This procedure covers the complete removal and reinstallation of the automatic transmission on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.5L I4 gas engine and front-wheel drive.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — 90471-14002 or equivalent
• Engine oil × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission front mount (if worn) × 1 — Inspect before removal
• Transmission rear mount (if worn) × 1 — Inspect before removal

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure vehicle is on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and isolate to prevent accidental reconnection
3. Remove engine under covers and splash shields
4. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer specified lift points
5. Remove front wheels if additional access is needed
6. Drain engine oil completely and remove oil filter (transmission removal affects oil pan access)
7. Allow transmission to cool completely if recently operated

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Place drain pan under transmission drain plug. Remove drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely. Inspect drain plug condition and replace crush washer. Reinstall drain plug finger-tight for now (will torque during final assembly).
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connections and cooler lines
   Disconnect all electrical connectors from transmission including vehicle speed sensor, shift solenoids, and transmission range sensor. Mark each connector location with marker for reinstallation reference. Disconnect transmission cooler lines using line wrenches and cap all openings immediately to prevent contamination. Place shop towels under connections to catch residual fluid.
3. 3

   Remove exhaust components
   Remove front exhaust pipe from manifold and hangers as needed to provide clearance for transmission removal. On some configurations, the exhaust may need to be lowered or removed entirely. Support exhaust with wire or stands to prevent damage.
4. 4

   Install engine support
   Install engine support fixture across engine bay or attach engine hoist to lifting eyes on engine. Take up slack to support engine weight but do not lift engine yet. Engine must be supported before transmission mounts are removed.
   ⚠️Engine must be properly supported before removing transmission mounts. Failure to do so can result in engine falling and causing serious injury.
5. 5

   Remove front transmission mount and crossmember
   Remove bolts securing front transmission mount to crossmember. Remove crossmember-to-chassis bolts and remove crossmember assembly. Inspect mount for damage or wear and replace if necessary.
   ⚠Support transmission weight with transmission jack before removing mounts to prevent sudden movement.
6. 6

   Remove rear transmission mount
   Position transmission jack under transmission pan with wooden block or adapter to distribute load. Raise jack slightly to support transmission weight. Remove rear transmission mount bolts and remove mount. Lower transmission slightly on jack.
   ⚠Transmission jack must be centered and secured with safety chain before proceeding.
7. 7

   Disconnect shift cable and linkage
   Remove shift cable from transmission lever by pressing release tab. Remove cable bracket mounting bolts and position cable aside. Mark cable position if adjustable for reinstallation reference.
8. 8

   Remove starter motor
   Disconnect starter electrical connections. Remove starter mounting bolts and remove starter motor from bellhousing. Set starter aside in safe location.
9. 9

   Remove torque converter access cover and mark converter
   Remove torque converter access cover from bottom of bellhousing. Mark torque converter to flexplate relationship with paint pen for proper reinstallation alignment. Rotate crankshaft using 19mm socket on crankshaft bolt to access all torque converter bolts. Remove all torque converter-to-flexplate bolts.
   ℹ️Keep torque converter pushed fully into transmission during removal to prevent damage to front pump.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)

   Flywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Remove transmission-to-engine mounting bolts
    Remove all transmission bellhousing-to-engine block bolts. There are multiple bolt locations around the bellhousing perimeter, some accessible from above and some from below. Verify all bolts are removed before attempting to separate transmission.
    ⚠Ensure all mounting bolts are removed. Attempting to separate transmission with bolts still installed can crack bellhousing or damage engine block.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Separate and remove transmission
    With transmission properly supported on jack, carefully pull transmission straight back away from engine. Use pry bar in designated pry points if needed, never between mating surfaces. Keep transmission level and ensure torque converter remains fully seated in transmission. Once input shaft clears engine, carefully lower transmission and roll away from vehicle.
    ⚠️Transmission must remain level during removal. Tilting can cause torque converter to fall out, damaging front pump seal and potentially causing injury.
    ⚠Keep torque converter pushed back into transmission. Use converter holding strap if available.
12. 12

    Inspect components
    Inspect flexplate for cracks or damage, replace if necessary. Check rear main seal for leaks. Inspect torque converter pilot bearing in crankshaft. Check transmission mounts for wear or deterioration. Clean bellhousing mating surface on engine thoroughly.
13. 13

    Install transmission
    Verify torque converter is fully seated in transmission (measure from bellhousing face to converter lug - should be approximately 1 inch recessed). Apply thin film of high-temp grease to torque converter pilot and input shaft splines. Position transmission on jack and raise into position. Align transmission with engine, keeping it level. Carefully slide transmission forward, rotating torque converter as needed to engage input shaft. Ensure transmission fully seats against engine block with no gaps at bellhousing.
    ⚠Do not use mounting bolts to draw transmission to engine. Transmission must slide in smoothly with minimal force when properly aligned.
14. 14

    Install transmission mounting bolts
    Install all transmission-to-engine mounting bolts and tighten to specification. Start all bolts by hand before tightening any. Tighten in star pattern working from center outward.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install torque converter bolts
    Align torque converter to flexplate using alignment marks made during removal. Apply threadlocker to torque converter bolt threads per Toyota specification. Install all torque converter bolts and tighten in star pattern to specification. Rotate crankshaft to access all bolts.
    ℹ️Torque converter bolts are often torque-to-yield (TTY). Use new bolts if specified by Toyota service information.
    Torque spec

    Flywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Install torque converter access cover with new gasket if required and torque cover screws to specification
2. Reinstall starter motor and connect electrical connections
3. Reconnect shift cable to transmission lever and install cable bracket, adjusting as necessary
4. Install rear transmission mount and torque mounting bolts to specification (refer to multiple mounting bolt torque values as applicable)
5. Install front transmission mount and crossmember, torque all fasteners to specification
6. Remove engine support fixture once all mounts are secured
7. Reinstall exhaust components with new gaskets as required
8. Reconnect transmission cooler lines and tighten fittings securely
9. Reconnect all electrical connectors to transmission using reference marks
10. Torque transmission drain plug to specification with new crush washer
11. Install new engine oil filter and refill engine oil to proper level with Toyota Genuine 0W-20 (5.0 quarts)
12. Reinstall engine under covers and splash shields
13. Install front wheels if removed and torque lug nuts to specification
14. Lower vehicle to ground

Verification

• Fill transmission with Toyota WS ATF through dipstick tube or fill port. Initial fill is approximately 4-5 quarts, total capacity is 10 quarts including cooler and torque converter
• Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature with transmission in Park
• Check transmission fluid level with engine running and add fluid as necessary to bring to proper level on dipstick
• Cycle transmission through all gear ranges (P-R-N-D-L) pausing 3 seconds in each position, return to Park
• Check for fluid leaks at drain plug, cooler lines, and all pan gasket areas
• Test drive vehicle through all gears verifying smooth shifts and proper operation
• Recheck fluid level after test drive with transmission at operating temperature and adjust as needed
• Verify no warning lights on instrument cluster and scan for transmission-related diagnostic codes
• Inspect underneath vehicle one final time for any fluid leaks after test drive
• Reset transmission adaptive learning values using scan tool if rough shifting occurs (ECU will relearn shift points during normal driving)

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