Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid through drain plug method to maintain transmission health and performance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 4 qt

Preparation

1. Drive vehicle for 10-15 miles to bring transmission to operating temperature
2. Park on level surface and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes
3. Apply parking brake and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
4. Safely raise front of vehicle with floor jack and secure on jack stands
5. Remove any plastic undertray or splash shields if equipped to access transmission drain plug

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate transmission drain plug
   Position drain pan under transmission. The drain plug is located on the bottom of the transmission pan, toward the front of the vehicle. It is a 14mm hex head bolt with a crush washer.
2. 2

   Remove transmission drain plug
   Using a 14mm socket and ratchet, carefully loosen the drain plug. Once loose, quickly remove it by hand and allow fluid to drain completely into the pan. This will take 5-10 minutes. Inspect the old crush washer and discard it.
   ⚠Fluid will flow quickly once plug is removed. Keep hands clear and ensure drain pan is positioned correctly.
3. 3

   Install new crush washer and drain plug
   Place new crush washer onto drain plug. Once fluid has completely stopped draining, wipe the drain plug area clean with a shop towel. Thread drain plug in by hand first to ensure proper threading, then tighten to specification using torque wrench.
   ⚠Do not reuse old crush washer. Always install a new washer to prevent leaks.
   Torque spec

   Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Lower vehicle
   Carefully lower vehicle from jack stands back to ground level. Ensure vehicle is stable and level before proceeding to fill transmission.
5. 5

   Locate transmission fill tube
   Open hood and locate the transmission dipstick tube on the passenger side of the engine bay, near the firewall. Remove the dipstick completely to access the fill tube.
6. 6

   Add transmission fluid
   Insert funnel into dipstick tube. Add exactly 4.0 quarts of fresh Toyota WS ATF slowly to avoid overflow. Pour fluid in stages, allowing it to drain down the tube between additions.
   ℹ️Add only 4.0 quarts for a drain-and-fill service. Overfilling can damage the transmission.
7. 7

   Check initial fluid level
   Wipe dipstick clean and reinsert fully. Remove and check level. With engine cold, fluid should register between the lower Cold range marks. Do not overfill at this stage.
8. 8

   Warm up transmission and verify level
   Start engine and let idle for 1-2 minutes. With foot on brake, shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-L) pausing 3-5 seconds in each. Return to Park. Allow engine to idle for another 3-5 minutes to reach operating temperature. With engine running, check dipstick level. Fluid should be in the Hot range. Add fluid in 1/4 quart increments if needed.
   ⚠Keep foot firmly on brake when shifting through gears. Engine must be running when checking final fluid level.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any plastic undertrays or splash shields removed during preparation
2. Ensure drain plug area is clean and dry with no signs of leakage
3. Properly dispose of used transmission fluid at a recycling center or auto parts store

Verification

• Start engine and check for leaks around transmission drain plug
• With engine at operating temperature and running, verify fluid level is in the Hot range on dipstick
• Test drive vehicle through all gears to confirm smooth shifting operation
• Recheck fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Inspect ground under vehicle after 24 hours for any signs of leakage

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