2006 AWD with now 196k. It runs and shifts just fine. I checked the fluid and its topped up, condition is grey, and coming from a hot engine, to me it smells like transmission fluid mixed with dirty laundry and mushrooms. I don't detect any burning smell.
So, I think I'm in a window here where it's safe to do a drain and fill?
But, I'm aware of reputable mechanic warnings about changing transmission fluid on high mileage cars. This will sometimes result in a car that was shifting fine with a worn transmission and grungy fluid, to then start slipping with new fluid in there.
For what I paid, I'll break even on this car next spring. But obviously it would be good to keep it as long as possible.
Transmission fluid in older cars seems to be the one exceptional case where thinking twice about a fluid change makes sense, what say you?
Are any of the forum veterans aware of a case of this happening to a Toyota/Vibe owner with this specific transmission - no issues, high mileage , fluid change and then slippage?
I'm thinking I'm going to go for it. I think our Toyota spec transmissions are pretty strong?