2003 4Runner: automatic fluid change?

[testrider]

Hi,
I have a 2003 4R V8 2WD, 72k miles, this time I like to change the automatic fluid myself. I have the 2-volume shop manual but it didn't even say or have a pic where the auto trans drain plug is.

I'm pretty mechanically savvy so I would appreciate a few pointers so I won't remove the wrong drain plug. I just want to drain then refill. I won't bother with a flush or anything.

I did a search here but couldn't find anything. I'd appreciate any help.
Thank you very much.
-mike-

 

[CJ3Flyr]

This thread has lots of good stuff: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=36489

This one is for the older, dipstick style trans but has lots of good stuff too: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&postid=350327#post350327

Good Luck!
:cheers:

 

[testrider]

Thanks, Chris,
My 03 does have a transmission dipstick and I believe, is the last year that has a transmission dipstick?
-mike-

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Thanks, Chris,
My 03 does have a transmission dipstick and I believe, is the last year that has a transmission dipstick?
-mike-

I think it might be '03 for the V8 and '04 for the V6. The biggest concern as the end-user is fluid type. Dipstick = Toyota Type IV, no dipstick = Type WS.

:cheers:

 

[testrider]

Thanks Chris, I wasn't aware that it called for Toyota Type IV (I kept thinking it was Mercon III).

Are there other off-the-shelf transmission fluid in autopart stores compatible with type IV or do I have to get them from Toyota dealer?
Thanks again.
-mike-

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Thanks Chris, I wasn't aware that it called for Toyota Type IV (I kept thinking it was Mercon III).

Are there other off-the-shelf transmission fluid in autopart stores compatible with type IV or do I have to get them from Toyota dealer?
Thanks again.
-mike-

I don't know. I do know Valvoline Maxlife ATF claims to be a Type IV. Mobil1, Amsoil and Royal Purple all have good Type IV's. Just read the bottle and verify that it's an approved Toyota Type IV replacement fluid.

http://www.valvoline.com/pages/products/product_detail.asp?product=6

http://www.royalpurple.com/transmission-fluid.html

https://www.amsoil.com/lit/g1746.pdf

http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Other_Products/Mobil_1_Synthetic_ATF.aspx

:cheers:

 

[testrider]

Thanks again!
Approximately how many quarts just to drain/refill?
-mike-

 

[testrider]

Thanks again!
Approximately how many quarts just to drain/refill?
-mike-

Oops, never mind. Saw it in the owner's manual saying that a 'drain and refill' takes up to 3.2 quarts.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Do yourself a favor and get the Toyota fluid. Why take a chance on putting in something wrong? Toyota fluid is not expensive. I drain my 3 or 4 quarts, drive a week or so then do it again. You are only draining a small portion of the fluid in the trans. I read somewhere that the majority of people that have trans problems have them after they had the trans flushed and refilled. They have problems because the wrong fluid was put back in. This is also one of the reasons toyota went with sealed transmissions.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Oops, never mind. Saw it in the owner's manual saying that a 'drain and refill' takes up to 3.2 quarts.

By doing it like that you only change about 1/4 of the fluid. If I had a dipstick model with easy drain & fill I'd do the trans 4 times in a row with my oil changes or something like that... I totally agree with 03_4x4Runner on that. His recommendation of Toyota fluid certainly won't hurt either. I don't know that I am quite as emphatic on that point but the 'change it a few times in a row' is a great idea and downright necessary IMHO.

The transmission and torque converter hold 12-13 quarts total:bugeye:


:cheers: