Hey guys, got a quick question...

I have never done anything in regards to the tranny... I have done oil and all that but never have touched much anything else because well, my last car wasn't worth it. Now I plan to do most if not all the maintenance I can on my xB so need some help/suggestions.

When should the auto tranny fluid be serviced? I know you can basically do a "change" where you only drain what, 30-40% of the total fluid out and replace, or, do a flush. Im guessing I wouldn't be able to do a flush myself so when is a good time or mileage to do a change?

And when it comes down to a change, is it basically like an oil change? Pull the plug, let drain, plug, and refill with an amount roughly that you drained? Start the engine and then recheck the fluid levels? Or do you have to remove the pan, do the filter, etc...?

Just looking for some general information on this for the future... Hopefully some of you guys can help me out here

Appreciate it!

 

Most automatic transmissions are supposed to have "Lifetime" fluid. I know our Toyota Sienna and Ford Ranger have it. Just keep an eye on the fluid level. If you really want to change it, I would just change it when you feel appropriate. 25k would probably work, as would 30 or 50k. About flushing the trans, since you have an auto, there will be some fluid left over in the torque converter that you can't get out. Thats what a flush is supposed to get out. But considering the fluid is supposed to last the life of the car, it shouldn't matter much.

 

Scion says tranny fluid is changed on an As Needed basis. It's suppose to be inspected @ every oil change.

(don't know if that helps at all but thought you might like to know what head honcho says)

 

In my Gen 1 XB I have changed the fluid w/th Amsoil synthetic. Much smoother shifts - really made a difference. Just pull hex plug and drain - and replace what you take out.
I am doing this around every 25,000 miles - I feel this way I am ahead of the game.
I read somewhere that Scion recommends no service till over 150,000 miles. I plan on not servicing (dropping pan and changing filter) unless I have a problem.
Fluid us in good condition when I change - synthetic run much cooler temps.