I have a 94 Toyota Tercel. It‘s at 68k, and the last time I went in for an oil change they told me I seriously need a transmission flush. They quoted me $120. What‘s the difference between a flush and a fluid change? Does it make a serious difference? I got the car at around 32k and I haven‘t done anything to the transmission since then, although I‘m not sure of the maintenance record prior to that. I want to keep this car running for a long time, but I‘m pretty hard on money right now. Advice from experienced users would be really great. Thanks.
This Site Might Help You. RE: transmission flush vs. fluid change? I have a 94 Toyota Tercel. It's at 68k, and the last time I went in for an oil change they told me I seriously need a transmission flush. They quoted me $120. What's the difference between a flush and a fluid change? Does it make a serious difference? I got the car at around 32k.
Transmission Fluid Change Vs Flush
The flush usually involves some kind of a cleaner going into the transmission to dissolve varnish and to dislodge the buildup of particles. As the transmission works, the gears touch one another and wear small particles away and those collect in the crevices and nooks in the housing and pan. A fluid change means the old fluid is removed and new fluid is replaced. There can be two different types of fluid changes: One is where the bottom of the transmission is opened, the fluid is drained out, and the filter is replaced. The second type is when a machine is connected to the cooler lines (explained below) and All the old fluid is exchanged for new. Some transmissions have a small radiator that is located near the engine coolant radiator. The fluid from the transmission circulates through lines and goes from the transmission to the radiator and back to the transmission; it helps to cool the fluid. When the bottom of the transmission is opened and drained, there is still a lot of fluid in the inner passages and torque converter of the transmission- so not all of the fluid is changed out. When a flush is performed, the old fluid is removed from the cooler lines and the new fluid is added through them, so all of the old fluid is taken out.
