Do I need to go for a transmission fluid change? The manual says 60,000 miles.

Do I need to change the transmission fluid? The car is a 2009 but has 28,000 miles.

My car has 28000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle should be fine with the existing transmission fluid for another 45,000 miles or so. This is assuming that the transmission functions normally and that there are no signs of excess transmission wear. If your transmission is shifting roughly, is delayed, or making any noises you will want to drain the fluid and perform a full inspection. If you require any further assistance with the vehicle, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

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Toyota Corolla transmission fluid changes are extremely basic to keep your vehicle`s transmission congenial and lubricated. If you don`t routinely change your fluids at least every 30,000 miles or so, you may find that your Toyota Corolla transmission will slip.
FRAM – Full Synthetic Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid: 1 Quart (Part No. F426)
Toyota recommends that vehicles featuring an automatic transmission have their fluid changed every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Vehicles with manual transmissions should have their fluid changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
It`s advised to have the fluid changed in your transmission around every 30,000 miles. This will help keep your transmission constantly running smoothly and preserve its lifespan.
Changing your fluid cannot cause any damage by itself, if everything is fine inside the transmission. The issues start to appear when you change the fluid if your clutches are already worn or damaged from use. If you go and replace the fluid after they are already worn out. this can cause slipping.
If you drive manual, most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you have automatic, you can typically boost that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There`s no harm in changing your fluid early.
Using any other brand of ATF in a Toyota product which requires genuine ATF Type T-IV will seriously affect the performance by way of shift shocks, reduced acceleration and torque, reduced clutch life and will ultimately damage the transmission.
The manufacturer`s maintenance schedule for many automatic transmissions doesn`t call for fresh fluid until 100,000 miles or, with some Ford transmissions, even 150,000 miles. A lot of mechanics say that is too long and that it should be done at least every 50,000 miles.
If it`s bright pink-the fluid is new. No need to change it. If it`s light brown with a hint of pink-It needs to be replaced. If it hasn`t been changed in a long time-it will be very dark brown.
This is precisely the reason most specialist, independent workshops strongly recommend you replace the transmission fluid regularly in cars that come with a “lifetime” fluid. Prevention is better than cure, so keep the fluids fresh before they degrade to the point that the transmission experiences catastrophic failure.
If it`s a deep red or brown color, then it is old and dirty. You need to replace the transmission fluid to avoid any damage to your transmission. Look to see if there are any visible particles as well, as this can also mean you need to change the fluid.
It can be ok in some cases, but only if you can be 100% sure that the fluid is still within its service life, and was removed from the transmission with absolutely no dirt or other contamination getting into it.
Commonly, the shelf life of transmission fluids does not exceed more than 5 years from the date of manufacture. However, this period is specified for tightly closed and sealed (and stored under recommended conditions) products.
Standard transmissions usually don`t need to be replaced during their entire lifetime, whereas some automatic transmissions need replacing around the 200-250,000 km mark. Overall, it is important to maintain regular servicing and maintenance for your transmission.
Experts advise replacing your transmission fluid every 60,000 to 100,000 miles and consider your type of transmission and Toyota usage. For all other fluid maintenance, Toyota advises scheduling an appointment.
Transmission lifespans are determined on a case-by-case basis, and are the result of different contributing factors. Some transmissions can last just over 10,000 miles, while others will last over 200,000 miles.
It is very important that only Toyota Genuine Automatic Transmission Fluid be used in your Toyota vehicle.
Transmission lifespans are determined on a case-by-case basis, and are the result of different contributing factors. Some transmissions can last just over 10,000 miles, while others will last over 200,000 miles.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

There is automatic transmission fluid in a manual transmission. Is it okay to leave or do I need manual transmission fluid?
ANSWER : This would depend on what the manufacturer recommends. Many manual transmissions do take automatic transmission fluid. If your transmission has ATF in it, it is very likely that it is supposed to have that in there. If not, it is likely that the transmission would not function properly with the wrong fluid. Many manual transmissions will also take engine oil as a lubricant. The best way to know for sure is to check your owner’s manual or call your local General Motors dealership to inquire.

Do I need to get the transfer case fluid and transmission fluid changed?
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. I looked at your maintenance schedule for your vehicle and found that for up to 150,000 miles, it only says to inspect the fluid level and not change it. The fluids are special fluids and if you did need any work done (i.e. if there is a leak present or other mechanical problem) then make sure the correct Ford certified fluid is used.

