How often should the transmission fluid be changed for the Leiling?
3 Answers
Toyota Leiling automatic transmission fluid should be changed every 40,000 kilometers, while manual transmission fluid should be changed every 60,000 kilometers. Manual fluid change requires 4-6L, and machine circulation change requires 9-12L. Long-term failure to change the fluid can result in difficulty shifting gears, reduced flexibility, and poor cold-start performance. Additionally, the transmission fluid may thicken, potentially blocking the transmission cooler, leading to overheating and increased wear. Below are the methods for changing Toyota Leiling transmission fluid: 1. Gravity Drain. This method is similar to changing engine oil: loosen the drain plug at the bottom of the oil pan, and the transmission fluid will flow out automatically. While simple, this method does not completely remove all old fluid, leaving residues in crevices and dead spots. 2. Machine Circulation. New transmission fluid is stored in the circulation machine, which is connected to the transmission’s fluid lines. The new fluid pushes out the old fluid, ensuring a cleaner flush. The more new fluid used, the cleaner the result. This method requires at least 12L of fluid or more, making it more expensive. The process takes approximately 40-80 minutes. 3. Oil Pan Removal. This is a thorough cleaning method that also allows for cleaning the fluid filter. However, due to the labor-intensive disassembly process, most 4S shops do not perform this method routinely.
I've been into cars for over a decade, and I find the transmission fluid change for the Leiling quite particular. Toyota recommends replacing it every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers or every 4 years—check the manual for specifics. For my own Leiling CVT model, I inspect the fluid quality every 50,000 kilometers—if the color darkens or there's a burnt smell, it's time for an immediate change. Driving habits play a big role: if you frequently deal with stop-and-go traffic or accelerate aggressively, the fluid degrades faster and may need earlier replacement. Delaying the fluid change can lead to severe transmission wear, causing rough shifting or overheating, with repair costs that can be shockingly high. I've seen a friend's car that waited until 80,000 kilometers for a change, resulting in delayed shifting and a repair bill over 5,000 yuan. Regular maintenance is advised—it extends the transmission's lifespan and saves money and hassle in the long run.
As a long-time owner, I have a 2017 automatic transmission Levin. I've changed the transmission fluid twice: the first time at 40,000 km when the fluid still looked clear, so I wasn't in a hurry to change it; I officially changed it at 60,000 km when the fluid became cloudy. The manual recommends changing it at 60,000 km, but in reality, it depends on driving habits. My car mostly drives smoothly on highways, so the fluid quality is still good; frequent stop-and-go in city traffic can accelerate aging. Checking is simple: open the dipstick and look at the color—pale yellow is normal, black or cloudy means it's time to change. Now at 100,000 km, everything runs smoothly. I suggest adjusting the replacement interval based on road conditions and fluid condition.
