Do i really need a auto trans cooler

[IanLR Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close IanLR]

I have a 2007 120 VX diesel 1KDJ FTV i bought new and now with 235,000 km on it. I have a somewhat vague feeling my auto trans is in need of service that hasnt been provided by regular genuine Toyota service. Shifting feels "notchy" and it doesnt auto shift into drive from 4 like it used to. Often, particularly when towing, i have to manually shift down to 4 and then back to drive to get it to change into drive. It is also not that i am towing a heavy load uphill when i have to do this

i do tow a lot and when it is heavy or the road not flat i often shift from drive to 4. In any case I watch my coolant temperature on the Scanguage and when it goes above the normal 87 degrees i shift down to 4.

Question 1. Does it sound like I have a problem that merits going to a autotrans specialist service rather than Toyota?

i read a lot of adverts promoting the installation of 3rd party auto trans coolers, torque converter lockups, auto trans temp gauges and heavy duty valve bodies (eg Wholesale Automatics Nomad).

Question 2. is there any real merit in doing this sort of modication particularly given the age and km done without any significant breakdows or repairs?

ian

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

First step is to do an oil flush and look at the condition of the old oil. If it is black then the transmission already has some life taken out of it.

I put a cooler on my 150, I thought that mine would be ok. Limited towing over 1.5t, 110,000km. etc etc. The oil was brown. I am a convert.

[IanLR Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close IanLR]

Thanks for the reply. After posting my questions I read a topic about flushing the auto trans. The consensus seems to be that
1. Toyota service centres as a general rule seem to believe auto trans don't need servicing regularly if at all
2. It is not easy to truly flush and if Toyota say they have they are unlikely to have done more than drain 3 litres and then top up.
3. A complete flush is a tedious process that uses up to 20 litres of fluid
4. While there is debate it could be best to only use the genuine Toyota fluid
5. A trans cooler on the diesel is somewhere between recommended to esential especially if towing
6. Replacing discoloured fluid will produce a perceptible improvement in driveability

so my inclination to go to a specialist auto trans shop for a service and oil cooler has been confirmed.

Question - can i monitor auto trans fluid temperature using my Scanguage or do I need to install a 3rd party temp gauge

Question - a recommended specialist auto trans shop in Toowoomba, Queensland

Question - any experience or opinion on the value of replacing the valve body with a 3rd party one like the Nomad valve body supplied by Wholesale Automatics

thanks in anticipation

ian

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

I had a mate who is a mechanic do mine. Full flush x 2. I didny use genuine or Penrite. Tin's cooler mount and BD 678 (?) cooler.

The rest I dont have any experience to comment.

[red hilux Member Find all posts View Profile Close red hilux]

Hi


yes you can use scan gauge to monitor transmission as long as your scan gauge is scan gauge x. The x allows you to enter in extra fields.

https://www.scangauge.com/support/x-...a-lexus-scion/


there are 2 different codes you can enter in

1. Trans tenp
2. Oil pan temp sensor