2003 Sienna ATF? 94000miles

[Inverse]

Bought this van at 55,000 not sure if any transmission fluid has been changed, seems fine. Would it best to just drop pan clean and refill or bring it somewhere and have them change all fluid. If I just do the drain and fill, can or should I go with synthetic? If so which one? Plan on pulling a small sailboat around this summer. Thanks

 

[mikeg5]

do a coolant line flush and replace with a synthetic. first find out what atf it uses.. if its TIV then use that from toyota. if its DEXIII then use M1, amsoil or another DEXIII synthetic.

 

[Donald]

Given you do not know the condition of the filter or pan bottom and are now at 94000 miles, you need to drop the pan and clean it and change the filter. You then want a total fluid change, so either a cooling line flush or several drain and refills. There are places that will drop the pan, then do a machine flush. But avoid a machine flush only, and run from any place that says their machine flush will clean the filter.

 

[Inverse]

Thanks for the quick replies, I guess I'll try the coolant line flush (as read on amsoil site). The O. Manual say's DEX III so I guess I'll try M1 or do some more research to find the consensus on best atf fluid. Hopefully the pressure isn't to much when pushing out old fluid. Will drop the pan I guess there's a screen or something because they don't mention a filter in the chilton manual. Thanks again.

 

[Pablo]

Best bet will be to drop in Amsoil ATF it really seems to be a good match with AW/Toyota transmissions: Amsoil ATF

 

[unDummy]

If you can use DexronIII, any full synth like M1, RP, RL, Ams... is an excellent choice.

Since you're at ~100k, I would definitely drop the pan, clean it, change filter, refill, and then start the cooler line flush.

Chilton manual is pretty pathetic with certain models. Visit the autoparts stores or dealer for an ATF filter kit. If there is a pan gasket, make sure the replacement is of the same material.

 

[CB900F2]

Pablo.. How does Amsoils ATF fair against (meets spec) Toyotas new synthetic transmission fluid (ATF-WS)?

Thanks Pablo


Originally Posted By: Pablo
Best bet will be to drop in Amsoil ATF it really seems to be a good match with AW/Toyota transmissions: Amsoil ATF

 

[Pablo]

Originally Posted By: CB900F2
Pablo.. How does Amsoils ATF fair against (meets spec) Toyotas new synthetic transmission fluid (ATF-WS)?

Thanks Pablo


Originally Posted By: Pablo
Best bet will be to drop in Amsoil ATF it really seems to be a good match with AW/Toyota transmissions: Amsoil ATF


Amsoil ATF is not recommended for WS applications.

 

[JohnBrowning]

A lot of modern Toyota's do not have a user serviceable filter. Imagine it as more of a slush pan the catch's the clutch pack material kind of like a 49'er panning for gold!

 

[Inverse]

Do you always have to replace the gasket when you drop the pan? I assume there's no sealant necessary? Most of the Toyota parts sites online specify T-IV when I punch in my info, the book says "Toyota Genuine ATF D-II or Dexron III (Dextron II)" Seems like a lot of debate between multi-vehicle synthetics and OEM fluids for the tranny. Thanks for everyones input.

 

[The Critic]

2003 Sienna models just use Dexron. In this case, you should use Dexron-VI.

2004-2006 Sienna models use T-IV.

2007+ Sienna models take WS.