QuestionQUESTION: I own 2 toyota highlanders and 1 toyota Rav4. Each vehicle has between 40,000 and 85,000 miles. I want to maintain these vehicles and make sure the transmissions are properly serviced.
Can you tell me what they normally do as routine normal transmission service?
I heard the toyota dealership service department charges about $250 for this service.
Do you think an independent mechanic shop can do the job just as well for less money?
Thanks,
Joe
ANSWER: I need to know what year model they are and the mileage for each of them.
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QUESTION: 2003 Highlander 85000 miles
2005 Highlander 60000 miles
2007 Rav4 43000 miles
AnswerThey all use toyota's type T-IV fluid which should be replaced every 30,000 miles, this is a drain and fill operation and is part of the 30,000 mile service, if the atf is dark and discolored it may be a good idea to have the transmission flushed which will remove almost all of the old fluid, in my opinion $250 is a little high, it should be more like $150 to completely flush the transmission. The RAV-4 probably doesn't need it, the highlanders may, it depends on the condition of the fluid. If you use an independent shop make sure that the put in the correct fluid, the information is stamped on the dipstick, use only the designated fluid or hard shifting and other problems like transmission failure may occur.
