[rajin929]

Has anyone gotten the transmission service done at the dealership?
I see Toyota has the service listed as a flush and replace fluid, but read that flushes are bad.

 

[slothman]

NEVER flush a transmission. The particles inside the clutches hold together the entire system.

I do not trust dealerships, let alone for this service.

Either do a drain yourself, or go to a small independent (trusted) shop. It is best to use Yota oil ONLY.

 

[Geezer1]

As it was explained by a service writer at a Toyota dealership that replaced the transmission fluid at 90,000 miles on the 2014 Sienna I sold last summer, the "flush" involved using additional transmission fluid. It did not involve the use of a solvent.

The quality of service at dealerships and independent repair shops varies. The Toyota dealership where I bought my Sienna was a real stinker when it came to service and warranty repairs. I had better success with another Toyota dealership but still had to check their work closely. My experiences with independent repair shops have also been spotty - even at repair shops owned by friends. I've mostly returned to using dealerships for maintenance. Dealerships always have up-to-date electronic tools and repair instructions (e.g. Toyota TIS) that independent often do not have..

 

[circus]

Design trends make maintenance difficult or impossible for the do it yourself owner. Example being a sealed transmission. You'll be charged for work but will the work be done? I changed all my fluid years ago. Still works fine. My brother paid for ongoing trany service from an independent. Dead years ago. Both 1st gen.
I believe in a complete fluid change. I don't know what a flush is.

 

[rajin929]

Thanks all for the replies, greatly appreciated.

My van is an early build 2017 (Sept '16) with the new 8 speed transmission.
Aside from the TSB software flash, haven't have any issues with the transmission (knock wood)
Since its covered under the 10 year extended warranty, my thinking is get the maintenance done by Toyota.
Hopefully there would be no issues should I run into problems with the transmission later and have to rely on that warranty.

As it was explained by a service writer at a Toyota dealership that replaced the transmission fluid at 90,000 miles on the 2014 Sienna I sold last summer, the "flush" involved using additional transmission fluid. It did not involve the use of a solvent.

The quality of service at dealerships and independent repair shops varies. The Toyota dealership where I bought my Sienna was a real stinker when it came to service and warranty repairs. I had better success with another Toyota dealership but still had to check their work closely. My experiences with independent repair shops have also been spotty - even at repair shops owned by friends. I've mostly returned to using dealerships for maintenance. Dealerships always have up-to-date electronic tools and repair instructions (e.g. Toyota TIS) that independent often do not have..

Appreciate the response!
Good point, I'll have to confirm with dealer as it sounds more like a fluid exchange, and not a flush with solvents that maybe independent shops might use and many don't recommend. Agreed the quality of service varies. The dealership I purchased and serviced the van from new has been good and I haven't experienced any issues. I'd feel more comfortable Toyota having the up to date instructions available vs. an independent shop that may not be all familiar with the procedure