Forum Replies Created
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I am not sure that engineers or manufacturers intentionally build in a lifespan on parts/components/etc., but I think that they have to be acutely aware of what those lifespans average out to be and market to their customers accordingly. One example that has bothered me is Toyota’s marketing of their World Standard automatic transmission fluid. Toyota claims that their ATF WS is a “lifetime” fluid, but there is not a single source that I can find that defines what “lifetime” means (and a quick internet search will yield many anecdotes of dealerships describing the ATF WS as “lifetime”). My 2007 Camry’s manual essentially states that the ATF WS should never be changed unless you are towing:
“Change automatic transmission fluid only as necessary. Generally, it is necessary to change automatic transmission fluid only if your vehicle is driven under one of the Special Operating Conditions listed in your ‘Scheduled Maintenance Guide’ or ‘Owner’s Manual Supplement’.”
This makes me wonder as to what secret Toyota has stumbled upon that the rest of the automotive industry has not. Why is their ATF WS indestructible and infinite while every other auto maker, mechanic, and DIY enthusiast suggests replacing ATF at specific intervals? The only reason that I can surmise is that Toyota’s definition of “lifetime” was created by their marketing team based on sales figures. “Lifetime” could mean the length of the initial warranty on the car, the average length of time that the original owner keeps the car, the length of time that the transmission is expected to last, or some figure that is completely arbitrary. But, by not providing a clear definition as to what “lifetime” means, I think it is fair to suggest that they have some knowledge of how long their transmissions will last. Whether that length of time is intentional or not is open to debate, I suppose.
Or maybe I need a tin foil hat? I dunno 🙂
Eric,
Great show. Glad I got to tune in for this one. I actually have the resonator issue in my ’07 Camry that you mentioned in response to the second question. I never thought of physically pinching in the sides of the resonator to fix it. But before I go whacking away at my car with a ball pein hammer, isn’t it possible that this method could knock something else loose inside and exacerbate the problem? In my case, the issue only seems to present itself at highway speed between 2000 and 3000 RPMs, but it is nonetheless annoying. Would you recommend the hammer method only as a last resort option for a constant resonator buzz, or would it be worth me giving it a shot?
Keep up the great videos. My cars and I (and my wallet) thank you for them.
Wow. I was curious about the exact same thing before I flush the system on my 2012 Civic LX. Does anyone know if the HondaBond/liquid gasket/whatever is required for the 9th generation Civics? The only service schematic I have seen so far says to replace the existing metal/rubber gasket when removing the drain plug (not sure exactly what material it is made from but it is part number is 90401-PR4-000). But I would rather not crack open the drain plug on the block if I don’t have everything I need to reinstall it.
There’s no harm in going the extra mile by opening it up after draining the radiator, is there?
Well, perhaps the better question now is that if it turns out to be the redonator, whether an OEM toyota resonator is required or if the cheaper Walker resonator is just fine. I don’t want any back pressure issues by trying to save a buck.
Well, perhaps the better question now is that if it turns out to be the redonator, whether an OEM toyota resonator is required or if the cheaper Walker resonator is just fine. I don’t want any back pressure issues by trying to save a buck.
Can’t replicate the noise on the lift, only on the highway above 55 mph. That is why I think it is likely something involving the exhaust when the car is under load. It sounds like it is coming from the engine area but the exhaust flex pipe connects underneath in front of the drivers seat near the engine compartment. Given that it only happens on the highway it is hard to pinpoint the exact location. I don’t know enough about resonators to say whether the sound would travel if the resonator was the cause or if it would be localized to that exact area.
Can’t replicate the noise on the lift, only on the highway above 55 mph. That is why I think it is likely something involving the exhaust when the car is under load. It sounds like it is coming from the engine area but the exhaust flex pipe connects underneath in front of the drivers seat near the engine compartment. Given that it only happens on the highway it is hard to pinpoint the exact location. I don’t know enough about resonators to say whether the sound would travel if the resonator was the cause or if it would be localized to that exact area.