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Hi Jack

I have a 2003 Toyota Avensis Station Wagon. About 10000 KM ago I had my transmission fluid changed through one of the Toyota Dealer. When I check my transmission fluid now the color of the fluid is worse than what it was before the change. With only approximately 10000 KM on the clock, I would have expected it to be still fresh and reddish in colour. It's almost turned into brownish. So I was wondering, instead of completely flushing whether it was drained and refilled. Again, why would a reputed dealer would charge customer for complete flush and then only do the partial job.

Is it possible that there could be some underlying issue with the transmission itself? Having said that the operation of the transmission is quite normal and smooth. I am thinking of taking my car to Transmission specialist an get them to check the condition of the fluid and flush if need be. Also what do you think about third party ATF fluid which meets or exceed the specefication of Toyota's own T-IV fluid. Because most of dedicated transmission repair shop (or at least one that i know) do use third party ATF Fluid. What would be your advise with regards to this. It will be much appreciated. Thanks

Regards
Bhola

Firstly, it can be very difficult to drain all the fluid from a transmission. A lot of fluid can be retained in the torque convertor and it is possible that not all the fluid was drained from your transmission. If you are unhappy with any job done on a vehicle, in the first instance it's always advisable to go back to the original repairer/service agent as they may offer to re-do the work.
In answer to the second part of your question, reputable transmission outlets will only ever use fluids that are compatible with and equal in quality with the OEM product, so we don't have any real issues in this regard, as long as they know what they are doing.