5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
Hi Guys
Got a 2002 LE 4cyl, going to change the trans fluid. I've read you can get all the old fluid out by removing the return line after draining the pan. My question is this, why not just leave the drain open and run the car? Wouldn't the old fluid from the torque converter be pumped into the pan, then out the drain? Probably stupid question, this would be way too easy.
Also, any aftermarket fluid suggestions, or stick with toyota type F (on dipstick). Thanks!
Been changing T-IV from the drain plug, trouble free doing that. Easier than changing the oil. The T-IV is good stuff, stay with it. Get a free washer from the dealer while your there.
Hi Guys
Got a 2002 LE 4cyl, going to change the trans fluid. I've read you can get all the old fluid out by removing the return line after draining the pan. My question is this, why not just leave the drain open and run the car? Wouldn't the old fluid from the torque converter be pumped into the pan, then out the drain? Probably stupid question, this would be way too easy.
Also, any aftermarket fluid suggestions, or stick with toyota type F (on dipstick). Thanks!
Why not do the same with an oil change then?.....If you want to damage your car, maybe. There's a reason why people don't do it that way
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6 speed manual 2011 Camry SE
2012 Honda Accord Coupe---1995 Ford Mustang---1985 AMC Eagle
Hi Guys
My question is this, why not just leave the drain open and run the car? Wouldn't the old fluid from the torque converter be pumped into the pan, then out the drain? Probably stupid question, this would be way too easy.
because it would run out fluid very quickly and ruin your transmission... even if you tried to fill it while it was running, it would not do you any good as the transmission fluid fill point is the dipstick, which runs directly to the pan. you would just needlessly waste and dirty clean fluid and you would still ruin your transmission.
The proper way to completely replace the transmission fluid is to use a flush machine... but you can DIY this at home by removing the return line as you suggested. Attach a hose to extend the line to a catch bucket, and run the car. As you are running the car, fill the transmission fluid from the dipstick. You will have to periodically stop the car to allow the filling to catch up with the draining, as it drains much faster than you can fill. Plenty of DIY threads that go into more detail so search around.
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2005 Camry "LE"
TL HID Retrofit | OEM Fogs | SE Bumper | SE Grill | Factory Spoiler | Kosei K1 TS 18x7.5 | BC Racing Coilovers
TRD [RSB | Strut Tower Brace | Exhaust] || Rear Drum to Disc Swap
Been changing T-IV from the drain plug, trouble free doing that. Easier than changing the oil. The T-IV is good stuff, stay with it. Get a free washer from the dealer while your there.
Great points..all. Will do the flush procedure or take it someplace I can trust to do the job right.
Its over $100 for a flush every 30-40k. If that doesn't happen, all the fluids junk. A $26 drain and fill every other year is a whole lot cheaper, most of the fluids almost new or half way gone all the time. Something to think about.
Or you can just do 3 drains/refills with a short drive in between. The down side taking it for a fluid exchange is that it may not be done or the wrong fluid gets used.
Doing the cooler line flush the engine has to run, because it runs the ATF pump. Otherwise you'll just drain new fluid out of the drain hole. And as others mentioned, if you run the engine without plugging up the drain, then the ATF pump will run dry and can cost you a transmission.
Besides the dino Toyota T-IV (Mobil-3309, but there is no price advantage), Valvoline MaxLife ATF too. Not to mention boutique ATFs. If you buy enough then Advance Auto's ~40% coupon code would be a great deal.
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1995 Ford Mustang
2000 Nissan Maxima SE
2011 Toyota Camry SE
Emily
even if you tried to fill it while it was running, it would not do you any good as the transmission fluid fill point is the dipstick, which runs directly to the pan. you would just needlessly waste and dirty clean fluid and you would still ruin your transmission.
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