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2021 TOYOTA RAV4

2.5L I4AWDCVTgas
1 active safety recall on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs415Labor595Torque3730Fluid9DTC940Battery1Maintenance0Recalls1
transmission

Transmission Speed Sensor - Input

for 2021 Toyota RAV4 2.5L I4 · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.1 h
Tools
9
Steps
11

This procedure covers the replacement of the input speed sensor on the transmission of a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.5L I4 gas engine and FWD configuration.

Warnings

Ensure transmission is cool before starting work to avoid burns from hot fluid and components.
Work on a level surface to ensure accurate fluid level measurement after refill.
ℹ️Some ATF loss is inevitable when removing the sensor. Have extra fluid and containment ready.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential
12mm socket and ratchetEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
Jack and jack standsEssential
Drain pan (minimum 2 quart capacity)Essential
Trim removal tools or flat blade screwdriver
Shop towels or ragsEssential
Funnel for fluid refillEssential
Fluid transfer pump

Parts

  • Transmission input speed sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • O-ring for speed sensor × 1 — Often included with sensor

Fluids

  • Toyota WS ATF — 1.5 qt

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
  2. Allow transmission to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven
  3. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent electrical issues
  4. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
  5. Remove front driver side wheel for better access to transmission area
  6. Remove plastic engine splash shield and underbody panels as needed for access

Procedure

  1. 1
    Locate the input speed sensor
    From underneath the vehicle, locate the transmission input speed sensor on the driver side of the transmission case, near the bellhousing area. It is a cylindrical sensor with an electrical connector on top. Clean the area around the sensor with a shop towel to prevent contamination.
  2. 2
    Disconnect electrical connector
    Press the release tab on the electrical connector and carefully pull it straight off the sensor. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion or damage. Do not force or twist the connector.
  3. 3
    Position drain pan
    Place a drain pan directly beneath the input speed sensor location. Expect approximately 0.5 to 1 quart of ATF to drain when the sensor is removed.
  4. 4
    Remove sensor mounting bolt
    Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the input speed sensor to the transmission case. Keep the bolt as it will be reused.
    Torque spec
    Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  5. 5
    Extract the sensor
    Carefully pull the sensor straight out from the transmission case. ATF will drain from the opening. Allow fluid to drain completely into the pan. Remove and inspect the old O-ring on the sensor body for damage or deterioration.
    ATF may continue to drip for several minutes. Keep drain pan in place.
  6. 6
    Prepare new sensor
    Remove the new input speed sensor from packaging. Install the new O-ring onto the sensor body if not pre-installed. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean ATF to ease installation and prevent damage during insertion.
  7. 7
    Install new sensor
    Insert the new sensor straight into the transmission case bore, ensuring the O-ring seats properly. Push firmly until the sensor mounting flange contacts the transmission case. Align the mounting bolt hole.
  8. 8
    Torque sensor bolt
    Install the mounting bolt and torque to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the sensor is fully seated against the case before tightening.
    Torque spec
    Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector firmly onto the new sensor until you hear or feel a positive click, confirming it is fully seated and locked.
  10. 10
    Refill transmission fluid
    Locate the transmission fill plug on the driver side of the transmission case. Remove the fill plug and add Toyota WS ATF through the fill hole using a fluid transfer pump or funnel with extension hose. Add approximately 1 to 1.5 quarts to replace the fluid lost during sensor removal. Reinstall fill plug.
  11. 11
    Check fluid level
    Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature. With the engine running and transmission in Park on level ground, verify fluid level through the check procedure (varies by model year - some use dipstick method, others use overflow plug method). Add fluid as needed to reach proper level.

Reassembly

  1. Reinstall all underbody panels and splash shields removed during preparation
  2. Reinstall driver side front wheel and torque lug nuts to specification
  3. Reconnect negative battery terminal
  4. Lower vehicle to ground

Verification

  • Start the engine and verify no ATF leaks from the sensor area while engine is running
  • Check for diagnostic trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner - all transmission speed sensor codes should be cleared
  • Test drive vehicle through all gears to confirm proper transmission operation and speedometer function
  • Recheck ATF level after test drive and top off if necessary
  • Verify no new trouble codes have set after test drive

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