150 diesel auto trans oil change

[ithommo Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ithommo]

My VX has done nearly 110000 km and am wondering if an auto transmissiion oil change is advisable. If so, does it require a full flush or just a drop and refill job, and also a filter (strainer) change?
I do about 2 or 3 months of caravanning a year, the remaining time is spent using the vehicle as a pilot vehicle. I do close to 100000 per year.
On another subject, are ECU updates necessary or advisable?

Thanks in advance.

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

I think the consensus on here is if you do a lot of towing or tow near the limit oil changes should be around the 50,000 - 60,000km.

[Pradodiesel Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Pradodiesel]

Every 20k on mineral
Every 40k on synthetic

[krypto Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close krypto]

Every 20k on mineral
Every 40k on synthetic

That is excessive for a modern gearbox, provided it is properly cooled, as it does not collect combustion by products. The specified oil is synthetic.

If the gearbox has been getting hot by over using the torque converter under heavy load then the oil will loose it's properties much quicker.

The other issue is if you get dirt in through breathers, I'm not sure where the gearbox breather is.

It is possible to introduce more "dirt" into closed systems with oil changes unless they are done with clean equipment in a clean environment, I have seen this happen on hydraulic systems.

Having said all that I do regularly check the condition of my gearbox oil. If it looks and smells fine, leave it alone. In your case Thommo it may well be due for a change.

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

Breather is here

[ithommo Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ithommo]

Thanks all for your responses - much appreciated, will probably go ahead and have an oil change.
On the other subject I mentioned, re ECU uptates.
Are they advisable, or when are they necessary, and if so, what does it achieve?
Any information much appreciated!

[krypto Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close krypto]

After my last service I noticed two stickers inside the door with ECU update numbers. The tranny seems to be changing better and the hesitation in various situations has gone. So worth doing.

[outback7 Banned Find all posts View Profile Close outback7]

I did a complete transmission service done by Toyota at 39000. Keep everything fresh I say.......might be over kill. But I felt better after it was done......lol. Cost? $400.