Transmission fluid

[Stepheeen]

Hello everyone. My 2008 Corolla E150 1.4 d4d has reached 230000 kms now and started to make a slight humming sound in 3rd gear, barely noticeable and sometimes, especially when the car is on uneven road, shifting into 3rd comes with some grinding. 

It seems like low transmission fluid symptoms so i will change it. 

Did anyone change it? What oil did you put in? 

Thanks! 

 

[TonyHSD]

At these years and mileage if the fluid hasn’t been ever changed perhaps it’s better just to drive like that. You can undo the filler plug and check level , then drain it and look for metal colour in the fluid. If it’s really bad you can replace with new. Good practice to use original Toyota fluid exact spec as per the book. If it’s gl-4 do not use gl-5.  Castrol oils for manual transmission are very good one. Remember, often after transmission fluid change the noises become more pronounced. 

[Stepheeen]

Indeed the fluid had never been changed and I've heard stories of transmission going worse after oil change but as far as I know, this 5 speed gearbox is less problematic on fluid replacement. 

I forgot to mention that the noise is noticeable just between aproximately 1800 to 2200 rpm and is resembles the sound that the transmission makes when shifting in reverse, but less noticeable. 

I was thinking of using Ravenol VSG 75w90 because it s got positive feedback from users and I also use engine oil from the same producer and I'm very pleased with it. 

I will ask the mechanic to check the fluid level and decide what to do next.