ATF Exchange (using the cooling line)
- Thread starter 46runner
- Start date
Precisely, turn on the truck let it run for few seconds until a little short of quart is out, stop truck, let it sputter, pump 1 qt/same amount in, repeat until you see new fluid. I have posted the pump model in forums, fits on ws bottles perfectly. Buy 5' of clear 3/8 hose and replace the one that came with the pump, insert tube in tranny fill port (Zip/wire tie tube angled downward from the top into the port, this way you can pump sitting on the side of the truck, i wish my pics were handy
BTW I have a bit of experience with this method as I revived a 00 4wd V8 Tundra with the same (2UZ) engine where pink milkshake had exploded everywhere. I drained the atf via this exact method and filled via dip stick, ran 18 gallon walmart atf before I stopped flushing. I also put a new rad in after cleaning the engine..I am not sure if it survived later on but I did drive it for over 1200 miles before selling it..all jerkiness from the tranny was gone after the flush...these things are so solid
BTW I have a bit of experience with this method as I revived a 00 4wd V8 Tundra with the same (2UZ) engine where pink milkshake had exploded everywhere. I drained the atf via this exact method and filled via dip stick, ran 18 gallon walmart atf before I stopped flushing. I also put a new rad in after cleaning the engine..I am not sure if it survived later on but I did drive it for over 1200 miles before selling it..all jerkiness from the tranny was gone after the flush...these things are so solid
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Just ordered an electric pump off Amazon to go this route. My plan is this:
- Drain pan, measure amount
- With ignition off: Refill pan with same quantity of drained fluid via radiator cooling line
- Start truck, start pump
- Pump until fluid is red
- Shut off ignition/pump
- Ensure quantity drained = quantity inserted
- Run temp diagnostics
- Loosen overflow bolt, check level
Does this sound correct? Or should I do the '2 quarts in/2 quarts out method?'
AuSeeker
Elite Member
It should work, just make sure the pump is keeping up replacing the fluid compared with how much fluid is coming out, you don't want to get way behind on replacing the fluid.
Just performed the flush on a 2006 SR5 V6 with 82,000 miles, used the Valvoline max life fluid. Used the electric pump method and the hose at the top of the radiator as described by many members. Just want to say thanks for the DIY and I'll upload pictures to clarify for future DIYers.
I initially connected the pump to the hose, but needed to connect that to the radiator. Will attach pictures to help clarify that for the next person. I was not clear on this part at the beginning.
https://imgur.com/03XC6Kj
https://imgur.com/JL3ooRn
I initially connected the pump to the hose, but needed to connect that to the radiator. Will attach pictures to help clarify that for the next person. I was not clear on this part at the beginning.
https://imgur.com/03XC6Kj
https://imgur.com/JL3ooRn
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Just performed the flush on a 2006 SR5 V6 with 82,000 miles, used the Valvoline max life fluid. Used the electric pump method and the hose at the top of the radiator as described by many members. Just want to say thanks for the DIY and I'll upload pictures to clarify for future DIYers.
I initially connected the pump to the hose, but needed to connect that to the radiator. Will attach pictures to help clarify that for the next person. I was not clear on this part at the beginning.
https://imgur.com/03XC6Kj
https://imgur.com/JL3ooRn
How long did this method take? Did you continuously pump while the truck was running or did you do a couple quarts at a time?
Mike07SE
New member
Just performed the flush on a 2006 SR5 V6 with 82,000 miles, used the Valvoline max life fluid. Used the electric pump method and the hose at the top of the radiator as described by many members. Just want to say thanks for the DIY and I'll upload pictures to clarify for future DIYers.
I initially connected the pump to the hose, but needed to connect that to the radiator. Will attach pictures to help clarify that for the next person. I was not clear on this part at the beginning.
https://imgur.com/03XC6Kj
https://imgur.com/JL3ooRn
Would like to know how that worked out too. I've got the same pump sitting in my garage for awhile now to do this as well. Did you do it by 2 Qt's out / 2 Qt's in, or did you run it continually?
