21 4runner transmission fluid change

My 21 4runner has 62k miles and I want to get the fluid changed on the transmission. I was thinking of just doing it myself but my 4runner is under warranty until 100k miles so I was just thinking of having the dealer do the service. They quoted me at $400. Is it worth just having the dealer do it? Or should i go to a reputable shop and probably save some $$?

 

I don’t remember what I paid to have the dealer do my Tacoma but it wasn’t $400. Shop around at other dealers and make sure they are doing full exchanges for that much money.

 

Agreee on finding a different dealer. My Toyota dealer charges $250. I’m at 58k on my 21 Venture.

They’re also recommending a radiator flush at 60k - also at $250.

 

Do it yourself for about 70 bucks. Just buy 4 qts. of Toyota WS and do a drain and fill. Bunch of YouTube videos to guide you. Wouldn't worry about it affecting your warranty.

 

I think they said drain and fill

 

Hmm might look into this

 

I just did two drain & fills about a week apart with WS fluid and a $25 brass hand pump. Used a no-name bluetooth OBD2 reader to read transmission pan temp and opened the check plug at the correct temperature range.

 

Can you link the reader?

 

^I bought mine 12 years ago. The Amz listing is long gone. Just pick one with good reviews: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ELM+327+bluetooth



I use Torque Pro app on my Android phone.

 

Way too much then.

 

I got this one off Amazon and like it. Bought it to do the drain and fill but also like monitoring the ATF temps under load.

https://trail4runner.com/2020/01/28/obdlink-mx-bluetooth-obd2-scanner/

 

I got a ScanGauge because my cheap $30 Bluetooth OBD scanner died after a year or two.

https://www.carscanner.info/choosing-obdii-adapter/

If you don’t mind sliding underneath, you should DIY it and coolant is even easier IMO. (if a little more tedious waiting to get air bubbles out)

For warranty purposes you typically just need documentation/receipts. If you don’t want to do it, get quotes from other independent shops.

BUT, there is no 100k warranty via Toyota. Check the fine print, if it’s a dealer perk it likely requires every single thing be done by them, at their prices which makes it a baaaaad deal, even worse on a 4Runner as well as easy to find a reason to deny. (Oops you traveled! Go kick rocks! - some do have an exception though but it varies)

If it’s a third-party, with proper documentation, you got a good shot but fine print trumps all.

 

I guess my other question is does the radiator need flushed at 60k or is 100K more like it? Just curious of the thoughts here. For us the miles are mostly rolling down the interstate at 70mph on cruise control. Not crawling along in hot city stop and go traffic.

 

100k for coolant.......at least for the first time.

I saw someone say every 50k after the first one but double check that.

 

Did my trans fluid at 60k at dealer, now i have a independent master mechanic that's going to do it again at 100k and he also suggested 100k for coolant. Ill check if 50k after, but 100k should be fine for coolant.

 

I started doing my coolant (radiator only) drain/fill early - my thinking is since it only replaces somewhere around half of the fluid (and I don’t want to mess with draining the block or a flush) I’ll do it every 3ish years, 30-45k miles to keep things at least kinda fresh but I wouldn’t fault anyone for deciding to go longer.

 

The block drain is pretty easy to get to. I was a little leery of doing it at first but afterwards realized it's no big deal.

 

Good to know. I'm changing my coolant, radiator hoses, and cap this winter.

 

Just make sure the tubing you get for the drain spouts of the radiator and block fit tightly. Test fit both. A tight fit helps tremendously with making the job cleaner.

 

Do a search for the pressure sprayer method. 30 minutes, does a complete fluid change for the cost of the fluid and a pump up pressure sprayer. Done it 3 times on different trucks.

 

Just did my rad flush at little less than 60K

very easy.. two gallons of 50/50 Toyota antifreeze and the whole thing takes like an hour...

This guy has great DIY videos..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkqGjj3L05Q

Protect your cooling system and your water pump.

two notes on the job:
1- the tube was a little bigger and it leaked a bit. try to get a tighter tubing for the block...
2- buy a new OEM rad cap ($16) and change your old one. The rad cap is a maintenance item and they do go bad occasionally, which could affect your cooling operation...

 

I use OBDLink MX+

 

Here is a confirmation to do it early..

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XpkimxDDyTs?feature=share

 

Which pump? The one I have sucks and leaks.

 

^I bought mine at a local big box store. This looks to be from the same gulag:

$24 SeaSense Oil Transfer Hand Pump, Brass Black

https://www.amazon.com/Seasense-Transfer-Hand-Pump-Brass/dp/B004XAKB3E/

The thin suction tube is good for extracting ATF from the power steering reservoir, whose opening is too small for a turkey baster. So you can use one pump for both jobs.

 

Thanks. Does it screw onto the factory quart bottles?

 

^No. It has a suction hose that you submerge in the bottle. I keep the bottle in a slightly larger plastic tub to prevent the hose drag from tipping the bottle over (which would be a spill of some expensive fluid).

 

Not as complicated as you might think. DIY. And have peace of mind it was done correctly. Drain and filled w/out removing the pan at 60k. Probably do another at the 100k milestone.

 

I had my local dealership perform all this:

• Drain and fill Transmission, add conditioner
• Front and Rear Diff fluid change
• Transfer Case fluid change
• All applicable gaskets replaced
• LS11 Limited Slip Axle Additive
• Parts wash
• AT 6600 Kit
• Ultraguard 75W90 Full Synthetic

Total cost was $401.50

Was it worth it? For me the personal time savings made this a no-brainer...

 

All of these fluids for that price and labor? Yes, definitely worth it. Where is this?