I own a 2002 LS430 with 180,000 miles. I have flushed the transmission fluid every 30,000 through the trans cooler line with about 10-12 quarts of new T-IV fluid.

I have never dropped the pan or (obviously) changed the filter.

So, I have a couple of questions since it's been about 30,000 miles since last flush.

1. Is the trans filter truly a filter, or is it just a metal mesh screen?
2. Should I drop the pan, clean it and the magnets and replace the filter?
3. Keep doing what I am doing; flush through the trans cooler lines?

I have a very strong preference to NOT drop the pan (if it ain't broke, don't fix it). There's zero leaks and I prefer not to inadvertently introduce any through the trans pan! However, I don't know what the likelihood is that the filter might have started to get clogged (or restricting some flow) after 180,000 miles or whether it's worth dropping the pan to clean the magnets.

Understanding there's MANY different opinions out there (I've searched the forum on this topic), what do you guys recommend in my situation?

 

1) The transmission has 3 removable magnets attached to the pan, AND an oil strainer that is held in by 4 bolts and 3 non-reusable gaskets. Clogged magnets would not restrict flow and there is no "transmission filter" mentioned in the service documentation.
2) Service manual exact instructions are: Remove the magnets and use them to collect steel particles. Carefully look at the foreign matter and particles in the pan and on the magnets to anticipate the type of wear you will find in the transmission. Steel (magnetic) indicates bearing, gear, and clutch plate wear. Brass (non-magnetic) indicates bushing wear. There is nothing mentioned about cleaning the oil strainer.
3) I would keep doing what you are doing unless you are experiencing problems. The 2002 maintenance interval for transmission fluid is every 60000mi (96000km) - you are changing it twice as fast as recommended. The 2002 LX 470 is the only model requiring 30000mi ATF fluid changes.

Based on the service docs, the magnets aren't meant to be used as a filter and do not restrict flow. They just help identify current and future wear.

This is just my opinion (and I am not throughly experienced in transmissions), but I think that even if the magnets were fully clogged from 180,000 miles of driving, your fluid changes are so frequent that particles don't have enough time to build up, circulate, and damage transmission components.

I personally would continue with the fluid changes and repair problems as they come up. No need to replace internal transmission components if they still function as intended.

 

You are changing the transmission fluid almost too frequently. Do it every 30,000 miles only if you live in a very dusty, dirty environment. The cars service guide says to only use Toyota Type IV fluid for a 2002. I would do that.

I would probably not drop the pan in your case. Your frequent ATF changes will probably give you many more miles and is cheap insurance for the transmission. By the way, I'll bet the magnets probably are full of particles. That is normal since there will always be some wear.

Next time drain the three quarts of oil from the pan first. Replace that, then pump the rest out through the cooler line. Seven to eight quarts should just about do the job. I would not use a flushing machine, but then that is just my opinion.

Loren

 

Thanks for the reply's.

I am not going to drop the pan, I'll just flush through the cooler lines like I've been doing.

I may increase the interval from 30,000 to 45,000 or so but won't go to 60,000. My wife primarily drives the car and most trips are stop and go and less than 5-6 miles.

For ~$60 worth of fluid every couple of years, that's more than cheap insurance! Car is 14 years old, 180,000 miles and the transmission still shifts like the day it was new!

Thanks again!

 

I drained about 3.5 quarts from the transmission pan. Fluid was a dark red color.

Refilled with 3.5 quarts, disconnected cooler return line and drained 2 quarts at a time. Stopped car, refilled with 2 quarts and repeated. Took 15-16 quarts (including original 3.5) before fluid came out bright red.

It had been about 45K since last flush.

In my opinion, draining the pan and refilling is better than nothing, but frankly is hardly worth the effort. If you want to maintain the transmission, you really need to flush it using the cooler lines.