I've also wondered if the fluid pump transfers faster than the transmission pump, can the overflow plug on the pan can be pulled to prevent overflow? I think that sounds legit.
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Because it doesn't go in nearly as fast as it goes out.
As I stated it did for me. Use a clean funnel without a screen
That's bizarre. Bc no one else has that experience and yes I use clean funnels and no I do not use screens.
Hi guys. I posted in this thread about 2 years ago. I was asking questions to prepare in doing this same job; cooling hose method. 2 years later, I finally did it.
2005 V6 without an extra fluid cooler. This truck has the trans cooler integrated into the radiator. The trans cooler nipples are on the drivers side. The top radiator nipple is trans fluid output, aka fluid input into the cooler. This is the line I disconnected. I used a reinforced vinyl hose with 5/8" I.D., and slid the truck-side hose (the one disconnected from the trans cooler) into the 5/8" ID hose. Then moved this hose down and into a catch-can bucket. This was very-very easy. I ran the engine to pump out the old trans fluid. Stopping after each 2 to 3 quarts. Also shifted thru all the gears a couple times.
To re-fill, I used the re-fill port. I did not have any typical 3/8" vinyl hose lying around, but I did have some old reinforced 1/2" ID x 3/4" OD vinyl hose. Initially, the 3/4" O.D would not fit into the re-fill port, so I used an exacto razor blade knife to carve down the end of the vinyl hose. End result was great, as the hose now fit snug into the trans re-fill port. Another great thing about using this size hose was the funnel fit perfectly into the 1/2" ID of the hose.
I routed the hose from the re-fill port up to the engine, then tied it onto the hood support strut. Adding fluid was so easy and fast.
The whole system was flushed after adding about 13 quarts of Valvoline Max Life ATF. However, one part of the system was not flushed, the trans cooler and return line going back to the trans. Oh well, no biggie.
Thanks to everyone here for posting your methods and your results.
Cheers!
Later tonight I will do the "check fluid level" process. I am not using a scan tool, or the special "fluid level mode" process. I am just going to get the fluid hot, where the trans pan is hot-to-touch, but not too hot to burn me.
A reminder to others: remove the "check-level plug" while the engine is running.
2005 V6 without an extra fluid cooler. This truck has the trans cooler integrated into the radiator. The trans cooler nipples are on the drivers side. The top radiator nipple is trans fluid output, aka fluid input into the cooler. This is the line I disconnected. I used a reinforced vinyl hose with 5/8" I.D., and slid the truck-side hose (the one disconnected from the trans cooler) into the 5/8" ID hose. Then moved this hose down and into a catch-can bucket. This was very-very easy. I ran the engine to pump out the old trans fluid. Stopping after each 2 to 3 quarts. Also shifted thru all the gears a couple times.
To re-fill, I used the re-fill port. I did not have any typical 3/8" vinyl hose lying around, but I did have some old reinforced 1/2" ID x 3/4" OD vinyl hose. Initially, the 3/4" O.D would not fit into the re-fill port, so I used an exacto razor blade knife to carve down the end of the vinyl hose. End result was great, as the hose now fit snug into the trans re-fill port. Another great thing about using this size hose was the funnel fit perfectly into the 1/2" ID of the hose.
I routed the hose from the re-fill port up to the engine, then tied it onto the hood support strut. Adding fluid was so easy and fast.
The whole system was flushed after adding about 13 quarts of Valvoline Max Life ATF. However, one part of the system was not flushed, the trans cooler and return line going back to the trans. Oh well, no biggie.
Thanks to everyone here for posting your methods and your results.
Cheers!
Later tonight I will do the "check fluid level" process. I am not using a scan tool, or the special "fluid level mode" process. I am just going to get the fluid hot, where the trans pan is hot-to-touch, but not too hot to burn me.
A reminder to others: remove the "check-level plug" while the engine is running.
Did this today
Finally did this on my '07 today. I didn't have any shifting issues, but I'm glad I did, the fluid in it was like motor oil. 137K and obviously this is the first time.
