Transmission Fluid Change

This procedure drains and refills the automatic transmission fluid on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, improving transmission performance and longevity.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — 90430-12031 or equivalent

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 4 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine and transmission to cool if recently driven
3. Raise vehicle using jack and secure on jack stands at all four corners
4. Verify transmission is cool enough to touch safely
5. Locate transmission drain plug on bottom of transmission pan

Procedure

1. 1

   Position drain pan
   Place drain pan beneath the transmission drain plug, positioned slightly toward the rear of the vehicle to catch the fluid stream.
2. 2

   Remove drain plug
   Using a 10mm socket, carefully loosen and remove the transmission drain plug. Allow fluid to drain completely into the pan. This will take 5-10 minutes.
   ⚠Fluid may still be warm. Remove plug slowly to control initial flow.
3. 3

   Install new crush washer and drain plug
   Once fluid has fully drained, remove the old crush washer from the drain plug and discard. Install the new crush washer onto the drain plug. Thread the drain plug into the transmission pan by hand, then torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Measure drained fluid
   Measure the amount of fluid that drained from the transmission. You will refill with the same amount that was removed, typically 3.5 to 4.5 quarts for a drain-and-fill service.
5. 5

   Lower vehicle
   Carefully lower the vehicle from jack stands back to the ground. Ensure the vehicle is on level ground for accurate fluid filling.
6. 6

   Access transmission fill tube
   Open the hood and locate the transmission dipstick tube on the passenger side of the engine bay, toward the firewall. Remove the dipstick/fill cap.
7. 7

   Refill transmission fluid
   Using a funnel or fluid transfer pump, add the same amount of fresh Toyota WS ATF that was drained from the transmission. Pour slowly to avoid overfilling and spilling.
   ⚠Do not overfill. Add only the amount that was drained.
8. 8

   Start engine and circulate fluid
   Start the engine and allow it to idle. With your foot on the brake, shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-L) and hold each for 3-5 seconds. Return to Park.
9. 9

   Check fluid level
   With the engine running and transmission in Park, check the fluid level using the dipstick. The level should be in the COLD range. If low, add small amounts of fluid until proper level is reached.
10. 10

    Verify final level after driving
    Drive the vehicle for 10-15 minutes to reach normal operating temperature. Park on level ground, shift through all gears, and recheck fluid level. Add fluid as needed to bring level to the HOT range on the dipstick.

Reassembly

1. Ensure dipstick/fill cap is fully seated
2. Check drain plug area for leaks after test drive
3. Dispose of used transmission fluid at an appropriate recycling facility

Verification

• Fluid level should be in the HOT range when transmission is at operating temperature
• No leaks visible around drain plug after test drive
• Transmission shifts smoothly through all gears without delay or harshness
• Fluid appears red/pink in color, not dark or burnt

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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