change of transmission fluid

[nigel129]

hi all, sort of sorted my leaky rad prob that happened on hols, can recommend loctite metal putty stuff.
But now to why the orange A/T light comes on and a fan kicks in.(never heard this fan kick in before,the small one right at the front of the engine bay) First, if i get my mate to drop the tranny fluid, how much do i need my other mate (who gets trade discount) to buy in adavance of mate one dropping the old fluid. Secont, does it need flushing between changes.
thanks in advance, and any tips or obstacles to do this would be helpfull. One last thought, can it be dropped without ramping the surf up or does it need to be done lifted off the floor?
nigel

[Apache]

You'll only get about 1/3rd of the old stuff out, unless you pump it out - which means pumping fresh stuff in. Do a search for 'two bucket method' or similar. Be glad you've got a mate with a discount cos you'll need a lot of ATF if you are going to get it all out.

You dont need to do anything of ther than disconnect pipes from the bottom of the rad, one being flow, the other being return.

[nigel129]

You'll only get about 1/3rd of the old stuff out, unless you pump it out - which means pumping fresh stuff in. Do a search for 'two bucket method' or similar. Be glad you've got a mate with a discount cos you'll need a lot of ATF if you are going to get it all out.

You dont need to do anything of ther than disconnect pipes from the bottom of the rad, one being flow, the other being return.

Thanks Apache,
So do i really need to get all the old stuff out, if so, found a thread which led me to capacities, States, 6.5 lts for a "dry fill" 2.2 for a "drain and fill". My next question would be under what circumstances would i need to get all the old fluid out, and if i dont, will 2lts stop the A/T light coming on which must mean whats in there is getting to hot while towing the caravan. Hope im making sense.

[Apache]

If the fluid is brown and smells burnt, it would be best to get as much out as possible. If it's still red, you'll probably be OK. A lot of people fit an auxilliary cooler for the ATF. Not difficult and a great idea if you tow a lot.

[nigel129]

so if i can get 5 to 6 lts out and replace i should be ok, i would say the current fluid is orangy brown but doesnt smell burnt, the levels are fine as well, just stabbing in the dark that itll cure the A/T light coming on. Has a quick look at the additional cooler for the tran fluid and doesnt look like its difficult to fit...the problem for me would be taking all the bits that have to come off first b4 it can be fitted. Ive got good mates but i cant impose on them too much.

[TriniSURF]

Hello, do i have to use the toyota ATF or is it safe to use any Dextron 111?
I was thinking about using Castrol.
Thanks.

[Hazzo]

I just got a generic brand, ATQ dexron11, pumped 4 and 1/2 litres out, poured same in through dip hole, £15 local factors, got another one for next oil change too so will be doing it next week when I've got a grand on the new head. H

[KERRSURF]

The two bucket method is pretty straightforward if you can get around 30lts of ATF cheaply enough, renews 100% of the fluid.
As Apache said, an inline cooler will def help when towing.