I used the drain pan, then drain 2 qt at a time from the ATF cooler hose in front of the radiator. Very easy process, just time consuming with the crummy hand pump i had to refill.
It took me about 45 minutes to finally get it into temp check mode. I found that when you shift to "D" from "N", each time keep in D for about a second then back to N, rather than trying to get it from N to D to N within a second.
Thanks for the write up.
Finally did this on my '07 today. I didn't have any shifting issues, but I'm glad I did, the fluid in it was like motor oil. 137K and obviously this is the first time.
I used the drain pan, then drain 2 qt at a time from the ATF cooler hose in front of the radiator. Very easy process, just time consuming with the crummy hand pump i had to refill.
It took me about 45 minutes to finally get it into temp check mode. I found that when you shift to "D" from "N", each time keep in D for about a second then back to N, rather than trying to get it from N to D to N within a second.
Thanks for the write up.
97Evergreen
New member
Glad I did this
Bought my new-to-me 04 4runner sport v8 a week ago, and this was high on my list. I used valvoline maxlife atf, and exchanged out a bit over 13 quarts via the cooler outlet. Very glad I did this - judging by the color of the old ATF, I don't think it has ever been done. I took it for a 30 min drive afterwards, and everything runs perfectly - so smooth!
I'll be doing a regular drain and fill every 20k miles or so I think.
Thanks to the OP for the write up!
Also for anyone wondering - I attached a picture of my old ATF so you can see what 148,000-mile Toyota WS looks like.
97E
Bought my new-to-me 04 4runner sport v8 a week ago, and this was high on my list. I used valvoline maxlife atf, and exchanged out a bit over 13 quarts via the cooler outlet. Very glad I did this - judging by the color of the old ATF, I don't think it has ever been done. I took it for a 30 min drive afterwards, and everything runs perfectly - so smooth!
I'll be doing a regular drain and fill every 20k miles or so I think.
Thanks to the OP for the write up!
Also for anyone wondering - I attached a picture of my old ATF so you can see what 148,000-mile Toyota WS looks like.
97E
Attachments
AuSeeker
Elite Member
2004 V8s have the 5 speed transmission and they're a sealed transmission, i.e, no dipstick=sealed and WS fluid.
Some if not all 2003 V8s have the 5 speed transmission, BUT most if not all have a dipstick and use T-IV fluid, i.e. dipstick=T-IV fluid no matter if it's the 4 speed or the 5 speed transmission.
I have a 2004 V8 with a sealed 5 speed transmission.
2005 through 2009 V8s and V6s all have the sealed 5 speed transmission.
jreask
Member
This is a good write up with easy to follow pics and instructions. I exchanged the fluid in my 2004 V8 this evening. I drained a total of 13.5 quarts. SO I added 14 quarts. Put the truck in temp check mode, removed the overflow screw and nothing came out! Before I started I checked the level and about 1/4 quart came out of the overflow. I thought I had put an extra half a quart in there. Now nothing comes out of the overflow and I am OUT OF WS ! I should have drained 12 I guess.
I wanted to follow-up and say I completed this yesterday. 198k 2004 V6. 4 gallons of Valvoline Maxlife. I used the upper tranny cooler hose rather than crawling under the car. I also used the electric pump. Once I had my buckets marked, new fluid in the 'clean bucket', and everything set up, the exchange took all of 2-3 mins. The old fluid was BLACK and the consistency of water. During the exchange I never saw any new fluid coming out, just continuous blackness. Once the I emptied the clean bucket (4 gallons) I was still short ~1 quart. I assume the original fluid was low before I even started. The funny part is that I crawled under the car after completing the exchange looking for the fluid check port....nothing to be found. I look under the hood and sure enough...there's the dipstick.
I wasnt experiencing any kind symptoms, this was more of a maintenance. However, after changing, I did notice almost unnoticeable shifting and I feel less resistance when pressing the gas. Of course this could all be placebo. I'm happy for now and have peace of mind, but will probably do it again in a year or so due to me seeing no new fluid coming out during the exchange.
