QuestionI have a 2006 RAV4, 152.000 miles. Never had a change of transmission fluid. A non-toyota mechanic said that if we should not let anyone change the transmission fluid after 100,000 miles or it will get pieces of metal in it and we will have to replace the transmission. We have an appointment to have the transmission fluid changed at the toyota dealer because our car sounds like the transmission whines as it shifts from first to second gear. We thought the change of transmission fluid would help our car. Our toyota mechnic said we will have to sign a paper that says if anything goes wrong after the replacement of the transmission fluid that they are not liable. Should we change our transmission fluid or just have a diagnostic done on it. We cannot afford to do both in the same month.
We are also scheduled to have a recall fix on the gas pedal of your car. We are not scheduled for a
computer diagnostic service. Thank You!
AnswerI would suggest having the fluid changed, this model uses WS (world standard) transmission fluid which should last the life of the car, most people change it at around 100,000 miles anyway. Toyota had issued a service bulletin for the whine noise (T-SB-0192-10) have the dealer look it up, I know it's out of warranty but I just wanted you to be aware of it.
Here is a description of the WS fluid requirements:
100,000 Mile Maintenance Interval — Inspection only; ATF-WS does NOT require any flushing
or changing during the life of the vehicle.
• The use of Genuine Toyota ATF-WS is recommended.
• The use of additives or aftermarket fluids that are considered compatible or substitutes
may result in shift concerns and damage to the internal transmission components.
• ATF-WS is NOT compatible with T-IV or Dexron ATF.