When it is time for you to have your transmission fluid serviced, consider having a certified automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to perform the service for you.

Hope this helps and best of luck!

Do I need to go for a transmission fluid change? The manual says 60,000 miles.
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle should be fine with the existing transmission fluid for another 45,000 miles or so. This is assuming that the transmission functions normally and that there are no signs of excess transmission wear. If your transmission is shifting roughly, is delayed, or making any noises you will want to drain the fluid and perform a full inspection. If you require any further assistance with the vehicle, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

Does this transmission have a transmission filter that can or needs to be change at certain miles?
ANSWER : Most vehicles have an internal transmission filter that can be changed by removing the transmission pan. Some diesel trucks will have an external filter that can be changed just like an oil filter. The transmission filter is usually recommended to be replaced either when the transmission fluid is replaced or around 100,000 miles depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation.

As for which fluid to use, I would recommend looking in you owners manual. Your owners manual will list all fluid specifications that are required for your vehicle including capacity and type. I would always recommend using what the manufacturer recommends for the vehicle.

If you’d like to have your transmission fluid and filter serviced, consider YourMechanic, as one of our mobile technicians can come to your home or office to do so.

Does my transmission fluid need to be changed?
ANSWER : The color of used transmission fluid is not particularly relevant in judging the remaining life of the fluid. If the fluid is visibly contaminated with particulate matter and/or the fluid has a burnt odor, as a consequence of overheating, those would be relevant inspection factors. Fluid with a burnt odor, for example, should be changed at once. There is no recommendation in your Ford manual to change the automatic transmission at any particular interval, assuming the vehicle is used in normal service. However, Ford does clearly state that if the Escape is used for trailer towing the fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles, that is frequently. As a compromise, even though Ford does NOT require it, it is definitely a good maintenance practice to change the fluid at least every 100,000 miles in normal service. As far as the mechanic’s remark that changing the fluid would cause problems, in YOUR circumstances, that is with a relatively new vehicle that has only moderate miles, that advice is technically incorrect and unwise. If you are curious, ask the mechanic to cite specific literature, journal articles, field test data, lab results or other actual, tangible, documentable evidence that there is potential harm. If he supplies such evidence, take it into consideration. If he supplies nothing, you can safely ignore the "advice" that he gave you. If you desire, YourMechanic does perform transmission fluid exchanges on a mobile basis. The service to request would be transmission fluid/filter change. If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

New cars don’t have transmission fluid dipsticks Transmission fluid changing
ANSWER : That’s a very good question. The reason they have gone with no dipsticks is because they don’t want people messing with transmissions other there at the dealership. Some cars went through that a couple of decades ago. They make it a very involved, convoluted process all through, in order to change the fluid on these modern cars. They have special adapters you have to put. Some of them have to have scan computers in order to read the data and what’s in there, and then be able to change it. A lot of these companies claim that this new fluid is the "lifetime" fluid.

Most new use synthetic fluid can last a long time but any fluid is going to get dirty and wear out over time. I would change it at least every 80,000 – 100,000 miles but if you’ve got one that is really hard to change, you are better off hiring a mechanic to do it.

On some of the cars, it would be too hard for the do-it-yourself because of all that equipment you need. The professional mechanics already have that. Just call any good mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, and they will be able to perform a transmission fluid service for you.

Should I change the transmission fluid?
ANSWER : Generally, when the transmission fluid turns a brown color, it has been broken down and is no longer providing the protection needed for the transmission. As you know, the transmission fluid is designed to provide lubrication, protection and hydraulic pressure. As it breaks down over time, it may lose these qualities and lessen the effect on the transmission potentially resulting in transmission problems. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to perform a transmission fluid service.

is it safe to change Transmission Fluid. Hasn’t been changed in a long time. Currently the Transmission is working fine; no slip
ANSWER : I agree with the other mechanic. If the fluid looks dirty then this means the transmission was not serviced for a long time and if you service it then the new fluid will wash out all the clutch material that is being held together by the old fluid. You would be taking a big chance that the transmission will start slipping within a week after you service it.

A 75-point safety inspection is a good idea after long-term storage, and a qualified technician from YourMechanic can perform this for you at your home or office.