Hi all,
I just bought a used 2005 Highlander V6 3.3 L AWD with 125k miles. Impeccable carfax with regular maintenance except for differential and perhaps transmission oil changes. Two main questions for the community:
1. Carfax indicates transmission flush about 20 k miles ago. I think think this was done at a dealer and looks like the first time done. I would like to do the transmission oil again to be sure I know the fluid I have in there. I will go with genuine Toyota ATF but should I drop the pan and change the transmission filter too? Some YouTube videos encourage this, seemingly if only to clean off two magnets in the pan (one video showing a Highlander with quite a bit of metal fines) however then I saw these two videos below which then nearly convinced me it is not needed or even recommended unless you know something is amiss with the transmission. Emphasis is on the fact that transmissions are sealed systems (although the highlander does have a dipstick" and hence not subject to the same filtration requirements for engine oil. The second video was quite interesting when he cut open the filter which only showed small metal particles rather than sludge, etc. which was why the YouTuber emphasizes filter changes are not needed. I would probably do the job but there is always the risk of the gasket slipping during installation or some other mishap so looking to the community for input here.
2. The shop that did the prepurchase inspection for me indicated a "front and rear differential" and said the oil does need to be changed. Not surprising as the owners indicated this has never been done. I'm looking at the owners manual and it indicates a "Transfer" and a "Rear Differential". I assume by "Transfer" this is the transfer case that the shop called the front differential? Oil specs for both are SAE 90 for above 0 F and SAE 80W or 80W-90 for below 0F. I am in Colorado and although not the higher elevations here, it can definitely dip below 0F. Does this mean I should go for the 80W or 80W-90?
TIA to all for input!
I just bought a used 2005 Highlander V6 3.3 L AWD with 125k miles. Impeccable carfax with regular maintenance except for differential and perhaps transmission oil changes. Two main questions for the community:
1. Carfax indicates transmission flush about 20 k miles ago. I think think this was done at a dealer and looks like the first time done. I would like to do the transmission oil again to be sure I know the fluid I have in there. I will go with genuine Toyota ATF but should I drop the pan and change the transmission filter too? Some YouTube videos encourage this, seemingly if only to clean off two magnets in the pan (one video showing a Highlander with quite a bit of metal fines) however then I saw these two videos below which then nearly convinced me it is not needed or even recommended unless you know something is amiss with the transmission. Emphasis is on the fact that transmissions are sealed systems (although the highlander does have a dipstick" and hence not subject to the same filtration requirements for engine oil. The second video was quite interesting when he cut open the filter which only showed small metal particles rather than sludge, etc. which was why the YouTuber emphasizes filter changes are not needed. I would probably do the job but there is always the risk of the gasket slipping during installation or some other mishap so looking to the community for input here.
2. The shop that did the prepurchase inspection for me indicated a "front and rear differential" and said the oil does need to be changed. Not surprising as the owners indicated this has never been done. I'm looking at the owners manual and it indicates a "Transfer" and a "Rear Differential". I assume by "Transfer" this is the transfer case that the shop called the front differential? Oil specs for both are SAE 90 for above 0 F and SAE 80W or 80W-90 for below 0F. I am in Colorado and although not the higher elevations here, it can definitely dip below 0F. Does this mean I should go for the 80W or 80W-90?
TIA to all for input!