I currently have about 30000 miles on the car and have seen a recommendation online that it’s due for fluid changes for both. I have searched the owners manual and all I can find is info for 4WD, and nothing about AWD. The local mechanics I have talked to say it’s not necessary at this mileage, and don’t really want to do it. I really don’t want to take to the stealership. Anybody else had this service?
dtown40
4WD, AWD, it's the same thing in the owner's manual.
Chapter 8 tells you the fluids and capacity needed
And also highlighted here:
www.toyotanation.com
Chapter 8 tells you the fluids and capacity needed
And also highlighted here:
*** Official 4th Gen Highlander Tech Specs Sticky ***
OK all you HL fanatics - in this thread you can find specs for your 4th Gen HL. DIY info will be placed in a different sticky; this area is for specs for the 4th Gen HL (filter types, part numbers, etc.). Moderators will edit posts in this thread to keep them relevant to technical specs for...
www.toyotanation.com
Both are simple drain and refill procedures. It’s easier than an oil change. There is a lot of material in there from the break in period, I have 20,000km on my highlander I’m going to do both soon then probably do it every 2 years.
I just did the rear differential fluid today on my V6. It is different and a little bit more involved than previous gen Highlander due to the fill plug being in a pretty tight spot.
For the transfer case I'll be doing it another day , I had to order stubby 10mm hex socket for it as the one I have is too long to reach the fill plug area. Not much room to work with.
After doing my rear diff oil and seeing the drain plug I’d highly suggest doing the first change sooner rather than later , especially if you’re keeping the car for many years. Lots of fine shavings on the magnet and gunk in the oil at 25K miles (40K km)
Rear Differential Drain and Fill Plugs:
![Image]()
![Image]()
Rear Diff Drain and Fill Plug Locations: (access from passenger's side)
![Image]()
Transfer Case Drain and Fill Plug Locations: (access from driver's side)
![Image]()
Picked up a quart each of 75W85 GL-5 spec Gear Oil by Motul and Redline . Total capacity for both Rear Diff and Transfer Case is about 1 qt combined , but it's best to have an extra bottle on hand. You will waste a little by overfilling and waiting for it to drip out of the fill hole.
![Image]()
For the transfer case I'll be doing it another day , I had to order stubby 10mm hex socket for it as the one I have is too long to reach the fill plug area. Not much room to work with.
After doing my rear diff oil and seeing the drain plug I’d highly suggest doing the first change sooner rather than later , especially if you’re keeping the car for many years. Lots of fine shavings on the magnet and gunk in the oil at 25K miles (40K km)
Rear Differential Drain and Fill Plugs:
Rear Diff Drain and Fill Plug Locations: (access from passenger's side)
Transfer Case Drain and Fill Plug Locations: (access from driver's side)
Picked up a quart each of 75W85 GL-5 spec Gear Oil by Motul and Redline . Total capacity for both Rear Diff and Transfer Case is about 1 qt combined , but it's best to have an extra bottle on hand. You will waste a little by overfilling and waiting for it to drip out of the fill hole.
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