1997 Camry Transmission Fluid Change Question

[cyman73]

Hello all,

Does the 1997 Camry LE 4 cylinder tranny have a transmission filter in it?

I am looking to change the fluid and would like to know if I can just drain and fill or if I have to purchase a filter, new pan gasket...

I will be using Mobil synthetic automatic transmission fluid. Does anyone have a better suggestion?

Thank you very much.

[TRD_Rob]

Hi:

The transmission does have a filter, you can get the trans kit from toyota. I prefer the Amsoil Synthetic trans fluid. I have since converted the trans to synthetic some 50 K ago, still going strong.

Hope this helps

TRD_Rob

[troydcarothers]

Have a tranny filter? Absolutely. I drained the fluid from the pan by loosening bolts. Removed pan, gasket and filter, then replaced with new g and f. Filled with new fluid the exact amount drained. Disconnected tranny cooler line and placed into a container, started engine and as dirty fluid from torque converter was being expelled, replaced with new fluid up to full/hot mark on dipstick. Mobil synthetic? Absolutely.

[tarbasd]

Yeah, there is a filter, but you don't have to necessarily replace it. Haynes manual suggests to wash it with clean AT fluid and put it back.

You can also just want to do a drain and refill in which case you won't even need a new pan gasket.

[kamrhee]

cyman73, all of the methods mentioned are good. I don't know if this is overkill for you but I installed an in-line transmission filter from Magnafine to filter out fine particles and replace it maybe every 30,000 miles. Cheap insurance.

kamrhee

[mazdaverx7]

definatly replace it. i wouldnt hesitate to replace it while you've got it out. it'll save time and headache in the long run.

[cyman73]

Thank you for the good suggestion. I will be calling my local Toyota dealer to get the filter and gasket.

Actually, is there a specific order to tightening the pan bolts? Is there a specific torque for the bolts? I am in the process of buying a Maintenace Manual, so I don't know yet.

Thank you.

[tarbasd]

Originally Posted by cyman73

Thank you for the good suggestion. I will be calling my local Toyota dealer to get the filter and gasket.

Actually, is there a specific order to tightening the pan bolts? Is there a specific torque for the bolts? I am in the process of buying a Maintenace Manual, so I don't know yet.

Thank you.

Order: I don't think so.

Torque: Yes.

[Mike Gerber]

"Actually, is there a specific order to tightening the pan bolts? Is there a specific torque for the bolts? I am in the process of buying a Maintenace Manual, so I don't know yet."

For the answer to these and many other questions, download the generation 4 manual stickied at the top of the general Camry forum.

Mike

[muminiasty]

Can I get tranny filters in places other than Toyota dealer?? At Toyota they asked me 100$ for the filter is this how much they go for?

[carsrus]

Whoa a 100$?!?!!?

When I went to the dealer ship they said there was no filter on my 98. Turns out there actually wasnt one. I heard theres a strainer in it somewhere or soemthing along that matter.

But 100$ is insane, maybe 30$ tops. I paid like 12$ for the gasket if i remember right.

[Hajoca]

Check dz63 's DIY.

Also has prices for aftermarket gasket and filter.

[murphy390]

97 Camry 4 cyl with 171K miles. Starting at 50K i've drained the pan and refilled with standard Dex/Merc fluid at 10K intervals. Shifts as smoothly as the day I got it.

[JohnGD]

The Aisin A140E series transmission uses a strainer. Go to your local parts store and ask to see Fram ATF kit. ~$12 on rockauto.com. They used to come with a cork-rubber gasket. But for some reason no longer shows in picture. That's why I say go to the store to see it.

I order filters (well, strainers really) and gaskets from the local Transtar Industries. Get the cork-rubber, not fiber gasket. Competitive prices but may not be as convenient as your local NAPA, O'Reilly, Autozone, etc etc.

I used Fram beacuse it's a cork-rubber gasket, not some cheap looking recycled crushed tire bits gasket.

http://www.transtar1.com/locations.asp

Also see this DIY:

DIY : Differental Fluid Change

Mobil-1 is a great fluid. For lower cost consider Walmart Mercon V semi-synthetic compatible with Dexron II/III. It's usually a Warren UniLube product, certified by Ford however.

Originally Posted by cyman73

Hello all,

Does the 1997 Camry LE 4 cylinder tranny have a transmission filter in it?

I am looking to change the fluid and would like to know if I can just drain and fill or if I have to purchase a filter, new pan gasket...

I will be using Mobil synthetic automatic transmission fluid. Does anyone have a better suggestion?

Thank you very much.

[JohnGD]

And this DIY:

DIY: 5S-FE Transmission Fluid & Strainer Replacement Procedure