I wasnt experiencing any kind symptoms, this was more of a maintenance. However, after changing, I did notice almost unnoticeable shifting and I feel less resistance when pressing the gas. Of course this could all be placebo. I'm happy for now and have peace of mind, but will probably do it again in a year or so due to me seeing no new fluid coming out during the exchange.
ok i just finished doing the drain and flush with gravity feed return line using a funnel on my 4.7 v8 sport
i drained just about 1 gallon out of the tranny pan and reinstalled drain plug, then i moved up front and disconnected the hose from the fitting at the top of the aux tranny cooler.
ran clear 3/8" hose from top fitting of aux cooler down to a gallon milk jug, i then stuck a 3/4" hose over the rubber hose from tranny line and then stuck a large funnel into that hose and taped it up well so it doesnt leak. then i tied the funnel off to the radiator core support to keep it secure in place and upright.
i refilled tranny oil pan with 4 quarts to replace the gallon that came out of it and then i added 4 extra quarts of tranny fluid to it. then i started the truck and let it run until the gallon jug was almost full, then i shut it off
i switched hose over to an empty milk jug and added 4 more quarts of tranny fluid and then i started the truck and let it run until fluid turned clear red color which was about when that gallon jug was almost half full, then i shut it off.
so i know at this point i have more then i need in it (because 10 quarts came out and 12 quarts went back in) and i take it out for a good 5 mile test drive so i know its fully warmed up without guessing or needing temperature gauges.
while engine was still running i removed overfull drain plug and let it drain until it was no longer streaming out and was just dripping then reinstalled the plug
thats it, it wasnt hard to do at all, or that time consuming except waiting for the oil to drain into the pan. it was a very slow flow so i had to pour half a quart and wait for the funnel to run dry. i would guess 3 minutes for a full quart to be completely gone into the line.
if i had to do this again i would look for a 2 quart funnel so i could just dump a whole quart at a time in it and go inside in a/c for 5 minutes while i wait, rather then half a quart at a time vs trickling it in slowly
overall i put 12 quarts in to the point of seeing clear clean red fluid and wasted 2 quarts draining it down to proper level afterwards
i drained just about 1 gallon out of the tranny pan and reinstalled drain plug, then i moved up front and disconnected the hose from the fitting at the top of the aux tranny cooler.
ran clear 3/8" hose from top fitting of aux cooler down to a gallon milk jug, i then stuck a 3/4" hose over the rubber hose from tranny line and then stuck a large funnel into that hose and taped it up well so it doesnt leak. then i tied the funnel off to the radiator core support to keep it secure in place and upright.
i refilled tranny oil pan with 4 quarts to replace the gallon that came out of it and then i added 4 extra quarts of tranny fluid to it. then i started the truck and let it run until the gallon jug was almost full, then i shut it off
i switched hose over to an empty milk jug and added 4 more quarts of tranny fluid and then i started the truck and let it run until fluid turned clear red color which was about when that gallon jug was almost half full, then i shut it off.
so i know at this point i have more then i need in it (because 10 quarts came out and 12 quarts went back in) and i take it out for a good 5 mile test drive so i know its fully warmed up without guessing or needing temperature gauges.
while engine was still running i removed overfull drain plug and let it drain until it was no longer streaming out and was just dripping then reinstalled the plug
thats it, it wasnt hard to do at all, or that time consuming except waiting for the oil to drain into the pan. it was a very slow flow so i had to pour half a quart and wait for the funnel to run dry. i would guess 3 minutes for a full quart to be completely gone into the line.
if i had to do this again i would look for a 2 quart funnel so i could just dump a whole quart at a time in it and go inside in a/c for 5 minutes while i wait, rather then half a quart at a time vs trickling it in slowly
overall i put 12 quarts in to the point of seeing clear clean red fluid and wasted 2 quarts draining it down to proper level afterwards
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