When do you change ATF?

[jjbula]

Just changed ATF in a 2001 Camry V6 at 16K

The fluid looked thick, and dirty, almost like blood. Very deep red. Yuck.

The new fluid is considerably clearer and pink. The old fluid was easy to read on the dipstick and the new very hard to see (clear).

Did I wait too long to change? I thought one should wait until 30K to change, but in hindsight I think I waited too long.

How long is your interval? Do you change it early on the first change?

 

[Kevin in Texas]

quote:

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Originally posted by jjbula:
Just changed ATF in a 2001 Camry V6 at 16K

The fluid looked thick, and dirty, almost like blood. Very deep red. Yuck.

The new fluid is considerably clearer and pink. The old fluid was easy to read on the dipstick and the new very hard to see (clear).

Did I wait too long to change? I thought one should wait until 30K to change, but in hindsight I think I waited too long.

How long is your interval? Do you change it early on the first change?

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I change mine out every May at about 15000 miles. Since I live in hot as Hell Houston, I feel that I need to protect my transmission a little more than others.

I am glad to see more discussions on this board about transmission fluids. I think that this is an area that does not get the attention that it deserves. I have known more people with blown transmissions than I do with worn out or blown engines. To repair an overdrive trans cost around $1500-2000 depending on where you get it done.

 

[metroplex]

15k - 20k

you need an auxiliary oil-to-air transmission cooler along with quality ATF.

I always change the filter and drain the torque converter.