Getting ready to replace/flush ATF in my trany

[nmikmik]

I've replace the ATF on my wife's 05 Camry already twice. Once @ 40k that was only a partial replacement because I've drained the fluid twice and called it "replaced". The second time i did it I used Dexron VI synthetic hoping to get more miles out of it. I did not drop the pan at that change either - just unhooked the cooler line drained through it and fed new fluid trough the dipstick opening until fresh fluid came out the other end. Transmission is not leaking of shifting funny, but the fluid color had changed from bright red to burgundy red and i can tell there is some dirt in it.
Current miles - 117k. Should i drop the pan at least once on this car and see what kind of "damage" transmission has received already - judging by the deposits on the magnets. Or just do another synthetic "flush" without forcing it through the system.
BTW. this time I am considering either AMSOIL ATF or the Mobil1, i think Brian used this one last time, so it would be nice to hear his opinion
Thanks,

[Brian R.]

Unless you are having some problem with shifting or noise, don't drop the pan.

If you used synthetic ATF and drained the pan first to get rid of the pan fluid before you flushed the valve body and torque converter, I'd just leave it alone. Your fluid should last a long time. You didn't say at what mileage you replaced the fluid with the synthetic ATF. I used Mobil1 ATF and hope to never change again (this may be optimistic). The color change is normal and does not indicate something is wrong.

[2000izusu]

i may be wrong but i don't think dextron vi is the right fluid? isn't toyota type iv (? on #) the right fluid? and isn't the proper toyota fluid synthetic?

i know on my 92,94,95 i used mercon dextron III but i know that has changed in newer models. mike

[nmikmik]

Thanks guys!
Bryan, sorry - my mistake - i replaced the Type IV with Dextron VI at 80k
and too was hoping to never have to change it again but was not ready for the color change. Just assumed it came from the particle content. Since I never dropped the pan I probably will this time & go from there.
btw. Can i use one of those cheapo "oil change" pumps to force old fluid from the valve body & converter? From what I recall I had to plug up the cooler outlet in the radiator just so it does not suck up the air through it - is that correct procedure?
Mike - Toyota Type T-IV is the correct fluid for this vehicle, but it is NOT synthetic. Being what it is - an expensive version of Dex. III with friction modifiers (please correct if i am wrong) it sell for almost the same price as maybe not the best but still a full synthetic Dex. VI that is shown pretty good test results. That's why i figured better to spend a bit more and get a better value out of this fluid.
AMSOIL is just too expensive imho so i am too gona use Mobil1

[Brian R.]

You should idle the engine with both cooler lines disconnected from the cooler. The ATF pump will pump fluid out one hose which you catch and replenish through the dip stick tube. I pumped out one quart or so each time and shut off the engine and added one quart through the dip stick tube. In reality, I just shut off the engine 4 times for each gallon and didn't worry about matching quart for quart.

You don't have to plug up the input line to the transmission from the cooler.

[nmikmik]

thanks Brian!

[nmikmik]

one more question
If i disconnect both lines, connect the outlet line to the "dump" container then connect the inlet line to 5qts container of fresh fluid, will it pump through it?
I.E. - I won't have to keep shutting down the engine and adding fresh fluid.
keep in mind i am still dropping the pen, refilling it with 2.7qts or whatever is needed of fresh fluid and then flushing it.
thanks,

[Brian R.]

Originally Posted by nmikmik

one more question
If i disconnect both lines, connect the outlet line to the "dump" container then connect the inlet line to 5qts container of fresh fluid, will it pump through it?
thanks,

No, there is no suction on the return line. You would have to pump it in somehow. Dipstick is easier. You don't have to shutoff the engine if you add it as fast as it comes out. (Big IF).

[nmikmik]

thanks again Brian!
Sounds like i am trying to "reinvent the wheel" or at least reinvent the flushing machine
ok, this will require a helper I guess, last time I've used my daughter for shutting down the engine when needed, this time she'll have different priorities i'm sure... she's 16