Oil Transmission Cooler in Prado

Hi Dave. I have an 04 V6 Prado. Tows a 2tonne boat. It has a transmission cooler fitted as standard from the factory so it's possible the Diesel has as well.Mine only does about 10k per year but I change my Auto fluid every 10000k when I change the engine oil. I am a mechanic with access to a hoist which makes it a lot easier. I don't think 20000k is an overkill if you don't have to pay too much for someone to do it.Like all modern transmissions they can be expensive to repair. Regards, Bob.

When on tour (4x4 bus) over long distances, we always keep oils fresh, especially in transmissions and transfer cases. Found it cheaper than rebuilding them.
At the end of a tour season if these oils aren't changed, when draining they come out like treacle .... eg heat retention.
We also fit oil coolers to power steering as well.

I had asked the same question some time ago about mine as to wether it needs a cooler or not. (97 model) I have been using the same bloke now for over 18 years to service any of my auto transmissions on different vehicles and was only last year I asked him about the prado for towing or sand driving etc. His answer was if it doesn't have one and your towing something over a tonne quit regularly he said to fit one up. We know longer have the ski boat or camper so I never had a current situation where I have needed to fit one up. They arnt that expensive to have one fitted if your not mechanically minded, you could do yourself. I was told around the $200 mark supply and fit. As said above they are expensive to repair when they do go bang so fitting one should prolong it. Heat is the biggest killer for auto's and having 1.5 + hanging off the back end is a reasonable amount of weight. I would say changing the oil every 20 in the auto your doing the write thing, I think every 10 would be over kill BUT on average its around the $120 for a full service which includes filter change in the box, pan gasket etc or around $90 just for an oil change so if you don't mind spending that every 10 then it wont hurt it that's for sure. Im sure the current 120 series have them standard but not on the 95 series. I have the grande and it doesn't have one from the factory, my mates 04 GXL does standard. Our friends have an 02 TX/TD and tow a Coromal Van 1.7t and he doesnt have a cooler and has done around the 180k now on the clock, so far no issues (auto serviced every 20k) I would fit one for piece of mind. WHG

Just my opinion ....... but your mechanic is right.

Vehicle manufacturers dont test their vehicles by towing caravans around Australia for 3mnths nor spending weeks, constantly running up down Fraser Island in the sand, towng a boat.

They all undergo a general purpose testing only ... thats why new owners of any brand are so shocked when their allegedly bullet proof 4x4 fails at some point in time in conditions, the owner thinks is "normal".

Some brands do have better ability to achieve some tasks in their std format ... for a while ... but will still suffer in the long term.

Factory servicing specs are for factory presumed driving conditions.

Larger capacity oil coolers and radiators, engine bay cooling, better air intake, additional oil changes etc., all go towards you having a trouble free trip ............. many times over.

good on you all, the most important part is that when you are under the vehicle your oils you are also having a look around.

Thanks guys as said for piece of mind $200.00 isn't a lot, I'll have one fitted..................
best wishes,
Dave