Transmission fluid change at 120K miles? What is transaxle fluid?

[elendilmir]

I have decided to drive my 02 until the wheels fall off, God willing at 200K +. I just called my dealership to find out what had been done and when. My coolant has been changed regularly, (every 30K miles), the tires rotated, my inverter coolant was changed at 90K, filters changed regularly and all of that.

They have been checking my transmission fluid, but not changed it. I've been obsessing on high mileage maintenance issues in the forum, and transmission fluid changes are a common theme. Should I have it changed despite their not changing it? Should I just wait for my next service at 120K and if they don't change it, just ask them to for good measure?

Also, I am puzzled by the term "transaxle fluid". How is this different from transmission fluid? Is it another term for axle grease?

[Patrick Wong]

Front wheel drive vehicles have transaxles. That one assembly combines the transmission and differential components found in rear wheel drive vehicles.

Regardless whether you refer to the liquid within as "transaxle fluid" or "transmission fluid", it should be changed now. The drain pan should be removed and the interior cleaned. The Classic transaxle uses 5 US quarts of Toyota ATF T-IV.

Regarding coolant, if your dealer is using the red Toyota Long Life Coolant then both the engine and inverter coolant should be changed at 30K mile intervals. If the pink Super Long Life Coolant is being used then the service interval is 50K miles.

You didn't mention iridium spark plugs, and the service interval is 60K miles.