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Sedans Toyota Avalon Toyota Avalon (Prior to 2005) Transmission Questions
90 messages, Last post on Jan 03, 2009 at 11:18 AM
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 15, 2007 7:51 am)
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Replying to: carabed (Apr 15, 2007 9:42 am) |
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Hi All, I have 2002 Avalon with about 22,000 miles on it. I have owned it since it had about 3,000 miles, for about 3 years. I never beat on it or drive it in severe conditions. I have regularly changed the oil and checked the transmission fluid level. This time I checked the transmission fluid level I noticed it was brown. I don't remember seeing it dark before, and I know I have checked it. I know it is supposed to be red, unless Toyota uses some sort of dark OEM fluid. So I had the tranny flushed and replaced with new Dextron III fluid. The manual and dipstick says use Dextron II or III for this year. I was wondering if anyone knew what might have caused the dark fluid with such low miles. I know high mileage cars that have never had the transmission fluid changed could have this problem, but I have never seen it happen on such a low mileage car. The car runs like a top, has never had any shifting or transmission slipping. That's another thing that confuses me, but I never push the car either. Thanks -Xman |
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Replying to: xomaman (Jul 08, 2007 11:39 am) Some might advise you to install an auxillary ATF cooler and I would agree that it might help. My reluctance is based on the fact that my 2001 RX300 has the factory auxilary cooler and yet my ATF was BURNED (absolutely NO towing nor rough service) at only 40,000 miles. Then again the RX is much heavier....
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Replying to: wwest (Jul 09, 2007 4:51 am)
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Replying to: xomaman (Jul 09, 2007 7:20 am) |
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Replying to: wwest (Jul 09, 2007 4:51 am) Here is my experince. I have an 02 Avalon also. I do tow(utility trailer 5 x 8), sometimes too heavy, but I have cut back now. I have 92K on the car. I have no tranny problems. I change the fluid mostly myself, every 30K, and alternate every other change with a filter too. I also have put a heavy duty magnet for A/T on the bottom of the pan, on the outside. I have never flushed it nor do I intend to. I have no problems with this A/T at this point in time and mileage. An aside from the constant tranny changes ever 30-40K would be to let you foot pressure off the accelerator at the appropriate shift points. This not only enhances the smoothness of the shift but will prolong the trannys life. I am not sure why all the hype about tranny coolers. The car can only tow up to 2000lbs anyway, and I have seen very few Avalons even towing. And if you are driving this car hard for sport, you kinda got the wrong the car. Another elusive point, although well trusted, if not overfilling the tranny too. It takes a long time to fill it, unlike an oil change as you have to do it in little amounts. No mechanic on shop time is going to do it perfectly, just not a money maker. Something to be aware of. When I had one mechanic do it, it was overfilled and I had to let out some Dexron III. Never again. It is too easy to do myself. abfisch |
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Replying to: xomaman (Jul 08, 2007 11:39 am) I have a 2002 Avalon with 31,000 miles. Also found dark transmission fluid. Just had the transmission flushed. I too have never experienced any slipping but obviously concerned. Has any one else found dark trans fluid at such low miles? Any trans failures? Thanks Dano
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Replying to: dano42 (Jul 22, 2007 3:43 pm) We drove an '03 XL to 90k, changed the fluid twice and did a flush both times (not really necessary to flush each time.) Never missed a beat and the fluid was always darker when it came out than when it went in. Enjoy your Avalon... 
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Replying to: fin (Jul 22, 2007 4:15 pm) |
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