Hi,
I just crossed the 133k on my 2009 Pontiac Vibe 1.8L and have never changed the transmission fluid. I don’t have any major issues with the transmission, but there are some occasional rougher shifts (completely random) especially the colder it gets. The Toyota dealer wanted $299 for transmission service. They said they don’t do a flush on any of their cars, but a drain. They said if the fluid is dirty when opening up they will drain, fill it back up, run it for a little bit, drain, and fill again. They also said they don’t open them up and do transmission filters. Just drains. They also mentioned they have various transmission fluids they use, but seemed to be heavily promoting ZAK fluid products.
I have read on this website to drain, fill, drive 1-2k miles, do another drain and fill, drive another 1-2k miles, then drain and drop the pan and do a filter change. So, a possible drain 3-4 times depending on how dirty/dark the fluid is and on the last time drop the pan and do the filter. The drain and fills I think I can do myself, but the pan drop and filter eventually I most likely would not be that comfortable doing.
First, would you recommend I do the drain/fill with the mileage on the car? If so, what type of Toyota transmission fluid to use? I don’t think I want to mix fluids, correct? The reason I ask is because I have seen the below when looking at fluids:
Toyota ATF WS – Old - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9_3xYkDShk
Toyota ATF WS – New - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9_3xYkDShk
Toyota ATF Type T-IV fluid