[rovi]

Hi Everyone,

I have a Sienna '04 XLE AWD with about 100K miles (163K KM) on it. Checking the Transmission fluid dip stick for oil color, it was found to be very dark, almost black. I have not noticed any abnormal thing in shifting but concerned with the color.

I understand it uses WS type oil (still need to confirm from the dip stick embossing) but not sure if the healthy color should actually be a dark reddish shade rather than the black I see.

The vehicle history I got from the Dealer (from Toyota database) mentions twice something about "Trans" oil/fluid change. 1st @ 45K miles and 2nd @ 83K miles.

I am not sure if this reference for "trans" means Transmission or Transfer case.

Appreciate if somebody in forum can suggest what is best to be done at this time?

Thanks

The correct fluid for your 04 is T-IV

 

[Iansilv]

Why do we have to do the drain and fill when the engine is hot? Wouldn't it be easier and more accurate to drain when it is cold, measure quantity, and refill with the same temperature fluid that is "cold"?

Also- what is the correct fluid type for a 2005 sienna awd?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jc]

Why do we have to do the drain and fill when the engine is hot? Wouldn't it be easier and more accurate to drain when it is cold, measure quantity, and refill with the same temperature fluid that is "cold"?

Also- what is the correct fluid type for a 2005 sienna awd?

Thanks in advance.

The 05 also uses Type T-IV.

 

[dchow]

I own a 1st gen/1998 Sienna with 193K miles. The check engine light indicated a P0770 solenoid problem and a transmission mechanic recommended a new trans after a relatively brief assessment 5-10 minutes. $2600 - ouch.

Will draining and changing the AT fluid help with this?
If so, the owner's manual says to use Dexron II or III. Is there a particular brand for type 1 engines?

If not, any opinions on putting in a new transmission on a reliable vehicle with so many miles already on it?

Thanks for all the feedback, photos, and info provided here.

Toomanycds,
I'm getting the same P0770 error on my 1999 sienna. Did the drain and fill AT fluid help? My smog is due in a few weeks and with this problem it won't pass. Any feedback/comment is appreciated.

dchow

 

[Hypermiler]

tonystewart, a couple of questions!

1. Have you done any more oil analyses since starting the thread?

2. Do you still stick to one drain / fill every 24k miles?

 

[Muddlerman]

I have a 2005 XLE Limited AWD and it has 200,000 + KM and only changed the ATF once done by the dealer. My question is has any one ever changed the oil via the dip stick with a suction pump like used on inboard and outboard boat motors ? Not sure if it would work but it sure as heck works well on my boat motors and very simple.
thanks, Pete