Hi, hope this is not a dumb question. I've searched about transmission fluid change frequency, but the change is mainly base on mileage not length of time.

I have a 2006 TL. Due to oversea assignment, I rarely drive it. The total mileage now is about 12,500. So, the car is 7 years old already. Do I need to do anything about the transmission fluid?

Many thanks in advance.

 

^congrats on having the lowest mileage 2006 ever, ever.

about the fluid...i am a firm believer in redline d4 ATF. my car runs like champ after switching over. if i were you, i would do the same.

 

I would at the least change it every 2yrs to be on the safe side. I change mine every 30k but mine is a daily driver. I don't do it all at once either. I will drain and fill with 3qts every 10k. They say not to use any trans. machines to change it all at once, the pressure could damage internal parts. Do a 3x3 drain & refill. Manually you can only get 3qts out of the trans. pan the rest is stuck in the torque converter. I would drive it 10-15 miles between fluid changes if you are looking to do it all in the same day. Very important to use the fluid designed by the manufacturer or the redline is good to. I tend to stick with OEM haven’t had any problems

 

Thank you for the reply.

3x3 meaning drain 3 qts and fill 3 qts, correct?

 

Exactly. Good luck. If I remember correctly all you will need is a 1/4 ratchet to fit on the drain plug no socket required. I always jack the pass side to get a little more fluid out. Also you will need a 12" extension to get the fill plug loose. I forget what size (15mm) maybe. 50 bucks here & there is going to save you from a new trans. There is a trans filter that is a bitch to get to under the hood but I just replaced mine last yr and it really wasn’t that bad considering it was at 117k miles. Hope this helps

 

Thank you for your service

I usually change mine every other oil change which is about 15k for me. Since its such low milage I would just go ahead and change all the fluids due to age.

 

Thank you guys. Really appreciate your advices. Will take care of this ASAP.

It's great to be back home =)

 

That would make 1x3. One time drain 3 qts and fill 3 qts.

 

Loving the mileage, but I would change the transmission fluid just to be on the safe side.

 

3x3 means drain 3qts, fill 3qts, 3 times

Essentially ye best way to do it is drain 3, fill 3, drive for a little, maybe 100 miles (more or less, it doesn't matter much) and then do the same 2 more times.

The reason is because with each drain and fill you replace only about 30% of the fluid because it all doesn't come out at once. So you gradually introduce it with the 3x3 method and therefore you will have like 95% new, fresh, red fluid in the end.

 

no, its 3/8 ratchet, and its a 17mm bolt not 15mm. also jack up the driver's side not passenger side

 

2012 - 2006 = 6 years, which tells me replace timing belt soon as well. X_X