Does Sienna (2000) need transmission oil flush?

Hi Ray,

You meant that I would have to replace the plug? Could I just put the old
one back?

Thanks.
JD

"Ray O" wrote in message

>
> "JD" wrote in message
>
>> Hi,
>>
>> I have a 2000 Sienna. My dealer told me that Toyota doesn't recommend
>> transmission flush. He also said I don't need to change transmission oil
>> filter. What I need is simply to drain the old oil and then refill. Is it
>> true? If so, is it difficult to change the oil by myself? Your help is
>> much appreciated.
>>
>> JD
>
> A check of your owner's manual will show that toyota will recommend that
> the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) be replaced, not flushed.
>
> The drawback to flushing an automatic transmission that has not been
> flushed regularly is that flushing can dislodge accumulated clutch lining
> material and clog interior passages and valves.
>
> Toyota uses a screen, not a filter in automatic transmissions.
>
> Changing the ATF in your Sienna is fairly easy. Remove the drain plug
> from the transmission pan, replace the plug, and fill from the
> transmission dipstick tube. Make sure that you use the correct fluid
> noted in your owner's manual and on the transmission dipstick. A drain
> and refill does not get all of the fluid out, so you might want to drain
> and refill again the next time you change your engine oil.
> --
>
> Ray O
> (correct punctuation to reply)
>
 >> Stay informed about: Does Sienna (2000) need transmission oil flush? 

"JD" wrote in message

> Hi,
>
> I have a 2000 Sienna. My dealer told me that Toyota doesn't recommend
> transmission flush. He also said I don't need to change transmission oil
> filter. What I need is simply to drain the old oil and then refill. Is it
> true? If so, is it difficult to change the oil by myself? Your help is
> much appreciated.
>
> JD


What does the manual say?
 >> Stay informed about: Does Sienna (2000) need transmission oil flush? 

On Oct 17, 3:32 pm, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:
> "JD" wrote in message
>
>
>
> > Hi,
>
> > I have a 2000 Sienna. My dealer told me that Toyota doesn't recommend
> > transmission flush. He also said I don't need to change transmission oil
> > filter. What I need is simply to drain the old oil and then refill. Is it
> > true? If so, is it difficult to change the oil by myself? Your help is
> > much appreciated.
>
> > JD
>
> What does the manual say?

You are probably over due , its easy to do. Getting the correct level
is hard.
 >> Stay informed about: Does Sienna (2000) need transmission oil flush? 

Hi,

Most mechanics either didn't tell me the truth or have no true knowledge.
They told me to flush (about $90) or change the filter, gasket, etc (about
$180). The dealer is the most professional. He told me to replace the oil
only. However, the cost is $60 which I think it's expensive. It's even
easier than engine oil change which requires a filter changed. Based on
your replies, it shuold be a fairly easy task which I can do by myself.
Thanks for all your help.

JD

"ransley" wrote in message

On Oct 17, 3:32 pm, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:
> "JD" wrote in message
>
>
>
> > Hi,
>
> > I have a 2000 Sienna. My dealer told me that Toyota doesn't recommend
> > transmission flush. He also said I don't need to change transmission oil
> > filter. What I need is simply to drain the old oil and then refill. Is
> > it
> > true? If so, is it difficult to change the oil by myself? Your help is
> > much appreciated.
>
> > JD
>
> What does the manual say?

You are probably over due , its easy to do. Getting the correct level
is hard.
 >> Stay informed about: Does Sienna (2000) need transmission oil flush? 

He meant put the plug back in after draining, which should be obvious, but
Ray tends to (correctly) mention every single step as if you were reading a
service manual.

Having said this, my mechanic always replaces the oil pan drain plug
***WASHER***. He's picky. If your tranny drain plug has a washer and you're
in the mood, you might want to change that washer. Or not.

Let the debate begin.


"JD" wrote in message

> Hi Ray,
>
> You meant that I would have to replace the plug? Could I just put the old
> one back?
>
> Thanks.
> JD
>
> "Ray O" wrote in message
>
>>
>> "JD" wrote in message
>>
>>> Hi,
>>>
>>> I have a 2000 Sienna. My dealer told me that Toyota doesn't recommend
>>> transmission flush. He also said I don't need to change transmission oil
>>> filter. What I need is simply to drain the old oil and then refill. Is
>>> it true? If so, is it difficult to change the oil by myself? Your help
>>> is much appreciated.
>>>
>>> JD
>>
>> A check of your owner's manual will show that toyota will recommend that
>> the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) be replaced, not flushed.
>>
>> The drawback to flushing an automatic transmission that has not been
>> flushed regularly is that flushing can dislodge accumulated clutch lining
>> material and clog interior passages and valves.
>>
>> Toyota uses a screen, not a filter in automatic transmissions.
>>
>> Changing the ATF in your Sienna is fairly easy. Remove the drain plug
>> from the transmission pan, replace the plug, and fill from the
>> transmission dipstick tube. Make sure that you use the correct fluid
>> noted in your owner's manual and on the transmission dipstick. A drain
>> and refill does not get all of the fluid out, so you might want to drain
>> and refill again the next time you change your engine oil.
>> --
>>
>> Ray O
>> (correct punctuation to reply)
>>
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: Does Sienna (2000) need transmission oil flush? 

