transmission flush or fill?

[leopardgirl88]

I have an '09 Vibe 1.8 with the 4 speed. It now has about 64,000 miles on it. I'm debating whether do to a complete flush or a simple drain and fill. What do ya'll think? When going from reverse to drive it shifts hard, but other than that no problems.

If I should do a flush, what's the best way to do it yourself?

Also, is there a transmission filter on the 4 speed transmissions? I went to O'Reillys and they sold one, but then I went to Toyota and they told me that the 4 speeds didn't have a filter. Who's right?

[Caretaker]

I flushed mine at 65,000 miles at the Toyota dealer. I think it improved the overall downshifting on the car. So of course, at your mileage, I would recommend a complete flush given that the World Standard (WS) fluid isn't even scheduled to come out at that mileage. If you had 100,000 or more with World Standard fluid, I would recommend only draining and refilling. But again, since you are getting it done at such an "early age," I would recommend the complete flush to get any junk sitting on top of your torque converter and to get rid of any metal shavings that have attached to the magnets on the pan. I weaseled my way into a deal at Toyota and got them to do it for $200 after tax. That was a lot lower than what they wanted to do it for. I think WS fluid flushes cost more than Toyota Type IV fluid flushes. I don't believe there is a filter on the 1.8, only a metal screen. As for doing it yourself, short of having a BG machine at your house, I'd leave it to a mechanic should you choose the flush method.

[Caretaker]

Wow, only 10 more posts and I get a free puppy!!.......................now 9 more posts.................