Automatic Transmission Servicing - Landcruiser 100 Series

Make sure you get someone that actually knows what they are doing. Had my motor home auto serviced (which should involve removing pan and replacing filter & oil) except the guy had no idea. Ended up he left out a part when he tried to get away with sucking out the oil. End result, 500 klm later a $10,000 total repair bill.
The guy now denies doing anything but my guess is if it is in the log book service and on his account he tried to change the oil.
Not sure how you work out who is good and who is not.


Neil

Mapesy : you cant change the oil in auto with out a total strip down, best talk to toyota , we have a 100 series when i asked i think the answer was non serviceable ...
but as mentioned only take it to a expert !!

cheers nick

Yes best to use an automatic specialist, a "normal" service is a change of fluid and filter usually which means taking the pan off and new pan gasket when refitting.
This doesn't usually replace all the fluid but does do about half to two thirds as there is still quite a bit in the torque converter.
If the fluid is at all discoloured or the vehicle is subject to hard use or the trans hasn't been serviced for 50k or more then it is recommended to get a full fluid flush which means running the engine and disconnecting the cooler lines, feeding new fluid in and draining the old fluid into a drum thereby changing all the fluid.
You can do it yourself but can be very messy ;-)). I usually get it done at a transmission place as they can do it for not a whole lot more than I can buy the necessary fluid and filter etc. You use a lot more fluid doing a flush than what it actually holds ;-)).

Give your local Toyota dealer a ring, they should know. You could then also check with a local Auto Transmission specialist and go from there.

You are vey wise having your vehicle serviced before you set off. No fun having problems ks from anywhere.

Cheers

Hi,
you dont say if it is a 4 speed or 5 speed auto. If it is the 5speed you can only put WS oil in any other will ruin it.
toyota will tell you the oil is for the life of the trans, but they will change it and power flush the system, I think it is a good idea to change the oil , as I believe it is cheaper that a new trans.
Have a look at he Toyota forumhttp://www.lcool.org/forum/index.php
and they have the answers there.
bob

Hi Mapesy & happy birthday also.
Check on www.lcool.org heaps of info there in the 100 series section. If you cant easily find what you are looking for do a search then if still blank start a new thread.
Highly recommend using genuine Toyota WS ATF Fluid. :-)

The pan has to be drained and a new pan filter, BUT, seeing the majority of the oil is in the torque converter, anyone who doesn't remove a hose to the radiator and catch it as it comes out, replenishes the pan oil and continues to drain from the disconnected hose, is not trying to change the oil.
Because of some residual in various chambers you can never get all changed without dismantling.
But done by the hose off the radiator is the most effective.
At the end of it all you should then end up with the new oil being the colour and performance of the original fluid.
Most mechanics don't know how to do this properly or fully.
To do it properly you will use around 12 to 15 litres of trans fluid, unfortunately not cheap, but then again cheaper than a trans failure by a long way.

Make sure the person you select to change the oil will do it properly, I suggest your presence while it is done.
Get a sample of the dirty used oil and also a sample of the replaced oil. Compare.

Find a reputable Auto Trans Specialist and as previous replies a proper flush and if finance allows and heavy long distance towing, use a quality synthetic oil and fit a larger extra Auto Trans Oil Cooler as all Autos should have fitted for above usage and longevity.
Cheers Kev.