Transmission Fluid?

[shyshadow48]

Hey guys,
I have a 96 toyota camry, automatic, V6.
I have a questions about the transmission fluid:

1. Where is the dipstick located if there is one?
2.where do I put the fluid to?

The only thing I see is the oil dipstick, power steering,break fuild,coolant,and oil compartments,
But NO transmission fluid anything?

If someone can provide me with some answers. I will appreciate it A LOT.

[TedL]

The location is documented in the owner's manual, available online at the manufacturer's web site if you don't have the paper copy.

[CarryMeBF]

Originally Posted by shyshadow48

Hey guys,
I have a 96 toyota camry, automatic, V6.
I have a questions about the transmission fluid:

1. Where is the dipstick located if there is one?
2.where do I put the fluid to?

The only thing I see is the oil dipstick, power steering,break fuild,coolant,and oil compartments,
But NO transmission fluid anything?

If someone can provide me with some answers. I will appreciate it A LOT.

Isn't it just right of the Engine Oil Fill Cap? Sticking up with a brownish orange dipstick looking thing... Circled in pic below. That is where you check and fill.

[shyshadow48]

@CarryMeBF : thanks for the picture. I just noticed it when I went to check the engine. But where does the transmission fluid go in?
I know the motor oil goes where it says motor oil. & power steering where it is indicated.
But what about the transmission oil? Where does it go?
All I know is where the dipstick is ^__^ .

[CarryMeBF]

Originally Posted by shyshadow48

@CarryMeBF : thanks for the picture. I just noticed it when I went to check the engine. But where does the transmission fluid go in?
I know the motor oil goes where it says motor oil. & power steering where it is indicated.
But what about the transmission oil? Where does it go?
All I know is where the dipstick is ^__^ .

You fill your transmission where the transmission dipstick is, you'll have to use a funnel.

[shyshadow48]

Originally Posted by CarryMeBF

You fill your transmission where the transmission dipstick is, you'll have to use a funnel.

Thank you very much

[JohnGD]

Yeah, use a funnel like one from the following $0.99 set:
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece...l-set-744.html

But before you add anything make sure to check the ATF level first. Add no more than 8 oz at a time if needed.

Has the fluid ever been changed or the pan serviced in all these years? You can search the DIY section and find articles on these topics. But before you add any ATF, make sure you properly check the level first on a few different occasions. Here is an example of ATF service (V6 similar to this I4 DIY):
DIY: 5S-FE Transmission Fluid & Strainer Replacement Procedure

Basically with the engine running at operating temperature - about 5-10 miles of local driving should do. On level ground with the parking brake set and gear selector run through all gears, stopping a few seconds in each and return to Park. The level should be between the HOT marks.

The transmission uses Dexron III type fluids. Including Walmart SuperTech ATF, SuperTech Mercon-V, Castrol Import multi-vehicle ATF, or Mobil-1 ATF. Always check the label, it should say suitable for Dexron III type. Do not use ones only for Toyota T-IV or WS.

And if you decide to do a drain/refill, measure what you drain out first and add that amount back in after making sure the ATF level is between the HOT marks. It's easiest this way, and just double check the ATF later as stated above afterwards.

[shyshadow48]

Originally Posted by CarryMeBF

You fill your transmission where the transmission dipstick is, you'll have to use a funnel.

Originally Posted by JohnGD

Yeah, use a funnel like one from the following $0.99 set:
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece...l-set-744.html

But before you add anything make sure to check the ATF level first. Add no more than 8 oz at a time if needed.

Has the fluid ever been changed or the pan serviced in all these years? You can search the DIY section and find articles on these topics. But before you add any ATF, make sure you properly check the level first on a few different occasions. Here is an example of ATF service (V6 similar to this I4 DIY):
DIY: 5S-FE Transmission Fluid & Strainer Replacement Procedure

Basically with the engine running at operating temperature - about 5-10 miles of local driving should do. On level ground with the parking brake set and gear selector run through all gears, stopping a few seconds in each and return to Park. The level should be between the HOT marks.

The transmission uses Dexron III type fluids. Including Walmart SuperTech ATF, SuperTech Mercon-V, Castrol Import multi-vehicle ATF, or Mobil-1 ATF. Always check the label, it should say suitable for Dexron III type. Do not use ones only for Toyota T-IV or WS.

And if you decide to do a drain/refill, measure what you drain out first and add that amount back in after making sure the ATF level is between the HOT marks. It's easiest this way, and just double check the ATF later as stated above afterwards.

Thanks that's helpful information. I think my brother flushed it around 6 months ago. I totally forgot about it until
Now since I'm getting ready to do all the basics again. I didn't know about the dextron III. I'm sure toyotas fluid has it. Thank you.

[JohnGD]

If it was done 6 months ago then just check the level and condition should be sufficient. The ATF should be pink/red and not brown/black and should smell closer to the new fluid than a burned oil.

It's fine if you decide to get the GM Dexron III from your local dealer, but you can get them cheaper just about everywhere else unless the dealer gives you a discount.

Did your brother drain the differential too?

Originally Posted by shyshadow48

Thanks that's helpful information. I think my brother flushed it around 6 months ago. I totally forgot about it until
Now since I'm getting ready to do all the basics again. I didn't know about the dextron III. I'm sure toyotas fluid has it. Thank you.

[shyshadow48]

Originally Posted by JohnGD

If it was done 6 months ago then just check the level and condition should be sufficient. The ATF should be pink/red and not brown/black and should smell closer to the new fluid than a burned oil.

It's fine if you decide to get the GM Dexron III from your local dealer, but you can get them cheaper just about everywhere else unless the dealer gives you a discount.

Did your brother drain the differential too?

Hmm I doubt he changed the differential. I guess ill simply do the flush and change the oil. Just to be sure.

[JohnGD]

Walmart's SuperTech Mercon-V (all new formulations are suitable for Dexron III type applications) or Mobil-1 are nicer in the differential and PS steering system.

[HawkeyeKid18]

I have a question about the ATF. I bought my 99 Camry about a year ago from the dealership with 88,900. I got my oil changed today at Jiffy Lube and they mentioned that the ATF looked dark and they can do the exchange for $75.

I looked at my vehicle history and the last time transmission service was done was in 2/2007 at 86,400 with synthetic fluid at the dealership. Now I'm at 100,500 miles.

Now the confusion is should I just do the drain/refill or the full exchange? I read around a few forums that a full exchange might be a shock to the system if it hasn't been replaced in awhile.

Thanks!

[CarryMeBF]

You need to have it flushed not changed.

[BMR]

So it was done at 86,400 miles, and now it's got 100,500 miles? Flushing should not cause any problems at all. People that say that are talking about severely neglected vehicles, like more than 100k miles with no trans oil changes.

[HawkeyeKid18]

Thanks for the responses. Also, the record said it was done with synthetic fluid. When I mentioned it to the service guy at jiffy lube, he said it would be $75 for the exchange and an extra $20 for the additive. Now is this "additive" referring to the fluid converter that's frowned upon or is it something else.