Thanks for your input. My Camry (now at 19,100KM/11,868Miles) has had
regular service, but I can see that the last change of AT fluid (at
18,000KM/11,184Miles Service) is only 3L/0.79G but the tranny takes
6,5L/1.7G of oil so this shop does not flush the tourqe converter when
they change the ATF. So it has had a total of 3 changes of ATF - the
first one at a Toyota dealer but the last 2 at two different shops.
So I probably should do a total flush like you supposed.

"XXXXX" <NOSPAM@ISP.COM> wrote in message news:<M05Ja.2259$hY1.206607@news20.bellglobal.com> ...

Two observations:

(a) If a fluid formulation change (assuming what you are
draining out is not burned to a crisp) results in a change in shift
quality to the firm side, then your new fluid has a higher friction
coefficient. While you may like the "feel" better, this new fluid will
not protect you final drive gears quite as well. Hypoid final drive
gears like slippery high pressure lube whereas bands and clutches like
less slipperiness.

(b) Does you 2002 Camry book require T-IV or Dexron?
--

~Philip

"Multiculturalism and coercive tolerance of bizarre lifestyles
describes a social experiment, not a civilization." --Paul Gottfried


XXXXX wrote:

My 2002 Camry takes Toyota T-IV. If it took Dexron, I would get rid of the
factory fill and replace with Mobil 1 ATF.

I noticed that the transmission fluid stick said "no maintenance is needed
for regular driving". I took the cautious side and did a drain and fill at
32,000 km. At 7,000 km the fluid was drained and filled when the shift
solonoid was replaced.


"Philip®" <chipstate@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:lEoJa.8250$C83.785525@newsread1.prod.itd.eart hlink.net...

It IS CURIOUS that the dipstick has that information on it while the
Passport Service book that accompanied your Owner's Book prescribes 30k
mile intervals for both Camry and Sienna. Erring on the side of
caution is wise.

In my 2003 Corolla, I changed the T-IV fluid at 10k miles and again
this week at 20,600. It seems peculiar that both times the fluid
suddenly started getting darker between 9k and 10k miles. Hmmm. Oh
well, fluid is cheap compared to trans work. Cleanliness is next to
Godliness. ;^)
--

~Philip

"Multiculturalism and coercive tolerance of bizarre lifestyles
describes a social experiment, not a civilization." --Paul Gottfried


XXXXX wrote:

Actually Toyota Canada recommends fluid drain and fill at 96,000 KM (60,000
miles).

I just figured I will change the coolant and transmission fluid at the same
time (32,000 km)
"Philip®" <chipstate@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:0VqJa.8393$C83.802748@newsread1.prod.itd.eart hlink.net...

Philip,

According to Toyota Canada (not the dealership), for the Dexron based
fluids, the recommend drain and fill interval is 48,000 km (30,000 miles).
For the Toyota T-IV based fluids, the recommended drain and fill interval is
96,000 KM (60,000 miles).

With that said, my Toyota Dealer suggested to change the Transmission fluid
every 40,000 km (25,000 miles) to 48,000 km (30,000 miles). They say that
its a good preventive maintenance procedure and it provides less wear on the
transmission. I admit the $80 Canadian ($60 US) cost to do this will
provide the dealer extra revenue and me additional cost, but I figured its
not too bad if the car starts to shift smoother and adds to the longevity of
the car.

As you already know, I use Mobil 1 5W30 and change the oil and filter every
6,000 km (4,000 miles) to 8,000 km (5,000 miles). I know it costs me more
$$ to use Synthetic but from the images of your engine internals and other
info I have read, I am fairly certain that the engine gets less wear using
Synthetic oil and the same can be said for transmission fluid replacement,
as the transmission will have less wear if the fluid is in good shape.

"Philip®" <chipstate@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:egvJa.8712$C83.835995@newsread1.prod.itd.eart hlink.net...