'03 4-cyl ATF change

[jjvb]

I bought this Camry used and it has 60k and I am going to change the ATF. Do I need any parts other than a pan gasket? Anything out of the ordinary? Thanks.

[JSM1284]

Trans filter. Comes as a kit with the pan gasket.

[TRD VVTi]

You don't have to even get a gasket. You can just drain the fluid from the drain plug.

It is certainly a good idea to examine the content of the normal wear materials in the bottom of the pan. But honestly, if you aren't having a problem there isn't much to be gained by doing so.

A drain and fill would probably be sufficient.

[CharmCityES]

i'd assume the drain and fill should suffice at 60K....changing the filter tho and dropping the pan for an inspection isnt a bad idea either
my car has 52k and i usually change my trans fluid with toyota ATF fluid every 20k

[jjvb]

Thanks for the replies guys. I have never changed the ATF in any of my other vehicles without changing the filter. Maybe it isn't necessary. Perhaps that is why the Toyota dealership only does a drain and fill unless you specifically request a filter change. It's really not much effort to drop the pan and change the filter. What to do..........

[marc780]

Its pretty easy to change ATF but some important points to keep in mind:
1. Check the dipstick and/or owners manual for what ATF to use. I think your model car requires Type IV Toyota fluid and this is a dealer only, about $5 a qt. Toyota says to use no other kind of fluid and they warn of bad shifting if you do. If you are just doing a drain and fill and no pulling the pan, its a little over 3 qts to refill.
2. I think your year car might have a metal strainer and not a gauze filter like other cars. This means you clean it in solvent and dont replace it unless you like buying these things for some reason.
When i got my 2002 V6 it had 66,000 on it and the first thing i did was change the fluid. Ive maintained and pulled plenty of trans in the past and most of the filters i have removed at this mileage were more or less clean - so i didnt even bother pulling the pan (i am lazy when i can get away with it).
I'd bet you if you pull the pan now your strainer will be pretty much clean and you will wonder why you bother with all this mess, but if the fluid looks dirtier than it should be, then i would bother with removing the pan.

[Mike Murrell]

I have never seen a transverse-mounted 4 cyl Asian car that used a transmission filter.

As TRD said, pull the plug and drain.

It's a "rotation" type drain. By that I mean you will likely only remove about 1/2 what the system holds.

I've seen Accords go over 300K using a rotation drain and Toyotas have likely done so as well.