Transmission is a little sluggish when shifting?

1998 TOYOTA TACOMA
226,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JC4
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Transmission is a little sluggish when shifting, not bad but noticeable. I purchased truck do not know about service intervals on service for trans. Fluid is extremely dark. Doesn't smell burnt. I have been told that if I change fluid and filter transmission may start slipping. But I feel if I don't change fluid trans will fail. Do you have a recommendation as to whether I should change filter and fluid or leave it alone and hope for the best?
Jul 14, 2023 at 10:00 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,249 POSTS
Well, this is the tough part, if you change the fluid, it could push the transmission over the edge but if you leave it with dark/burnt fluid it will fail as well. So, it is difficult to say which way to go. If you decide to do the job, here is a video to help show you how:

https://youtu.be/FglBsUEOSEk

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
Jul 15, 2023 at 4:28 AM
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