Hello forum.
As far as I know my 1995 Camry transmission fluid has never been changed- certainly not in the 12 years I've had it as I 'thought' it shouldn't be changed.
Last week after topping up the fluid, the transmission ran a little odd, maybe some 'slight slipping'-maybe. I checked the fluid and it was past the hot set of marks on the dipstick so I pumped some fluid out, almost one and a half quarts and it is dark brown, not black but 'possibly' with a hint or red. I topped it off with new and will check in the morning before I drive around to check level.
I kept the old fluid but am I OK with having done this?
I read a couple of older posts where in 2010 Toyomoho replied after a new member said she was told never to change the transmission oil, this is part of his (your) response .....

The shops recommendation is common!
The theory is the dirt and grime in the old fluid is what is keeping the friction disks in the trans engaging each other. Fresh fluid would clean out all this grit and cause clutch plate slipping.

The situation comes down to this:
Don't change the fluid and be sure that sooner or later the trans will fail due to worn out and dirty fluid or change it and risk failure. In my opinion the risk of failure is over stated.

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Since neither myself nor my mechanic can smooth rough idle even in neutral I looked into possibly using Seafoam in the gas and oil and also Trans Tune in the transmission but haven't as I'm a little hesitant with having 240.000 miles on the clock and causing 'something' to change for the worse.
I couldn't locate any questions and answers about using seafoam products on the forum.
Hope I've given enough details to ask for any advice about my adding a fresh quart of transmission fluid and whether it will not harm the transmission.
Thank you for your help as always.

 

V6 or 4 cylinder? The 4 cylinder has separate fluid chambers for the trans and differential that need to changed separately.Search this site for posts by Toyomoho on changing the trans fluid. Don’t do a “flush” but just replace the old fluid with new. Search the internet under changing the trans fluid using the trans own oil pump.

If one never changes the fluid the trans will fail sooner or later. Suspect trans service shops don’t want to risk changing the fluid because the trans may already be damaged by the worn fluid. Then on the chance it fails the vehicle owner comes complaining to the shop so why should the shop get involved here in changing the fluid.

What has the dealer done to address the idle issue?

 

Thank you very much for your reply and remarks which I understand about not doing a flush but probably adding new when needed. I now remember that about 6-7 years ago I needed a 'new' transmission, so the fluid would have been changed then, but since then not at all.
After doing 240.000 it's doing well. It's a 4 cylinder 2.2L engine.

The Trans fluid was very low this am so I just filled to proper level with new transmission fluid.

The engine sounds good and the mechanic said so too a couple of weeks ago when I stopped by and he listened to it idling and looked at the dash dials.
I had taken it back since he charged me (I feel) a lot of money to clean the EGR system and valve. He said it would smooth out the shaking- it didn't.
The shaking happened suddenly about three months ago when just driving along...car holding back and somewhat erratic, jerky.

The first thing the mechanic did after he 'diagnosed possibilities was to replace the Ignition wiring.
He also suggested I buy a dealer Dog Bone torque strut as the rubber was split- and i changed that but it didn't help, then I replaced spark plugs with Denso double platinum, idle a little better but at a stop sign or lights I take it out of gear.
All hoses were checked for leaks too.
The mechanic adjusted I believe a strut directly behind and lower on the engine at the firewall (tightened it?) but he was leaning across the engine and I couldn't see what he did.

Although the EGR system clean didn't seem to help with the rough idling, the mechanic said I will see better mileage. The good thing since he did that is that the check engine light hasn't come on like it did when I for example gave it more gas going up a hill or taking off too swiftly.
To me it seemed that when I needed more power from the Camry was when the check engine light would come on which was maybe once or twice a week and it would go off after about 20 minutes. Since EGR was cleaned it hasn't come back on and it's been three weeks so I'm happy about that.

Besides the above, I did buy and he replaced the Temp control on / off valve since the top nipple was broken and the tiny hose was not connected...it actually never was since I bought the car 12 years ago and it drove fine (I added a picture of that specific valve here on 2-3-2023).

Many people swear by adding high mileage sea foam to the gas..maybe worth a try?
Thank you again for your help. The rough idling I can live with but I'd rather have it smoother and maybe therefore use less gas too.
Kevin.

 

Did the mechanic check for trouble codes?

 

Yes, when I was finally able to be at the mechanic when the check engine light was still on, he checked it.....code 71, that's why he cleaned the EGR valve and system and that was two weeks ago and no check engine light. since. That was the only code that showed- I asked him twice.
I bought some 'Trans Tune a couple of months ago after a neighbor recommended it but haven't used it. As pointed out, maybe such an additive in an old engine with 244.000 miles could dislodge settled crud and make the running performance worse.
When Idling I put the car in neutral.
Thank you.

 

Don't recommend chemicals in the trans.

If concerned about the engine remove the valve cover and take a look for sludge build up.

 

Thank you.
I drained some fluid out and replaced with new type yesterday. Will check levels in a while and drive around.
Yes I really hesitated about using TransTune and didn't.
May try Seafoam in the gasoline to see if it helps with the shaking.

 

If one never changes the fluid the trans will fail sooner or later. Suspect trans service shops don’t want to risk changing the fluid because the trans may already be damaged by the worn fluid. Then on the chance it fails the vehicle owner comes complaining to the shop so why should the shop get involved here in changing the fluid.

 

Thanks Ashley for replying, I appreciate it.
I did remove two quarts of transmission fluid middle of November as mentioned above which then showed the new mix quite red.
I intend to change the fluid once this freezing ice weather here in Portland abates.
As you say, and I believe, if old fluid is left forever along with miniscule shards and worn fluid being constantly ran through the transmission it can't do it's job well enough. I did have another transmission put in about 7 years ago where new transmission fluid was added. Therefore at least it isn't the same fluid as when I bought the Camry in 2010.
The transmission is working quite well and may not have anything to do with the shaking in neutral where I just put in neutral if waiting at a red light.
Thanks again. Kevin.