Toyota Corolla Automatic Transmission Fluid WS Change

Toyota states their automatic transmission fluid is a "million mile" fluid which implies that it doesn't need to be changed. So let's find out today if Toyota is right or not.

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[JeremyDevries]

Just for future reference. As a 20+ year service manager. You can't base a fluid change based on color. The dye thats added differs in color and some are browner than others while others have more red dye. Its considered deceptive sales practices and attorney Generals in several states have gone after shops for this.
We can only go by manufacturers recommendation. But I would never trust any fluid for the lifetime of the vehicle.

[garrettm]

Manufacturers call their fluids “lifetime” because it will cover through the warranty. Once that warranty is done, either parts will need to be replaced on your dime or you will buy the newest version of their product. I say change the fluids when needed regardless of what the manufacturer says. Changing a fluid too soon will not hurt your vehicle, but changing too late can cause catastrophic damage and the need for a rebuild.

[gottfriedj]

My 2005 Avalon was shifting hard at 155K miles. 3 changes, putting back the same amount that came out. I never had the issue again, now my 2012 corolla at 90K miles was running like if it was pulling a trailer and the idle was rough. When I checked the ATF, it was black like almost mud. Such a miracle it was still running, I just did the first change, 2 bottles and 550ml that came out, I replaced it with Toyota WS. Right out of the place where I changed the driving was dramatically different, so much better !

[rayemanuel]

I have a 2012 Corolla LE with 170k on it. Changed the trans fluid at 60k, 100k, 120k, and 150k with OEM World Standard fluid. Car runs like new and will probably last me at least 300k.

[spooln]

Check trans fluid level with car running and up to temp. Also should shift from P to L to circulate fluid throughout the valve body and other internal trans parts.

[johnhana]

There is no way it’s a life time fluid, my corolla at 130000 miles started shifting hard and as soon as I change it every thing went back to normal.

[AlaskanSnowLeopard]

No such thing as lifetime fluid when frictions are involve.

[theuglytruth]

Did this twice on a 2010 corolla 138, 000 miles, shifts smoother and getting better gas mileage. Definitely recommend doing it.

[brossovitch]

Auto trans fluid needs to be checked with car running. You also need to cycle through the gears when you're changing the fluid to ensure the new fluid works its way throughout the trans and coats all the disks....

[Kuya_Ryan_Kaliwaters]

I have an 09 Corolla with 122k miles and changed the transmission fluid at 86k miles. I read an article that Automatic transmission fluids should be change between 60k to 100k miles.

[TheWwong]

I changed the transmission fluid on my 2015 Camry at 65K miles. Owner's manual states I should use Genuine Toyota WS fluid. Used Valvoline Max Life instead, full synthetic from Walmart for less than $18 per gallon and is WS rated. Transmission is quieter and shifts noticeably smoother. Now has 80K miles. Works for me.

[stevelong]

Very good video. I agree the fluid should be changed about every 50k miles, with filter every 100k miles.

[jasonbuttera]

I just changed mine on my 08 corolla 231k still going strong

[chegvra]

Changed my original fluid at 80k. Fluid was black and burnt. I have another brand in now; and with 50k on it, the fluid is still red. There are various brands you can sub for the OEM. I like Valvoline Long Life ATF, but there are many others, that Toyo owners use and recommend.

[bamboosaint]

Thanks for the video. I used as reference to drain and fill the transmission fluid on 2003 Toyota Corolla with 230k miles. 3.2 quarts came out and thats what I put back in- bought 4 quarts of Toyota T-IV ATF.

[pattyjay]

The reason why Toyota says you should not change the transmission fluid is because overtime transmission fluid varnishes or turns hard on some parts inside the transmission it becomes a working part of the transmission, transmission fluid has high detergent levels and this detergent will strip off that varnish and make the transmission slip. It is better to change transmission fluid every 15, 000 miles or so to prevent the varnish from accumulating.

[anthonypuozah]

Oh!! Thanks for this educative review. It has helped save my transmission from breaking. Most manufacturers are misleading us for reasons I find difficult to tell

[romanoverlengia]

Yes, change your transmission fluid. Recommend you read up on how to check your fluid. I believe Toyota wants the motor running and transmission in park when you check it. Best to do it when fluid is hot from driving. Since you can only change a small amount, do about three or four drain and fills for a flush. Do it often enough to keep the fluid looking red and clear which is about every 30-40, 000 miles.

[tomasnokechtesledger]

Changed mine and discovered that it has a second overdrive converter clutch that it never went to before. As a side note, I've used Dexron VI on my Corolla 2009 at 100k. 20k after that it's still loving it. No change in shifting, but better at overdriving, saving some fuel. So 1/10 of a million miles? Yep maybe!

[JohnChann-ws]

Hello young man
This is John Chan the fisherman
At the moment my wife and I own five toyt.
I know for a fact a guy bought in to gimmick "life time transmission fluid ", his toyt tundra only got about 175k miles then the truck needs new transmission.
I am 54 years old lawman will retire at 55. I drained and refill my transmission fluid every 30k miles? . My 2007 tundra 5.7 liter has about 190k miles on it. I used my truck to tow my fishing boat, 22 ft every summer. My truck power train runs like new. Well I actually change my transmission oil every year just before boat towing season.
Like your video, thanks