Transmission Fluid Replace or Flush? (joint, manual transmission, air conditioning, gasket)

[qjane82]

I have a Toyota Corolla 2004 (Automatic) with ~47,000 miles/5 years. The fluid is brown but there's no smell.

I went to a new mechanic the other day for regular maintenance. He brought up the cabin filter needing replacement but not the transmission fluid. Should I ask him to replace it next time? Toyota makes no mention about when this should be replaced, but it does say to inspect it.

Also, how quickly does the transmission usually turn from red to brown?

TIA.

[trlhiker]

According to my book, the transmission and radiator should be changed at 60K miles or 48 months.

[qjane82]

Originally Posted by trlhiker

According to my book, the transmission and radiator should be changed at 60K miles or 48 months.

I don't have my actual maintenance guide, but this is what Toyota has on their site:

2004 Corolla 60,000 Miles - 48 Months

Replace engine air filter
Replace engine coolant
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Rotate tires

Inspect the following: Ball joints and dust covers Brake lines and hoses Brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs Differential oil Drive belts 1 Drive shaft boots Engine valve clearance Exhaust pipes and mountings Fuel lines and connections, fuel tank band and fuel tank vapor vent system hoses Fuel tank cap gasket Radiator core Steering gear box Steering linkage and boots Transmission fluid or oil

Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions:

Driving on Rough, Muddy or Snow-Melted Roads Inspect nuts and bolts on chassis and body Driving on Unpaved or Dusty Roads Replace air conditioning filter Towing a Trailer or Using a Camper or Car-Top Carrier Inspect nuts and bolts on chassis and body Replace automatic transmission fluid Replace front differential oil Replace manual transmission oil Applicable Footnotes:1) Initial inspection at 60,000 miles/72 months. Inspect every 15,000 miles/18 months thereafter.
Toyota Parts and Service

I think I'm going to ask my mechanic on my next oil change if he would replace the transmission fluid. Some people have told me that it's better to have the transmission fluid replaced every ~15k or mechanics are not going to touch it bec. the car may not run with the new fluid.