It's about time to change the transmission fluid in the 2013 Sienna. Did a flush when we bought it (almost 90,000 miles back) and completely exchanged al fluid with the BG Transmission fluid. Been doing a simple drain and fill ever since. Changing the filter doesn't seem to be a standard part of the procedure on these Toyota "sealed" transmissions. But I've watched several videos lately where others have lifted the transmission a few inches off the mount or used an end wrench to access the two bolts that are "inaccessible." So, I'm thinking of giving that a try. At 185,000 miles it seems like it might be a reasonable thing to do. One reason I'm considering it is that I'm noticing a sort of hydraulic whine on cold winter mornings when backing it out of the garage. Seems to clear up once everything warms up. I'm wondering if an old filter may be restricting fluid flow when cold. Any thoughts? Is it worth the effort, especially since it doesn't seem like a common thing to replace the filter on these?
Sienna Trans fluid change...filter too???
- Thread starter DanielinTheLions
- Start date
I have never replaced the filter on my 2006. I got it at 200k, and I doubt anyone before me replaced it. It is now at 245k miles. It is a different transmission than yours, but I believe both just have a screen for a filter. Unless your ATF is very dirty, I would personally not bother with a filter change.
Ahh, that actually brings up another reason I was considering the replacement. Best I can tell these transmissions actually have a filter medium for the filter instead of the more traditional screen. I'm not sure what type of medium or what the filtration rate is or anything but the medium definitely looks more the the medium in an engine oil filter.
Maybe they changed it for the Gen 3 Sienna with the 6 speed. I have the older 5 speed.
This has the U660E right?
I believe that's correct, but don't quote me an that...
Transmission filters don't do anything meaningful, and replacing them is usually a waste of time 
Even cars with spin-on transmission filters say they don't need to be replaced unless damaged.
Even cars with spin-on transmission filters say they don't need to be replaced unless damaged.
On my 2005 Camry, it has the U250E transmission. Car has been serviced around every 60K miles for transmission fluid change/flush, but didn't change the filter until 240K miles. Even then, the fluid was still good and didn't appear burnt.
I see guys claiming that if the AB60 (ie 2nd Gen Tundras) don't shift cold but then shift fine when warm it's because the screen (filter) is clogged. While I agree it sorta plays out in theory, I'm VERY skeptical -- that screen would have to be really stuffed up to reduce flow that much I'd think??Transmission filters don't do anything meaningful, and replacing them is usually a waste of time
Even cars with spin-on transmission filters say they don't need to be replaced unless damaged.
Some of the U660E's will have that noise, some louder than others. Normal characteristic.
Confirmed, it is the U660E, says so right on the little sticker in the driver's door.
That's helpful to know. Probably don't need to factor that into the decision then.
That's helpful to know. Probably don't need to factor that into the decision then.