How do you flush the transmission fluid?

[robbievelasco]

Hi guys,
I tried searching the forums for an answer but couldn't find one so I thought I would start another thread for it. I brought my 99 Toyota Solara V6 Automatic into EZ lube because I had a coupon to have it done for $21. Anyway, they told me that I needed new transmission fluid because it was dirty and had a burnt smell. After he told me it would be $134 I said no thank you and was on my way. Now I need to know how to flush it myself...

Thanks in advance for your help!!!

[unbalancedwood]

You cant 'flush' it without a machine. But what I have done is get your jugs of ATF and do three fill and drains, a few hundred miles apart, on the final remove the pan and change the filter & gasket. Worked for me, and cost about 40-50$ total. I think you drain about 3.5qts out per time if my memory servers me correctly.

[1gSE]

^^ agreed. Although i have no experience with flushing a tranny (all my cars have been 5 speed) i'd also recommend a drain-n-fill. I've NEVER heard anything good about flushing a tranny

[Chinky420]

....for $134, it's almost worth it....depending on what your time's worth...

otherwise, do what unbalancedwood said...just make sure to put in as much as you drain out, each time.

the process isn't hard to do, it's just kinda a pain to do it three times IMO....

[Midias]

For 134 I would do it just to save time and make sure it was totally flushed.

But it is up to you.

[Chinky420]

^^ that's what i'm saying.

or just ask what they charge for labor, and buy/provide your own ATF, so you know it's what you want.

[NRDriver]

actually you can flush it by unhooking one on the trans cooler lines and running it into a bucket while filling it at the same time.

[robbievelasco]

Thanks for all the help!!! Now, one more question: There are several different types of ATF that I can buy. Which type do I fill my Solara with? There is Mercon and Type F, I'm confused.

Thanks!!

[Midias]

^ according to my 2001 owners manual dexron 2 or 3 is the correct stuff.

[Midias]

actually you can flush it by unhooking one on the trans cooler lines and running it into a bucket while filling it at the same time.

I did that for the wife's car once made a mess but got the job done.

[solara90]

are you really talking about a flush... or changing the filter/ oil

[robbievelasco]

I was talking about a transmission flush. But I'm just going to do a drain and fill.

Thanks for all the help!!!

[Chinky420]

IIRC dexmerc 2 or 3 (which is what the owners manual recommends) is no longer made....that being said, you should be able to goto autozone and have them do a search for the appropriate fluid.

i think i used dexmerc 5 or 6 when i did it myself (drain and fill)....then i used royal purple atf when i had the tranny replaced at a shop.

[indiglosolara]

I thought our cars used the Type F. But then again I have a i4 and not the v6. The trannys used diff fluids for the engine type.

[dug320]

A true flush according to Toyota.

It will take four cycles. First cycle is drain and refill. Drive for 10 minutes. Drain and fill. Drive for 10 minutes. Drain and fill. Drive for 10 minutes. Drain and fill and replace filter and gasket.

Stop and go traffic is ideal for the 10 minutes of driving.


Simple, and yet a real pain. A simple drain and fill does more harm then good. ATF is a great detergent and a simple drain and fill will only get the dirt circulating.