Transmission fluid life

[Mr. Poopypants]

I just had my brakes done and tranny flushed and filled. The guy showed me the tranny fluid and it was FILTHY!! Now I don't even have 40K on my car yet, has anyone else seen what your tranny fluid looks like and has anyone else had premature dirtying of the fluid?? By the way, mine is an auto base for those who don't know.

[Altus]

I've got a base w/ auto as well, and have the same problem. Mine's just over 45,000 miles now and it's been looking bad for about 2 oil changes. Still smells okay though - not burnt - just appears very dirty. I'll likely do the full flush just before winter.

[NSimkins]

Where did you go to have the tranny flushed?

[tnpartsguy]

2 quick recomendations; #1 make SURE you get the right ATF for the Vibe. It's Toyota Type TF, anything else could mess up your tranny.#2 Change out 3 quarts every 20K miles. The tranny pan has a drain plug, just drain out the pan, and add 3+/- qts.....that's my plan anyway.P.S. the Toyota TF fluid is a much darker red than normal ATF. Almost black....

[ColonelPanic]

heh, I'm close to 60,000 and haven't even touched mine yet. How much did that cost to get the flush? Did that include a new filter too?It's really shifting like crap now so it may be a good idea to get it changed out... That probably won't help, knowing my luck I need a new transmission.

[Mr. Poopypants]

I took the Vibe to Monroe, I know the guy so I know he won't BS me. I never knew the fluid was darker than normal. And the full tranny service ran me $60 I think, the receipt is in the car.The car shifts like a champ now though, it was getting a little rough on the shifts.I also switched to ceramic brakes.

[ColonelPanic]

That isn't bad. Maybe that would help mine...Gonna make the switch to ceramics myself too. They rock.

[Mr. Poopypants]

The ceramics are more expensive of course but they feel great and feel like they have better stopping power to them.

[ColonelPanic]

Yep. Allegedly, they put out less brake dust too. It's been a long time since I had a set, I can't remember if they did or not. Did they have to do anything to your rotors?

[Mr. Poopypants]

Well, they didn't have to do anything special for the ceramics as far as I know, but my rotors needed machined anyway.