In line ATF filter - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

NoCode · 07-19-2011, 01:15 PM

2002 Camry XLE 4cyl (100k mi) - was thinking of installing a magnefine filter in the ATF return line. Has anyone tried doing this? I searched but didn't come up with much.

If so, was there a long enough run to install it in the return line? What is the ID of the ATF line? Magenfine comes in 3/8, 5/16, & 1/2 in. not sure what size I need.

My local shop was recommending a flush and not changing the filter. I'm hesitant to do it since I've heard that you shouldn't flush a hi miler that's never had the ATF changed before. I'm leaning to just a drain/fill and filter replacement. Thoughts?

Thanks.

Yuko · 07-19-2011, 06:05 PM

The "filter" in most Toyota auto transmssion is nothing more than a metal screen. It rarely catch anything so there's no need to change it. I would still drop the pan to clean the mangets. If the shop plans to do a pressure flush or a reverse flush on the transmission, run away. Those machine are know to damage transmission. Have the Toyota dealership preform the ATF exchange on the transmssion, about $150ish but you know they are using the correct fiuld. This service can be done at home too, it replaces all the ATF unlike a drain and refill,

Not sure about the cooler line ID but any addition filter for the transmission is helpful.

***JohnGD*** · 07-20-2011, 01:01 AM

The older A-series doesn't have much of a "filtration" system with their wire mesh strainers. The newer U-series (including OP's 2002) has a felt filter that should be changed IMO every 15K miles.

An inline filter can probably add additional filtration. DIY would be similar, the most important thing is to determine the direction of flow:
DIY Installing Magnefine filter on transmission oil cooler line (1mz-fe & 5s-fe)

NoCode · 07-20-2011, 08:43 AM

Thanks guys. Question, are the ATF lines the same size on the V6 and 4cyl? The write up in the above post is for a V6 Solara and indicates 3/8" ATF lines. I want to make sure the 4cyl has the same size ID before buying the magnefine.

Can anyone confirm? Thanks again.

Yuko · 07-20-2011, 01:31 PM

After a little research, your car with the 4cly (2AZ-FE) show to have 3/8 ID lines but other say that the 5/16 fits better. The safest bet is to simply pull one of the lines off and measure in ID.

Also, do forget to use Type-4 ATF or compatible fluid.

gdanaher · 07-21-2011, 11:59 AM

Keep in mind that you are trying to fit an SAE sized filter into a metric hose.