Help Please - Auto Trans Fluid

[firemac]

Hi Folks,

Our 02 VVTi Auto has 60K miles up and is going in for its 9th annual/90K service with local Mr.T next week. I can't find out whether the auto trans fluid needs to be changed though at any point. Mr.T's guys don't know (apparently it ain't on their screens so it doesn't exist!) and there is nothing in the service schedule.

The box is performing just fine (touch wood!) so there is no obvious reason to change it other than the needs of good maintenance. Can any of you good folk advise, please?

Thanks & Happy New Year,

Jim

[anchorman]

Not in the service schedule?

[firemac]

Not in the service schedule?

Not that I can see, although our service book is in French as we bought the car (UK spec) in Paris when we were coming back to the UK - we had a LHD Yaris and didn't feel inclined to try to sell it privately in Paris so traded it in with a Toyota dealer for a UK spec RHD RAV4.

I've asked my local Toyota dealer and he said, erm, ah, I think that..., umm, nope, can't see anything about transmission fluid; in other words, they didn't know.

However, I assume from your reply, Mr. A, that there should be something glaringly obvious??

[Plutus]

I had mine serviced a few weeks ago and asked the Toyota garage the same question.

The guy I spoke to has been there a while and seems to know his stuff.

He said it's changed around 60k so you'll (me) be OK for a couple of years (I'm currently on 38k).

The vehicle isn't at home at the moment so can't look in the schedule.

[crofter]

Page 298 owners manual states "Change automatic transmission oil as necessary"

Then it goes on to say"generally it is necessary to change automatic transmission fluid only if your vehicle is driven under one of the Special Operating Conditions listed in your "Toyota Service Booklet"or "Toyota Warrenty Booklet".

Not having either of these "Booklets" I am unable to add anything further on this,other than that the recomended fluid is Toyota ATF Type T-IV (ATF JWS3309 OR NWS6500)

Del

[firemac]

Not in the service schedule?

Not that I can see, although our service book is in French as we bought the car (UK spec) in Paris when we were coming back to the UK - we had a LHD Yaris and didn't feel inclined to try to sell it privately in Paris so traded it in with a Toyota dealer for a UK spec RHD RAV4.

I've asked my local Toyota dealer and he said, erm, ah, I think that..., umm, nope, can't see anything about transmission fluid; in other words, they didn't know.

However, I assume from your reply, Mr. A, that there should be something glaringly obvious??

Had another look through the service schedule and, yes, it does mention changing the auto trans fluid at 6yrs or 90K Kms - but only on the Avensis 1.8!

[anchorman]

I had a look at the US schedule. It says the fluid only ever needs changing under severe conditions, i.e. towing.

I wouldn't worry if I were you

[firemac]

I had a look at the US schedule. It says the fluid only ever needs changing under severe conditions, i.e. towing.

I wouldn't worry if I were you

Yes, I think your advice is appropriate Mr. A. I'll go with that.

Thanks to all for your replies.

If it's not too late, Happy New Year, everyone.

Jim