17 Years Later, Trans Filter/Fluid Change

[BISCUT]

Just changed the trans filter and fluid on a new to me 95 Camry 2.2L with 68k miles. Surprise, surprise, the fluid was much better than I expected. Wasn't cherry red but wasnt burnt at all. Medium color.

Since I will be going with MaxLife transmission fluid in wifes 10 Armada (meets Nisan Matic-S) I used it in the Camry. Shifts rather nice and smoothly!

Filter looked pretty [censored] good as well.

 

[JHZR2]

good to do PM! Congrats, most dont!

 

[ltslimjim]

I changed the fluid on a 230,000 mile transmission in a Nissan Maxima, 1995. I used MaxLife Dex/Merc from Valvoline as well. I could have used more current Nissan fluid, not used to these vehicles yet experience/knowledge wise, for more current but I figured the MaxLife is better than the original factory fill fluid anyway.

The old was last changed at 160,000 or so, not sure if the filter was changed or not so we're going to do a pan drop/filter change and fluid top off in another month or two, maybe more. So that's 70,000 miles since the last service. The old fluid was really dark red as it dripped from the pan's drain bolt, but it was only warm when drained, car shifts fine still. Just going to do the filter soon since that part of the service history was unknown.

 

[eagle23]

That's a longlived vehicle; one of Toyota's best.

The AT is not a weak spot that I ever encountered.

I had a '95 that I put 165k on, sold to my GF at the time, who much later sold it to her sister and BIL. Last I heard it had well north of 200k without any odd issues.

Sounds like a really nice find.

 

[BISCUT]

Since my other vehicle is a F-150 that averages 13.8 MPG I'm very excited to have my HOOPDIE!!

I did all I could to her; rotors and brakes all around, tires, trand filter/fluid change, fuel filter, PCV Valve, betls, plugs and wires...

All that's left is the timing chain and I hope another 100k miles at 30MPG!

 

[artificialist]

Such an early Camry may have a separate place for the differential which also would take Dexron type ATF. Check your manual and replace it.

Did you replace the PSF with new ATF? It would be a smart move to keep everything in good shape.

 

[eagle23]

Originally Posted By: artificialist
Such an early Camry may have a separate place for the differential which also would take Dexron type ATF. Check your manual and replace it.

Did you replace the PSF with new ATF? It would be a smart move to keep everything in good shape.


Good ideas here. My '95 V6 had a separate differential.

Also, consider using synthetic ATF for the power steering (as I recall, it calls for ATF but check the book). Reason I say that, is mine began to feel stiff in cold weather. I changed the PS fluid to Mobil 1 ATF and it never occurred again. Maxlife would be just as suitable today; I don't know that it existed circa 1998.

You can create a controlled leak by cracking loose one of the fittings at the steering rack and letting the very thin leak...about the size of a pencil lead...drain the system with the engine running at warm idle. No damage to the pump as film remains and it's only for a very short time (probably 5-10 seconds---you'll hear the pump sound change) with no steering loading. It drains most everything and then just refill, turn it lock to lock a few times and you're good to go.

I'll probably get flamed for that suggestion

but it works. Considering that PS pumps can run with little fluid for a long time and survive (ask me how I know this, from my daughter's old car years ago), this isn't a problem for a few seconds...unless you're a BITOGER

 

[Donald]

My 94 Camry had a separate front diff. I used Amsoil ATF in it.

 

[BISCUT]

Suctioned the PWR Steer fluid and replaced with Mobil 1 ATF. Going to do it again soon. Also did the brake fluid.

The book gives a fill specification (ATF Fluid) for a differential but mine doesn't have one. I know because I had to have my mechanic replace the front axles...booties were totally shot.