The simple drain/refill would be similar to an oil change. Actually
easier because there is no filter canister to remove/install.

However, a proper tranny service after all many years/miles should
include the cleaning of the ATF pan and while in there replace the
strainer. A $15-20 Fram ATF kit works well. You would likely find a
layer of black sludge on the bottom and coated on magnets. You can't
clean a strainer effectively with compressed air because it takes the
path of least resistance.

Cleanliness is very important because lint can jam valves. Also
measure the amount you drained and add back the proper amount.
Otherwise the tranny can be damaged. Check the fluid level as
specified to ensure proper fill.

Use the proper fluid. The new Mobil-1 fully synthetic ATF is an
excellent choice if you need Toyota Type IV:
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Other_Products/Mobil_1_Sy...etic_AT

Otherwise low cost Walmart Dexron III compatible fluid works well
too.

A Haynes manual at Pep Boys can help you with that. 92090 Toyota
Sienna Haynes Repair Manual for 1998 thru 2002



On Oct 17, 3:22 pm, "JD" wrote:
> Hi,
>
> Most mechanics either didn't tell me the truth or have no true knowledge.
> They told me to flush (about $90) or change the filter, gasket, etc (about
> $180).  The dealer is the most professional.  He told me to replace the oil
> only.  However, the cost is $60 which I think it's expensive.  It's even
> easier than engine oil change which requires a filter changed.  Based on
> your replies, it shuold be a fairly easy task which I can do by myself.
> Thanks for all your help.
>
> JD
 >> Stay informed about: Does Sienna (2000) need transmission oil flush? 

Looks like the Sienna uses the same A540E transmission as in the
Camry. Generally speaking, under severe service, the fluid should be
changed no longer than 30K miles. That's the design interval for
Dexron III during severe service. The new Dexron VI has 50K/100K
intervals for severe and normal service. But always no longer than
factory intervals, because some trannys can wear more than usual.

Of course, 15K miles and clean the pan w/ new strainer will better
help rid the wear particles. These Aisins are relatively dirty. Better
fluids will last longer, but the transmission still dump a lot of
debris into it. So I'd go with a shorter interval.

Again, automatic transmissions service require cleanliness and
following procedures. Do so and you'll be fine.

Fram ATF kit, FT1142 ($10.21+shipping, clearance on rockauto.com)
http://info.rockauto.com/Honeywell/FRAMDetail.html?FT1142_031006.jpg&F...42Gaske



On Oct 17, 1:22 pm, "JD" wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I have a 2000 Sienna. My dealer told me that Toyota doesn't recommend
> transmission flush. He also said I don't need to change transmission oil
> filter. What I need is simply to drain the old oil and then refill. Is it
> true? If so, is it difficult to change the oil by myself? Your help is much
> appreciated.
>
> JD
 >> Stay informed about: Does Sienna (2000) need transmission oil flush? 

"JD" wrote in message

> Hi Ray,
>
> You meant that I would have to replace the plug? Could I just put the old
> one back?
>
> Thanks.
> JD
>

You can re-use the transmission drain plug.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)
 >> Stay informed about: Does Sienna (2000) need transmission oil flush? 

"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message

> He meant put the plug back in after draining, which should be obvious, but
> Ray tends to (correctly) mention every single step as if you were reading
> a service manual.
>
> Having said this, my mechanic always replaces the oil pan drain plug
> ***WASHER***. He's picky. If your tranny drain plug has a washer and
> you're in the mood, you might want to change that washer. Or not.
>
> Let the debate begin.
>

It is a good idea to replace the old drain plug washer with a new one,
however, I rarely do so and have not had any problems with leaks or seepage.
My local Toyota dealer always give me a new washer with each engine oil
filter and so now I have a bunch of them sitting on my parts shelf.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)
 >> Stay informed about: Does Sienna (2000) need transmission oil flush? 

On Oct 18, 12:58 am, "Ray O"
wrote:
> "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message
>
>
>
> > He meant put the plug back in after draining, which should be obvious, but
> > Ray tends to (correctly) mention every single step as if you were reading
> > a service manual.
>
> > Having said this, my mechanic always replaces the oil pan drain plug
> > ***WASHER***. He's picky. If your tranny drain plug has a washer and
> > you're in the mood, you might want to change that washer. Or not.
>
> > Let the debate begin.
>
> It is a good idea to replace the old drain plug washer with a new one,
> however, I rarely do so and have not had any problems with leaks or seepage.
> My local Toyota dealer always give me a new washer with each engine oil
> filter and so now I have a bunch of them sitting on my parts shelf.
> --
>
> Ray O
> (correct punctuation to reply)

I don't think I've ever had to replace a drain plug washer on any car.
And I've never had one leak. I've changed the oil in the Corolla
at least 4-5 times already since I've had it, and it's still the same
one. As long as you don't overly crush them, they don't fall apart.
Well, maybe after 129 times or so they might... :/
Or if you over torque it every time..
 >> Stay informed about: Does Sienna (2000) need transmission oil flush?