has 160,000 miles and changed the transmission fluid at 80,000 and will be doing it again soon. She runs like the day we bought her.
Corolla owners may use any brand transmission fluid they wish, as long as it meets the performance specifications recommended by Toyota, which in this case is the Toyota WS performance specification. "Toyota WS" is not a brand, but a performance specification, i.e. like Grade A eggs are not a brand. This is per the Federal law known as the Magnuson Moss Warranty Improvement Act. Per law, vehicles owners can not be forced to use original equipment parts, i.e. spark plugs, belts, hoses, brake pads, oils, transmission fluids, etc.
From the Federal Trade Commission -
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0138-auto-warranties-routine-maintenance
From the Federal Trade Commission -
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0138-auto-warranties-routine-maintenance
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Scott( and others) - what are your thoughts on changing the gear oil(manual tranny) ? I can remember "back in the day" when there were automatic transmission rebuild shops(yes - only automatic transmissions). This was because most owners never changed the fluid/filter or checked band torque. Back then manual tranny rebuilds were rare(even if the gear oil was never changed) - probably due to old age or abuse.
It seemed like they were still going strong around here(Tri-Cities, WA) thru the 80's, but faded as the 90's progressed. At that time there were still plenty of manual transmissions. My previous car was a Saturn Ion. It was the only manual I ever saw in that model. I traded it in for my 2013 S when I saw the Corolla's manual. I've always liked to shift - especially in my muscle car days. Even with late model Corolla's( small car/small engine) they seem fairly rare. Of the three types(L, LE, and S) I think Toyota only offered a manual on the S package ? Most small cars with small engines in yesteryear seemed to have 4 and 5-speeds.
I have always changed my gear oil in my manual transmission cars every 30k-35k miles with Redline synthetic gear oil. My 2009 Corolla S shifts as good as the day it was new. On my only auto transmission in my 1995 Previa I have it changed every 30k miles with Toyota ATF. My 2010 Prius with a CVT also uses Toyota WS fluid like the Corolla and the Prius forums recommend changing it every 30k-50k miles. Luckily like my MT cars its a simple drain and fill for all 4 quarts, very easy! Just remember that it's always better to change fluids sooner than later!