Why won't Texaco change my ATF?
 

Hello,

I have a transmission fluid question.

I recently bought a '97 ES 300 with around 144,000 miles on it. Before getting it I got a lemonsquad inspection and one of the things the inspector pointed out was dirty transmission fluid. (He showed me directly.)

No biggie, I will just get that changed first thing.

So I go to a local Texaco where I usually get oil changes and inspections and they turn me away because the car has more then 100K miles on it.

Why would they do this?

What is an appropriate way for me to get this done? Should I go to a dealer?

Thanks!

Were you looking for a drain and fill, or a flush?

Many shops will avoid flushing older transmissions because it can remove fluid varnish that has built up on various parts and become part of the way the transmission works. After flushing this varnish out the transmission will no longer work the same. They are watching out for the car owner while watching out for themselves at the same time.

Assuming they offer it they should have no issue doing a drain and fill.

When I asked I didn't know the difference and just wanted the fluid to be changed.

I have since found out thanks to this forum.

I am glad they did not break my car!

Just get a drain and refill you should be fine. Dont flush.