Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid on 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla 1.8L to maintain proper transmission function and longevity.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission drain plug gasket/washer × 1 — 90430-12031 or equivalent copper washer

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 4 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow transmission to cool if vehicle was recently driven
4. Run engine briefly to warm transmission fluid to operating temperature for complete drainage (optional but recommended)
5. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack and secure on jack stands at manufacturer-recommended lift points
6. Verify vehicle is stable before working underneath

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate transmission drain plug
   Position yourself under the vehicle. The transmission drain plug is located on the bottom of the transmission pan, toward the rear of the transmission housing. It is a 10mm hex plug facing downward.
2. 2

   Position drain pan
   Place drain pan directly beneath the transmission drain plug. Position it slightly forward to catch fluid flow which may project forward when plug is removed.
3. 3

   Remove drain plug
   Using a 10mm socket and ratchet, slowly loosen the drain plug. Once loose, quickly remove the plug by hand, allowing transmission fluid to drain into the pan. Fluid will initially flow rapidly, then slow to a trickle. Allow at least 10-15 minutes for complete drainage.
   ⚠Fluid may be hot and will flow quickly once plug is removed. Keep hands clear of initial flow.
4. 4

   Inspect and replace drain plug washer
   Remove the old copper crush washer from the drain plug. Inspect the drain plug threads for damage. Install a new copper washer onto the drain plug. Do not reuse the old washer as it will not seal properly.
5. 5

   Reinstall drain plug
   Once fluid has completely drained, thread the drain plug with new washer into the transmission pan by hand to avoid cross-threading. Tighten to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Lower vehicle
   Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground using the floor jack. Ensure vehicle is on level ground for accurate fluid fill.
7. 7

   Locate transmission fill/check plug
   Open the hood. The transmission dipstick/fill tube is located on the passenger side of the engine bay, toward the firewall. It has a yellow or red handle. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
8. 8

   Add transmission fluid
   Insert a long-spout funnel into the dipstick tube. Slowly add approximately 3.5 quarts of Toyota WS ATF. Pour slowly to avoid spilling and allow air to escape from the tube. Stop after 3.5 quarts to check level.
   ℹ️Add fluid in increments. It is easier to add more fluid than to remove excess.
9. 9

   Check fluid level (cold)
   With engine off, insert the dipstick fully, then remove and check the fluid level on the COLD markings. Fluid should be between the LOW and FULL marks on the cold side. Add additional fluid in small increments if needed, checking level after each addition.
10. 10

    Start engine and cycle through gears
    Start the engine and allow it to idle. With foot firmly on brake pedal, shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-L) pausing 2-3 seconds in each position. Return to Park. This circulates new fluid through the transmission system.
11. 11

    Check fluid level (hot)
    Allow engine to idle for 5 minutes to bring transmission to operating temperature. With engine running at idle and vehicle in Park on level ground, remove dipstick, wipe clean, reinsert fully, then remove and check fluid level on the HOT markings. Fluid should be between the LOW and FULL marks on the hot side. Add fluid as needed to reach proper level.
    ⚠Engine must be running when checking hot fluid level. Keep hands clear of moving parts.
12. 12

    Inspect for leaks
    With engine running, inspect underneath the vehicle for any signs of transmission fluid leakage around the drain plug. If leakage is observed, shut off engine and re-torque drain plug. If leakage persists, verify drain plug washer was installed correctly.

Reassembly

1. Ensure dipstick is fully seated in the fill tube
2. Close hood and remove wheel chocks
3. Dispose of used transmission fluid at appropriate recycling facility

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground and engine at operating temperature, verify transmission fluid level is within HOT range on dipstick while engine is running
• Verify no leaks are present at drain plug after test drive
• Test drive vehicle and verify smooth shifting through all gears with no slipping or harsh engagement
• Recheck fluid level after test drive to ensure it remains in proper range

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