This procedure performs a complete transmission fluid exchange on the 2018-2024 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 with 8-speed automatic transmission, replacing old ATF with fresh Toyota WS fluid to maintain transmission longevity and performance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Toyota 90430-18008 or equivalent
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification if pan is removed

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Ensure transmission is at operating temperature by driving vehicle for 10 minutes, then allow to cool for 2 hours minimum
4. Raise front of vehicle with jack and secure on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
5. Verify vehicle is stable before working underneath
6. Remove plastic engine under-cover if equipped using 10mm socket

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate transmission drain plug
   Position drain pan under transmission. Locate the transmission drain plug on the bottom of the transmission pan toward the driver's side. It is a 14mm hex head plug. Clean area around drain plug to prevent contamination.
2. 2

   Drain transmission fluid - First cycle
   Using 14mm socket, carefully loosen and remove transmission drain plug. Allow fluid to drain completely into pan until flow stops (approximately 10-15 minutes). Measure and record the amount of fluid drained. Inspect drain plug crush washer for damage.
   ⚠Fluid may still be warm. Position hands away from initial fluid stream.
3. 3

   Reinstall drain plug - First cycle
   Install new crush washer onto drain plug. Thread drain plug by hand to avoid cross-threading, then tighten to specification using torque wrench. Wipe area clean of residual fluid.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Refill with fresh ATF - First cycle
   Locate transmission fill plug on driver's side of transmission (14mm hex). Remove fill plug. Using fluid pump or funnel with extension hose, add the exact amount of fresh Toyota WS ATF that was drained in step 2. Reinstall fill plug and torque to specification.
   ℹ️The fill plug is also the level check. Overfilling can cause transmission damage.
   Torque spec

   Fill Plug34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Circulate fluid - First cycle
   Lower vehicle to ground. Start engine and allow to idle for 2 minutes. With brake pedal depressed, shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-S) pausing 3 seconds in each position. Return to Park. Allow engine to idle for additional 3 minutes, then shut off. Wait 5 minutes for fluid to settle.
6. 6

   Drain transmission fluid - Second cycle
   Raise vehicle back onto jack stands. Position drain pan under transmission drain plug. Remove drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely. Measure drained fluid. Install new crush washer and reinstall drain plug to specification.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Refill and circulate - Second cycle
   Remove fill plug and add the exact amount of fresh Toyota WS ATF that was drained in step 6. Reinstall fill plug to specification. Lower vehicle and repeat the circulation process from step 5: idle for 2 minutes, cycle through gears, idle for 3 minutes, shut off and wait 5 minutes.
   Torque spec

   Fill Plug34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Drain transmission fluid - Third cycle
   Raise vehicle onto jack stands. Position drain pan under transmission drain plug. Remove drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely. Measure drained fluid. Install new crush washer and reinstall drain plug to specification.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Final refill and level check
   Remove fill plug. Add the exact amount of fresh Toyota WS ATF that was drained in step 8. With vehicle still raised and level, start engine and allow to idle. With engine running at idle and transmission in Park, remove fill plug. Fluid should drip slowly from fill hole. If no fluid drips, add small amounts (100ml at a time) until fluid begins to drip. When correct level is reached, reinstall fill plug to specification while engine is running.
   ⚠Engine must be running during final level check. Ensure vehicle is secure on jack stands and parking brake is engaged.
   Torque spec

   Fill Plug34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Final circulation and inspection
    Turn off engine. Lower vehicle to ground. Start engine and repeat full circulation process: cycle through all gears, idle for 5 minutes total. Inspect underneath vehicle for leaks around drain plug and fill plug. If leaks are present, raise vehicle and re-torque plugs.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall plastic engine under-cover if equipped, ensuring all clips and fasteners are secure
2. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely
3. Dispose of used ATF properly at recycling center or auto parts store
4. Reset transmission adaptation if equipped with diagnostic scan tool (optional but recommended)

Verification

• Start engine and verify smooth shifting through all gear ranges with no slipping or harsh engagement
• Check transmission dipstick is not present on this model - level verification was completed during fill procedure
• Test drive vehicle for 10-15 minutes, verifying normal shift quality and no transmission warning lights
• After test drive, perform final leak inspection under vehicle while engine is at operating temperature
• Verify total fresh fluid used equals approximately 10-12 quarts across all three cycles

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