Atf drain and fill question

[DaveT4RTrail2021]

Hello.

I tow a lot with my 2021 4Runner. I had the ATF drained and filled by the dealer at 45000 miles.

I would like to do it myself this time. I am wondering if I measure precisely what comes out; can I just put that amount back in and be done with it?

 

[gordonp]

I don't tow a lot, but I do make a couple of yearly trips with our travel-trailer.

First - I got peace-of-mind by installing a transmission-cooler.
(External) Transmission Cooler

Second - every couple of years I change rear-diff oil, moving to 75W140 synthetic.

Third - every oil change I grease the 3 rear-drive-shaft zerks - synthetic pink stuff for the U-joints, and black 3% moly for the slip-joint.

Now - I think your "measure and re-fill same" will be pretty good. I'd do this, then check with the next option, when I have time -

But - it's not super-hard (but it is tedious) to get the transmission up to 43degC (drive it around for a while, monitor with Torque Pro). I then use a bunch of jack-stands, and a magnetic level to get the transmission flange to be level. I don't have a garage, so this is weather-dependent... When it's level, and at 43degC, the fill-plug serves as the overflow too - just add fluid until it runs out the fill plug fill-check stand-pipe and you're good-to-go!

HTH!

 

[Swipter]

Hello.

I tow a lot with my 2021 4Runner. I had the ATF drained and filled by the dealer at 45000 miles.

I would like to do it myself this time. I am wondering if I measure precisely what comes out; can I just put that amount back in and be done with it?

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https://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-...html#:~:text=activate Quick Reply-,.,-Options

 

[Swipter]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=U146uz1OPbMxXb0-&v=NUAuGmDGntY&feature=youtu.be

 

[Swipter]

Hello.

I tow a lot with my 2021 4Runner. I had the ATF drained and filled by the dealer at 45000 miles.

I would like to do it myself this time. I am wondering if I measure precisely what comes out; can I just put that amount back in and be done with it?

I posted a link to the Car Care Nut. Subscribe to him.

 

[T4R_Canuck]

Hello.

I tow a lot with my 2021 4Runner. I had the ATF drained and filled by the dealer at 45000 miles.

I would like to do it myself this time. I am wondering if I measure precisely what comes out; can I just put that amount back in and be done with it?

Measure what comes out and add a 1/2 quart more back in, then warm the trans up to temp and remove the level plug. This will drain it to the proper operating level. If nothing comes out when you pull the level plug, add another 1/2 quart and repeat.

 

[rdruss]

Hello.

I tow a lot with my 2021 4Runner. I had the ATF drained and filled by the dealer at 45000 miles.

I would like to do it myself this time. I am wondering if I measure precisely what comes out; can I just put that amount back in and be done with it?

That's the way I've been doing it. Although there is a good suggestion further down in comments to add 1/2 qt. more and then get up to temp and open fill port on side of trans and if fluid comes out let it drain to a trickle, if none comes out add another 1/2 qt. and recheck.

 

[DaveT4RTrail2021]

Thank you for the answers! I ordered a OBDII scanner to tell me the temp of the transmission and I am going to take your suggestions.

That YouTube video from the car care nut was very helpful!

 

[DaveT4RTrail2021]

update:

Thought I would post an update.

I completed the drain and fill today. The process went perfectly. I used a funnel and clear tube to add the fluid. I got the idea from this guys YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=suV-no9qYIOnzkuz&v=rWa_z6X72iw&feature=youtu.be

I also ordered the scanner that he uses. I was very happy with the scanner as well!

Exactly 3L came out. I out in 3.25L and warmed it up to the required temp and .2L came out. I think that is probably as good as it gets and im happy with the results.

I will be doing this process every 20k-30k miles since I tow frequently.

This same YouTube channel also shows you how to do a coolant drain and fill and many other maintenance items.

Side note for anyone interested: In Canada 1L of Toyota ATF WS goes for $11.98/ liter but the parts guy gave it to me for $11/L

 

[T4R_Canuck]

That's the way I've been doing it. Although there is a good suggestion further down in comments to add 1/2 qt. more and then get up to temp and open fill port on side of trans and if fluid comes out let it drain to a trickle, if none comes out add another 1/2 qt. and recheck.

Just to clarify, do not pull the fill plug to check level, the trans pan has it's own level plug on the bottom. Remove drain plug, replace when flow stops, add new fluid in the fill plug and tighten, warm trans up to temp and remove the LEVEL plug on the bottom on the pan. When fluid stops draining from the level plug, the trans in at the proper level. There are 3 plugs total on the trans, Fill (side), drain (bottom) and level (also bottom).

 

[Hungryhawk]

Get a Scanguage 2 and you can check tranny temp, tire pressure, electrical charging and dozens of other live parameters. Check and clear CE codes etc.
Overfill the tranny a small amount- at the correct temperature on Scanguage2 open the little overflow plug that has a standpipe inside the tranny. Drain off till flow stops. This drained amount should match up to the estimated overfill.