02 Tundra ATF Flush or Drain and Refill?

[kymatt]

Hi folks! First post, I really enjoy reading this forum. I was hoping someone could recommend a good procedure for replacing the ATF in my 2002 Tundra. Some background: Currently has 135k on the clock, ATF fluid was only replaced once around 65-70k mile mark with the Toyota brand ATF. I believe Toyota specs Dex-III for my transmission. At this time I also cleaned with ARX.

Right now, I'm struggling with if I should get another flush on the transmission and replace the fluids with the Toyota fluid, or if I should just start replacing the fluid in the pan with Mobil-1 synthetic. (Or should I do both?)

I'd like to switch to synthetic ATF because I've had such good luck with M-1 10w30 @ 7500k OCI (Wix filters.) Not sure why I don't spend as much time worrying about my transmission as I do my engine.........

 

[unDummy]

You better double check your requirements via the owners manual. T-IV was slowly phased in over the year. You'll want to make sure you don't need it if you want to use DexronIII.

There is nothing special with OEM fluid. IF you can use DexronIII, then any synthetic equivalent ATF would be excellent. These include Ams, M1, RP, RL......

If you require T-IV, your choices are the multivehicle ATFs or a fluid converters. Ams, Pzl, Cstrl..... make excellent multivehicle ATFs.

 

[kymatt]

unDummy,

Thanks for the reply. I also enjoy reading your informative posts to other members. I'll reconfirm what my owners manual says regarding fluid type. Can you recommend the best method to replace the fluids (flush, drain/refill pan, etc.)?

 

[The Critic]

The 02 Tundra takes Dexron-III. The 03 takes T-IV/JWS3309.

Do a 16 qt flush with Pennzoil or Valvoline Dexron-VI in your truck and you'll be set for a long time.

 

[Tones]

I have done the drain-and-fill with the Mobil 1 every 15k since new. I would also recommend that for you. Do a drain-and-fill every oil change for the next few oil changes. It increases the detergency a little more gradually and keeps all the crud from getting suspended at once. No problems mixing in the Mobil 1 ATF like this.

After that, just do a drain-and-fill every 15-20k to keep refreshing the detergency and additive pack.

 

[Steve S]

I just did a filter change "Screen type" on my friends friends 2002 X cab 6 cyl 4x4 Toy Tacoma with 42,000 miles on the original oil I was dark brown "real ugly " smelled good and there was the lowest amount of metal I have ever seen on a magnet in a trans on the 4 pan magnets . It is real easy to do a flush. Use any of the mentioned oils I like Redline oil.

 

[unDummy]

Quote:

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Can you recommend the best method to replace the fluids (flush, drain/refill pan, etc.)?

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Sorry, paragraph making the recommendations didn't show up in post.

I'd flush it. You have too many miles on the ATF and some Toyota's drain way too little ATF via drainplug. If you were to drain/refill, you would need to repeat multiple times to remove the old fluid. This would take all day since you'd want to warm up the transmission after each drain/refill.
Cooler line method would be more efficient.

Another option is to add a drain/refill interval at every oil change. I prefer regular ATF refreshing maintenance over extended intervals.

Most people forget about all the other fluids. The ATF, PSF, BF, gearoils, all need maintenance too.

 

[kymatt]

Thanks again for all the responses. Any concerns with switching to Mobil-1 or Amsoil synthetic when I flush or should I stick with the conventional dex-III or something like maxlife?

 

[unDummy]

There are no concerns when switching to any fluid that can be used in the application.