Transmission Flush

This procedure performs a complete transmission fluid exchange on the 2012-2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4, removing old ATF and replacing with fresh Toyota WS fluid to maintain transmission performance and longevity.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — 90430-12031 or equivalent

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Run engine until transmission reaches normal operating temperature (approximately 10 minutes of driving)
3. Allow vehicle to cool for 30-45 minutes before beginning work
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
5. Remove engine under covers if equipped (multiple 10mm bolts and clips)

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate and access transmission drain plug
   Position drain pan under transmission pan. The drain plug is located on the passenger side of the transmission pan, facing toward the rear of the vehicle. Clean area around drain plug with wire brush or rag to prevent contamination.
2. 2

   Drain transmission fluid via drain plug
   Using a 10mm socket, slowly loosen the transmission drain plug. Allow fluid to drain completely into drain pan (approximately 4-5 quarts will drain). Once draining slows to a drip, remove and inspect the old crush washer on the drain plug.
   ⚠Fluid may still be warm. Wear gloves and eye protection.
3. 3

   Reinstall drain plug with new crush washer
   Replace the old crush washer with a new one. Clean the drain plug threads and sealing surface. Install drain plug and tighten to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove transmission pan bolts
   Locate all transmission pan bolts around the perimeter (typically 16-19 bolts). Using a 10mm socket, loosen bolts in a criss-cross pattern, working from center outward. Leave two bolts at opposite corners slightly tight to control pan removal.
5. 5

   Lower transmission pan and drain remaining fluid
   Remove the final two bolts while supporting the pan. Carefully lower the pan, being aware that 1-2 quarts of residual fluid will remain inside. Tilt pan to drain completely into drain pan. Remove pan completely and set aside.
   ⚠Residual fluid will spill when pan is lowered. Position drain pan accordingly.
6. 6

   Inspect transmission filter and magnet
   Locate the internal transmission filter (typically visible once pan is removed). Inspect for metal debris or excessive clutch material. Check the magnetic drain plug or pan magnets for metal shavings - a light coating is normal, but large chunks indicate internal wear. Clean magnets thoroughly with shop towels.
   ℹ️The U660E transmission in this Camry has an internal filter that is not serviceable during a standard flush. Filter replacement requires transmission disassembly.
7. 7

   Clean transmission pan and mating surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the inside of the transmission pan with solvent and shop towels. Use a plastic gasket scraper to remove all old gasket material from both the pan and transmission housing mating surfaces. Do not use metal scrapers that could damage sealing surfaces. Wipe both surfaces completely clean and dry.
8. 8

   Install new pan gasket and reinstall pan
   Position the new transmission pan gasket on the pan, ensuring all bolt holes align properly. Carefully lift the pan into position on the transmission, aligning the gasket with the housing. Start all pan bolts by hand to prevent cross-threading.
9. 9

   Torque transmission pan bolts
   Using a torque wrench and working in a criss-cross pattern from the center outward, tighten all transmission pan bolts to specification. Make multiple passes, gradually increasing torque to avoid warping the pan.
   ⚠Over-tightening pan bolts will warp the pan and cause leaks. Use a torque wrench and follow criss-cross pattern.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Refill transmission with Toyota WS ATF
    Lower vehicle to ground. Locate the transmission dipstick/fill tube on the passenger side of the engine bay. Using a long-neck funnel, add 4 quarts of fresh Toyota WS ATF through the dipstick tube. Add slowly to prevent overflow.
11. 11

    Check fluid level and test drive
    Start engine and allow to idle. With engine running and transmission in Park, check fluid level on dipstick (should read between LOW and FULL when cold). Test drive vehicle for 10-15 minutes, cycling through all gears. Return to level surface, engine running, and recheck fluid level. Add fluid as needed to reach FULL mark on hot range.
    ℹ️Fluid level must be checked with engine running and transmission at operating temperature for accurate reading.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine under covers using original fasteners
2. Verify no tools or rags were left in engine bay or under vehicle
3. Double-check for fluid leaks around transmission pan and drain plug after test drive
4. For complete fluid exchange, repeat drain and fill procedure 1-2 more times after driving 50-100 miles between services

Verification

• Start engine and verify no transmission fluid leaks from pan or drain plug
• Check transmission dipstick with engine at operating temperature - level should be in HOT range
• Test drive vehicle and verify smooth shifting through all gears with no slipping or delayed engagement
• Inspect under vehicle after test drive to confirm no new leaks have developed
• Verify fresh ATF color (red/pink) visible on dipstick, confirming successful fluid replacement

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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