5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011
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Just called the dealer. They want to charge $220 for a transmission fluid flush. That's way too high for me. So I was thinking I would drain the pan, and fill up with Mobil1 ATF. I know this doesn't drain the fluid from the converter. However, for the next 2 oil changes, I plan on also draining and filling the transmission. I figure 3 of these drains will get most of the old stuff out.
What do ya'll think?
Does anyone know approximately how much ATF fluid will be drained?
Where is the ATF drain plug?
Thanks!
I have a 2003 V6.
Last edited by AustinPower; 06-15-2011 at 02:19 PM.
Just did mine about a month ago...and doing it again(to flush the older stuff out) in a few thousand miles....very easy to do. But we need to know what year your car is, as stated above.
When you fill it back up be sure not to over fill. I think it was 3qts and a bit that was put in..
it's on the drivers side, you don't even have to remove the plastic underbody piece. I forget the side of the bolt i believe it is a hex box though.
And to save money just use the Toyota brand ATF no need to use anything expensive. I was going to go with Royal Purple, but my friend is a Toyota mechanic and sai dno need to spend the extra money. I also track my car, so it takes a beating..and the Toyota ATF does just fine.
This procedure will do the same thing as a flushing machine. Toyota Type T-IV is Mobil 3309. I believe the drain plug is 10mm hex bit. Takes a 18 mm aluminum gasket. Torques to 36 ft. lbs. If you have the 4 speed AT, the specs could be different. Regards
I drained an filled the transmission. Very easy! I'll probably do this every other oil change. At $5/quart(from dealer), and only 3.5 quarts to refill, I think this is cheap preventative maintenance.
I did not drop the pan to change out filter, I might do that way out in the future. For now, I think draining and refilling is good enough.
i do mine maybe once a year when i think a bout it, Mine is a 2002 V6 and don't know if they are the same capacity, but for a simple drain and refill and the pan staying in place, the refill is EXACTLY 3 qts.
The easiest way to find out for yourself is to measure how much comes out. You know of course then that is the minimum you are putting back in. Run it til its hot, at least 10 miles, and you might have to add a little bit more (the hot reading is more reliable then the cold one). And at least now you know how much to put in for next time.
I have had 10 cars and trucks, always changed the ATF fluid on all of them and never had an auto trans go out on me. Its not all that important the flushing etc. it is important that the fluid gets changed once in a while, every 30,000 - 40,000 is good. Look at it on a cost basis, over $200 for a flush? If the trans is good it probably doesn't need it, if the trans is bad or about to be flushing isn't going to fix it.
Auto trans fluid does not usually have a huge problem with dirt since it is sealed. The main problem is "internal" dirt and the fact that the additives in the fluid wear out, primarily from heat. Change the fluid and you are renewing the additives and taking out MOST of the old heat damaged fluid and replacing it with new. Its not important that you get every last bit of dirty fluid out what is important is that it gets changed, at least partially!
Last edited by AlmightyCamry777; 06-18-2011 at 09:38 AM.
The Following User Says Thank You to AlmightyCamry777 For This Useful Post:
Do the same thing several more times over a few days or whatever and then drain and fill after that a yearly intervals. I have an 04 V6 with the five speed AT and I carefully measured the first drain--4.5 quarts. I use Mobil 3309. Regards
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