2009 Toyota Matrix with 57K - ATF flush?

[Dumc87]

Recently I changed the oil in my Matrix to Castrol Magnatec 0w20 (Full Synthetic for the price of a blend!) and a PureONE filter. Engine is super smooth! So far impressed with that oil.

That change got me thinking about changing the fluid in the automatic trans. I did some research, but have a few questions I'd like to organize here for future reference:

1) Is it worth to get ATF from Amsoil and just do a drain/fill, or should I drop the pan completely, replace the filter, then do a full fill of an ATF from Amsoil?

2) Anyone know off the top of their head what size Magnefine filter I could use to install on the return feed for the AT? Seems like the Magnefine may be a one-size fits all, but not sure. Haven't installed one of those yet.

3) I'd rather get a more robust fluid than the WS fluid I've read very bland reviews about. I mentioned Amsoil, but curious if Redline or Castrol Import ATF would suffice. The Matrix seems to like Castrol oil, if that means anything.

Thanks!

 

[pbm]

Castrol Import ATF works very well in my b-I-l's Corolla. Amsoil would work well too but why spend extra.

 

[147_Grain]

Buy 2 - 3 gallons of MaxLife LV (Low Viscosity) synthetic ATF for $17.00 each at Walmart and do several drain and fills. The transmission oil pan has a simple plug you can remove with a Torx T-70 socket.

 

[Leo99]

I certainly wouldn't flush it.

I'd drain and fill with WS and be done with it. No reason to get crazy about it. So the WS is bland. The transmission will make it to 300k miles on it just as easily as with fancier ATF.

 

[JustinH]

Originally Posted By: Dumc87
Recently I changed the oil in my Matrix to Castrol Magnatec 0w20 (Full Synthetic for the price of a blend!) and a PureONE filter. Engine is super smooth! So far impressed with that oil.

That change got me thinking about changing the fluid in the automatic trans. I did some research, but have a few questions I'd like to organize here for future reference:

1) Is it worth to get ATF from Amsoil and just do a drain/fill, or should I drop the pan completely, replace the filter, then do a full fill of an ATF from Amsoil?

2) Anyone know off the top of their head what size Magnefine filter I could use to install on the return feed for the AT? Seems like the Magnefine may be a one-size fits all, but not sure. Haven't installed one of those yet.

3) I'd rather get a more robust fluid than the WS fluid I've read very bland reviews about. I mentioned Amsoil, but curious if Redline or Castrol Import ATF would suffice. The Matrix seems to like Castrol oil, if that means anything.

Thanks!


I would not bother with a pan drop. If that car has a drain plug just drain the ATF and refill it with the Toyota spec fluid (is it WS?)

I would not mess with the Magnefine either. I know some guys on here have had great luck, but I had one leak on me when I used rubber oil hose instaed of stainless steel hose and AN fittings.

 

[Blinker]

I had a horrible experience after getting my transmission flushed years ago. Seriously the best way IMO is to drain and fill. Even on a regularly maintained transmission such as mine, a fluid flush can dislodge some sort of gunk and allow it to get caught in a solenoid or somewhere in the valve body. If the flush includes some sort of pre-cleaner then the odds of something getting dislodged go up higher.

I went back to drain/fill only and I resolved my trans issues, and have yet to have any more problems.

 

[demarpaint]

Whatever Toyota specs for ATF in that vehicle is what I'd use. Pull the drain plug and swap it out.

 

[Dumc87]

The Maxlife LV is compatible with WS? I wouldn't mind using Maxlife

 

[Blinker]

Maxlife is what I use in my vehicles but I don't have anything requiring Toyota WS. I have nothing but good things to say about maxlife. There are coutless active threads about maxlife if you want some good afternoon reading!

 

[Blinker]

I just checked the Valvoline website and it says it will work in Toyota WS. The only thing people "don't like" about maxlife is that it hasn't been tested and approved by the manufacturers that it says it works in. It just says "recommended by Valvoline for use in:". Knowing Valvoline though, they have their affairs in order and know what they are doing. And even Honda users with their, sigh, blessed HONDA ATF fluids have been using it with good results. If Valvoline says it will work in your application I wouldn't worry about it one bit.

My father recently topped off his 1967 Camaro original transmission with the quart of maxlife I had laying around.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Originally Posted By: Dumc87
The Maxlife LV is compatible with WS? I wouldn't mind using Maxlife


Yes, Maxlife is compatible with WS

it's also what I'd use since it's the cheapest and most easily available synthetic ATF

 

[Dumc87]

Originally Posted By: stower17
I just checked the Valvoline website and it says it will work in Toyota WS. The only thing people "don't like" about maxlife is that it hasn't been tested and approved by the manufacturers that it says it works in. It just says "recommended by Valvoline for use in:". Knowing Valvoline though, they have their affairs in order and know what they are doing. And even Honda users with their, sigh, blessed HONDA ATF fluids have been using it with good results. If Valvoline says it will work in your application I wouldn't worry about it one bit.

My father recently topped off his 1967 Camaro original transmission with the quart of maxlife I had laying around.


I actually want to start a DRIP investment with Ashland, the parent company of Valvoline, so I actually prefer to use Valvoline products myself.

 

[Dumc87]

Originally Posted By: slacktide_bitog
Originally Posted By: Dumc87
The Maxlife LV is compatible with WS? I wouldn't mind using Maxlife


Yes, Maxlife is compatible with WS

it's also what I'd use since it's the cheapest and most easily available synthetic ATF


Looks like I'll give it a shot then

 

[Blinker]

Originally Posted By: Dumc87
Originally Posted By: stower17
I just checked the Valvoline website and it says it will work in Toyota WS. The only thing people "don't like" about maxlife is that it hasn't been tested and approved by the manufacturers that it says it works in. It just says "recommended by Valvoline for use in:". Knowing Valvoline though, they have their affairs in order and know what they are doing. And even Honda users with their, sigh, blessed HONDA ATF fluids have been using it with good results. If Valvoline says it will work in your application I wouldn't worry about it one bit.

