Transmission fluid drain

I would. It's a simple, preemptive service.

The main issue is dealership resistance: it's not in the US maintenance schedule. If there's more than one dealer in your area it makes an interesting excercise to see how they each respond to the request.

I changed our 3rd gen's at 15000~ kms, no qualms.

 

I changed mine at 60,000 miles. Toyota has concerns as it is a sealed unit, free of contaminants until someone opens it, but the fluid DOES breakdown over time. Whatever mileage you decide to do your fluid change, keep doing it, as now that you have opened the transaxle, the risk of contaminants is higher.

 

I asked at 60,000 miles the service writer commented that it was not due yet, and I told him I wanted it. Later the mechanic came in and said it was not due yet, and I told him I wanted it. It was $109 at Kirk Toyota In Genada MS.

Be polite and firm. (ideally in 24,000 miles <G>)

 

Yes, it did it myself as well, it's not that difficult.Things to consider:

1. Ideally, you should get replacement washers for the drain and fill bolts, find out the torque spec's and use a torque wrench. With 3rd gen both plugs are identical, needing 10mm hex (male), and the torque is 29 ft/lb for both. 2nd gen is a little different I think.

2. Take the fill plug out first, just to test the waters. You don't want to drain, and then find the fill plug stuck.

3. Because of the level check method, you should have the car raised and level, likely jackstands all around.

When I did the change my wife poured the ATF-WS fluid, and I guess I should have cautioned her to go slower when getting close to spec. amount: had to let it drip back out for a fair while.

And just to make sure, after a day's drive, I raised it again and took out the top plug to re-check level. It had not changed.