2005 Base AT filter and gasket kit?

[Curlybandit]

Hey everyone.

I've been able to find AT filter and gasket replacement kits for my 2005 base Vibe online and even watched a video of the service being done just to be familiar with it.

I called Toyota to get a price on the kit but I was advised that the transmission only requires a drain-and-fill service. They do not sell AT service kits.

I find it odd that this would be the only recommended service since the filter - even though just a wire mesh as described by the parts rep - would still need to be replaced and the magnets in the pan would need to be cleaned.

Can anyone suggest a reason for this? I still plan on getting the complete service done since it has almost 210,000km (131,000 miles) and is driven very often.

I believe the transmission takes 6 litres (quarts) if I'm not mistaken if doing a complete flush. Anyone care to verify this?

Thanks.

[Derf]

Someone with other Toyota's can clarify, but what I have read, Toyota believes the Transmission fluid is the the only serviceable part, the gunk that accumulates in the bottom of the pan is from normal wear and will not have an adverse effect over the life of the vehicle. Although I see there thought, I am of the belief that may car should last beyond there "lifespan" and any service work I can complete to extend the vehicles life is to my benefit. Chrysler and Mercedes even went so far as to remove the transmission dipstick on their newer vehicles, claiming the transmission is not user serviceable and only the dealership can make adjustments

Dropping the pan is the most important part, clean out the pan and the magnets. After all, once the magnets get covered in gunk, they are less effective, clean magnets work better. Changing the filter allows you to look at the bottom of the tranny. Since it is a screen instead of mesh, it may not collect anything. Upon removing mine, got about another 1/2 Qt of oil out of the system, making the change more effective. Then their is topic of what type of Transmission fluid to use. I used a synthetic oil rated Toyota Type IV compatible, but its a personal preference. I added 5 Qt then ran the car rechecked and topped off. When you drop the pan and change the filter, the amount of oil can be misleading until the tranny is run.

[Curlybandit]

Thanks for the reply.

I have to agree with you that servicing the transmission must include more than simply draining and filling the case. Every automatic car I have owned in the past has had the complete transmission service done. I don't see why this one should be any different.

My intentions were to use Amsoil OEM synthetic AT fluid rated for Toyota AT's. I'm currently using Amsoil extended life synthetic engine oil, might as well do the same for the transmission.

[triz]

+1 on the Amsoil! I'm doing my Chevy Trailblazer soon. 13.8 quarts!

[Curlybandit]

+1 on the Amsoil! I'm doing my Chevy Trailblazer soon. 13.8 quarts!

That's a big transmission!

I've had nothing but great experiences with Amsoil. My weekend/summer toy is a 1993 Honda del Sol Si. This past spring I had a lot of work done including an auto-manual transmission swap with a Quaife LSD, full suspension and brake upgrade. It gets tossed around at autocross and time-attack events. I'm running Amsoil Signature Series 5w30, Amsoil MTF Synchromesh and Amsoil 500 series brake fluid.

So far so good.

[Chiadog]

Hey everyone. I believe the transmission takes 6 litres (quarts) if I'm not mistaken if doing a complete flush. Anyone care to verify this? Thanks.

The Vibe base auto transmission capacity is a approximately 10 quarts total, including tranny cooler tubing volume. Automatic transmission drain and fill volume is 3.2 quarts approx.
So, mathmatically, three drain and fills equals complete fluid replacement. In reality it may take 4 drain and fills to get relatively complete exchange since the second drain/fill drains approx 1 quart of "new" fluid with the 2 quarts of old fluid. Ditto for the 3rd drain/fill etc.
You could also do a "running" fluid exchange as I did, as described here:
viewtopic.php?f=28&t=626&p=4204&hilit=ATF+change#p4204

PS, Let us know the condition of your filter screen and magnets. Mine were essentially clean at the first fluid change @ 150K miles! Therefore, I tend to agree with Toyota: Changing transmission fluid only is acceptable.

[10vibe]

When in doubt, and even if you are not, measure what you drained out. If levels were good before the drain, then that should get you in the right range with the fill up.

[Vibelo]

I performed my transmission service this past Saturday. Thanks to all the reading I have done on this site, everything went smooth. 40 minutes total time for the service. My 2004 Vibe just turned 104,000 miles. Pan was cleaned and the filter did not show any signs of being dirty. Wiped the magnets and cleaned the pan. I purchased the filter kit form Advance Auto Parts, after a 20% off coupon, I paid $11.59 for the kit. I used the Valvoline Fully Synthetic fluid, I picked two gallons at Walmart for $16.97 each. It took 3.7 quarts to refill after putting the pan back on. I disconnected the hose that goes to the cooler, turn the car on and waited to see the new fluid come thru as I was adding new fluid. As soon as I saw the new fluid coming out of the hose I had my assistant shut off the car. I put the hose back on and checked the level. I was short one quart. I added a quart and the level is where it is supposed to be. I used two gallons (8 quarts) and a quart for a total of almost 9 quarts. $50.52 total for the service. I can tell a difference in shifting (smoother shifting). Very easy procedure. I plan to drain and fill every 6,000 miles as plan to keep this car for a while and for $16.97 per gallon, to me, it is worth the effort.

[Chiadog]

Glad it went as well for You as it did for me! Is the Valvoline Fully Synthetic fluid compatible with Toyota T1V ? I may consider a slow change to synthetic from T1V, like one drain/fill per year (10K miles). I will never pull the screen(Base has only a screen) again, as mine was also clean @ 150K.

[Vibelo]

According to the stamped label on the back of the gallon jug, it is compatible.

[Chiadog]

Thanks Vibelo!
Any input on a slow change to synthetic - One drain/fill per year with synthetic for 4 years? My Toyota T1V fluid is 1 year old currently.

[Vibelo]

I am not sure. I am not an expert, just mechanically inclined . As I mentioned in my post, I did a manual flush. I am certain that most of the fluid came out when I disconnected the hose that goes to the cooler. But, for safer measure, I am going to replace the fluid every 6,000 miles to make sure all the old conventional fluid is out.