My father recently topped off his 1967 Camaro original transmission with the quart of maxlife I had laying around.


I actually want to start a DRIP investment with Ashland, the parent company of Valvoline, so I actually prefer to use Valvoline products myself.



Oh interesting. Ive never had any qualms using valvoline. Didnt ashland just sell valvoline or is on the process of selling valvoline?

 

[skaughtz]

I'm assuming your Matrix has an ATF dipstick, so if it does and it is the original factory ATF in the transmission, I'd do a cooler line "flush" with MaxLife. It is exactly what I did to my 2007 Camry when it hit 60,000 miles. There are plenty of DIY instructions on how to do drain through the cooler return line. It isn't like a flush that a mechanic would sell you (and that people here are saying to avoid), but rather it will let you slowly replace nearly all of the ATF in one go. Basically just a bunch of drain and fills back to back.

Then at 90,000 miles, drop the pan, change the filter, and do drain and fills every 30,000 miles for however long you have the car and you should be set.

 

[ryanschillinger]

My 2013 Corolla takes WS but I've been running maxlife since 5k. Did cooler line flush at 5k, 30k, and 70k. Works great. Do the cooler line flush so you have all fresh fluid.

 

[Rhymingmechanic]

What trans do you have? If it's a 4-speed, the drain plug might take a 10mm Allen. (That's what my '10 Vibe has.) Also, the 4-speed has an actual filter, not "just a screen" as the web will tell you now and then. A pan drain is easier than an oil change on this car. The pan drop and filter change is probably the easiest I've ever done, too. The Magnefine size should be 5/16. I considered adding one to mine but haven't yet. I have been satisfied with Magnefines on my Chevy pickup.

My fluid looked hammered at 29k when I first drained it (the color of engine oil with a creamy gray sheen). I tested the next drain and it showed high aluminum. The trans seems to work fine, and Al has been steadily decreasing with 1-2 drain and fills per year. I was using WS until the warranty expired, and recently started mixing Maxlife with my remaining WS.

A pan drop doesn't get out much more than a drain and fill, so if you want to switch over completely to a high-dollar fluid, a cooler line flush might be the best way. The drain plug is so convenient that it might be worth a little extra money to do multiple drain/fills, though. Get some extra crush washers if you go that route. NAPA #ATM PB2403 is a nice thick washer like the stock one.

 

[Dumc87]

Originally Posted By: stower17
Originally Posted By: Dumc87
Originally Posted By: stower17
I just checked the Valvoline website and it says it will work in Toyota WS. The only thing people "don't like" about maxlife is that it hasn't been tested and approved by the manufacturers that it says it works in. It just says "recommended by Valvoline for use in:". Knowing Valvoline though, they have their affairs in order and know what they are doing. And even Honda users with their, sigh, blessed HONDA ATF fluids have been using it with good results. If Valvoline says it will work in your application I wouldn't worry about it one bit.

My father recently topped off his 1967 Camaro original transmission with the quart of maxlife I had laying around.


I actually want to start a DRIP investment with Ashland, the parent company of Valvoline, so I actually prefer to use Valvoline products myself.



Oh interesting. Ive never had any qualms using valvoline. Didnt ashland just sell valvoline or is on the process of selling valvoline?


I hope not!
Quick search seems to show that Ashland sold the car-care product line Eagle One, Pyroil and Car Brite. link - Ashland to sell Valvoline's Car-Care product line

I guess they are just focusing on the "important" stuff now lol

 

[Dumc87]

Originally Posted By: Rhymingmechanic
What trans do you have? If it's a 4-speed, the drain plug might take a 10mm Allen. (That's what my '10 Vibe has.) Also, the 4-speed has an actual filter, not "just a screen" as the web will tell you now and then. A pan drain is easier than an oil change on this car. The pan drop and filter change is probably the easiest I've ever done, too. The Magnefine size should be 5/16. I considered adding one to mine but haven't yet. I have been satisfied with Magnefines on my Chevy pickup.

My fluid looked hammered at 29k when I first drained it (the color of engine oil with a creamy gray sheen). I tested the next drain and it showed high aluminum. The trans seems to work fine, and Al has been steadily decreasing with 1-2 drain and fills per year. I was using WS until the warranty expired, and recently started mixing Maxlife with my remaining WS.

A pan drop doesn't get out much more than a drain and fill, so if you want to switch over completely to a high-dollar fluid, a cooler line flush might be the best way. The drain plug is so convenient that it might be worth a little extra money to do multiple drain/fills, though. Get some extra crush washers if you go that route. NAPA #ATM PB2403 is a nice thick washer like the stock one.


2010 Vibe should be identical to my 2009 Matrix. Body kit is a little different, otherwise they are the same down to the frame.

I have looked at the trans pan, and thought holy [censored] that looks easy as pie to change out.

I'm approaching 60K miles, which is why I figure it's a good time as any to change out the filter. Thanks for clarifying it's a filter and not just a screen! Rockauto has filters, but I kept reading screens, so I was a bit confused on that.

The MaxLife looks fine to me! I don't see there being a significant increase in performance going with Redline or Amsoil for this platform. Maybe you can eek out an extra 2 lbs of torque and .025 mpg though! Haha

So now I'm thinking of getting 3 gallons or 12 quarts, doing a line flush, then dropping the pan and replacing the filter. I'll wait on the magnefine for now.