Manual transmission oil level

[vinniemak]

Is there an easy way to check for the manual transmission oil level in a Camry??

I have 27K on my Camry CE and feel that I should at least check the oil level, as the shifting between gears is not as smooth as it used to be when the car was brand new. Although it shifts okay, it's a little coarse. I used to have an Accord and a Legend both with manual trannys that made a difference after a manual transmission oil change.

Anyone have any ideas?? some have said not to worry about a manual transmission oil change until 50K miles ; but how about if I just have it changed??...or at least get the level checked. If anyone has pictures that would be great.

Thanks in advance.

[DressUpYourPet]

Year, engine? On every manual trans i ever saw, you check the level by crawling underneath the car. Then you remove the filler plug and stick your finger in the hole, oil level should be level with the bottom of the filler hole.

If you change it yourself, just remove the drain plug (hopefully toyota still puts one on there). Then add oil using a funnel, and whatever type of tubing fits the funnel to fill it from up top. Fill til the gear oil starts pouring out, then let it leak out until the gear oil settles to a slow drip (say one drip every few seconds). Replace filler plug, done.

And i think you are right - 27,000 miles is not too soon to change the transmission oil. Not if you plan to drive this car until the wheels fall off, like most people here on TN. About ever 25,000 miles is about right in my view.

[vinniemak]

Originally Posted by DressUpYourPet

Year, engine? On every manual trans i ever saw, you check the level by crawling underneath the car. Then you remove the filler plug and stick your finger in the hole, oil level should be level with the bottom of the filler hole.

If you change it yourself, just remove the drain plug (hopefully toyota still puts one on there). Then add oil using a funnel, and whatever type of tubing fits the funnel to fill it from up top. Fill til the gear oil starts pouring out, then let it leak out until the gear oil settles to a slow drip (say one drip every few seconds). Replace filler plug, done.

And i think you are right - 27,000 miles is not too soon to change the transmission oil. Not if you plan to drive this car until the wheels fall off, like most people here on TN. About ever 25,000 miles is about right in my view.

Year, engine...well...I thought I had put in atleast the year..I called it a Gen6 hence...2007...and considering it is a base level CE...that would make it a 2.4L 4 cyl by default. I've got the pages from the manual and might consider changing the manual transmission oil (i.e gear oil) myself...wondering if someone else has already changed this on an 07 4 cyl manual transmission Camry.

[jermyjerm]

You gotta put the car on a lift to get under it and to raise it level.Usually need a gadget to remove/add the fluid.Unless you own a lift,take it to a shop.

[JSM1284]

MANUAL TRANSAXLE OIL

ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION

1. INSPECT MANUAL TRANSAXLE OIL

(a)Stop the vehicle on a level surface.(b)Remove the transmission filler plug and gasket.(c)Check that the oil surface is within 5 mm (0.20 inch) of the bottom of the transmission filler plug opening.
NOTICE:

• Excessively large or small amounts of oil may cause trouble.
• After replacing the oil, drive the vehicle and check the oil level again.

HINT: Insert your finger into the filler plug hole. You should be able to just touch the surface of the oil if the oil is at the correct level.


(d)Check for oil leakage if the oil level is low.(e)Install the transmission filler plug and a new gasket.
Torque: 49 Nm (500 kgf-cm, 36 ft. lbs.)

[vinniemak]

JSM...thanks for your input...it's well written, like all your other posts..however, I seemed to have mis-placed the CD for the Camry manual, which I had burnt a while ago (now removed from Toyotanation !!), and now when I need it ; it's not there. Can you please "identify" or post a page from the manual, the Bleed port and the Fill port. I am going to change the manual tranny oil in next few days..I am at over 30K in miles and need to get it done. Also, I'll take pictures and try to contribute towards a DIY...

One more thing, JSM...if you have any more tips, don't hesitate to let me know.

Thanks in advance for your response.

[touringcamry]

Check out this site: http://www.camrystuff.com/ It has all the factory service manuals for Camry. Get it before it dissapears too.

[vinniemak]

Thanks for the link ; I looked through the manual transaxle page and found the page below. It was the only one that listed the location of the bolts for fill & drain. Hope they are easy to locate underneath the car...will give it a shot. Also, a couple of more questions:
> What is the amount of oil required in the transaxle? I think it's listed in the owners manual, but haven't had time to look there.
> They also don't indicate the size of the bolts for the fill & drain....I like to have this info before hand, so as to not end up unbolting the wrong bolt(s).
> Also, are there any benefits to replacing with a synthetic based gear oil, versus the regular gear oil per Toyota specs.
> Lastly, I will be using a sta-lube filling system to fill the tranny after draining...as it was recommended to me by an auto mechanic, who works part time in our assembly shop out back (also part time at a local Honda dealership). Any recommendations there??

[vinniemak]

TRD please respond to my above post...thanks in advance.