The Toyota Landcruiser Owners Club

[Kev 4.7]

Hi Guys

Does anyone know when you should change the automatic transmission fluid and filter. I have a 2006 4.2 TD and can't find anything in the service history to say it has been done.

Cheers

[Google]

[Edward]

I think, since you don't have any service history to show the ATF has not been changed,  it is fair to assume that it has never been replaced. I would say 10 years seems a good time get it done. Of course, the frequency will depend on many factors like do you use it for towing, heavy loads, mileage etc.

[RADIOTWO]

[Kev 4.7]

Yes I do use it for towing a large caravan. My concern is that sometimes when going up the gears it takes a long time to change into 4th and then very quickly changes to 5th. I don't have to be towing for this to happen, just thought a oil and filter change might do it good.

[andy]

I thought some of the newer amazons had the fluid for life system, also they didn't get the dipstick and filler tube, but I might be talking shit.
_________________
It's Not a Bl**dy Jeep it's a Landcruiser
150 series Invincible X
100 Series VX Limited
Mercedes Sprinter 311 Luton
1993 VX80 4.2td SOLD
1996 Hilux Surf SSR-G Intercooler Sold
1994 Hilux Surf SSR-V Sold

[Kev 4.7]

Yes Andy I had the same idea as you, but was very surprised when I got a very big bill from Jaguar for changing my fluid and filter on it. They said that "sealed for life" means I don't need to check it but the recommendation from Jaguar is change the fluid and filter at around 60k - 80k depending on use.

[Edward]

The newer Amazons have the non dipstick A750F transmission with "fluid for life" (filled with Toyota WS fluid vs. T IV fluid); so in theory, don't need a fluid change for the life of the vehicle - but this does not mean the fluid cannot or should not be changed. Suggest you do a search on "A750F ATF change", read up and make up you own mind on whether it is something you want to do on your vehicle. If you decide to do the fluid change, use only Toyota WS ATF.

[andy]

Well I didn't dream it then, so did a search and came up with This
_________________
It's Not a Bl**dy Jeep it's a Landcruiser
150 series Invincible X
100 Series VX Limited
Mercedes Sprinter 311 Luton
1993 VX80 4.2td SOLD
1996 Hilux Surf SSR-G Intercooler Sold
1994 Hilux Surf SSR-V Sold

[Kev 4.7]

Hi Guys

Went to my nearest dealer to find out about the fluid change and they say the fluid should be checked every 40k. In 75% of cases nothing is needed to be done with the fluid so is just left alone. They did say if you are towing heavy loads on a regular basis this can affect the fluid as it may get overheated under heavy loads and steep inclines.

I should explain why I think there is a problem. When going up the gears it stays a long time in 3rd gear then when it changes up to 4th it almost immediately changes into 5th even on a flat road. I understand that most autos have a sensor to keep in in gear longer when going up hills but even going up hills it changes from 4th to 5th to quick for my liking.

[Edward]

So did you get your ATF checked by them?
My suggestion, would be to see if there are any faults logged on the system and also to get the ATF changed. Apart from that, if it is not broken don't fix it (or at least learn to live with this "feature"), as the shift control electronics are complicated in this vehicle.

[Kev 4.7]

It's going in next Thursday to get checked. They checked up on the computer and it hasn't been logged as done. when I had my 99 V8 I changed the fluid and filter on it, but this new one is out of my league after looking at the procedure (to scared of getting it wrong).

The service manager said they would check for fault codes anyway. He's coming out on a test drive with me to see what I'm talking about. Also it'll let me know if i'm worrying about nothing.  I'll keep everyone posted of the outcome.

[Kev 4.7]

Hi folks

Went to my local dealer yesterday to let them look at my gearbox and they have found a big problem with it. They took out the level plug from the sump and there was lost of small metal fillings on the magnet and the fluid in the box is dark grey. They think that one of the plates in the clutch assembly is slowly destroying itself.

They have checked for fault codes and there was nothing logged, When i asked, surely when it changes so quickly would that not show a fault. They say because it does change albeit quickly the box might not throw up a fault. They asked how long I've had the vehicle as someone has been in the box before as the plug with WS on it has been removed before and a new seal fitted.

I've only had the car six months, only thing I have done is change the timing belt because it had never been done. I thought although it only had 47k when I bought it that 9 years is a long time for a belt to be on.

The upshot of it is get it repaired or fit a new box. My thoughts are get a new box as it'll be off the road for a while getting repaired and there will always be a nagging doubt it may go wrong again.

[Edward]

New box!! - how much is that going to cost? - I think a rebuild be around the £1800 mark.

[Kev 4.7]

Hi Edward

New box is about £3000 plus fitting so about £4500. I've been looking around up here to see who would do it, when I say it's the new style box that's "sealed for life" I get a lot of Oohs and Ahhs. Garage said 10-14 days for the box and 3 days to fit. One guy I spoke to said rebuild would be 6-8 weeks maybe, also depends on what parts he will need when it's stripped apart.

[Edward]

I assume those are Mr T prices? OK, if you want a brand new box then I guess not much you can do about the 3K cost (having said that have you looked into sourcing the part yourself? Amayama etc?), but certainly the fitting cost of £1500 seems excessive to me (I think it will cost around 8 hours/£300-£400 mark for a auto box specialist to fit it). Also beware main dealers, regularly farm out this kind of specialist work, so make sure you don't pay OTT for fitting. I suggest you get some quotes for a auto gearbox specialists before committing to doing the repair.