How to Change Your Transmission Fluid

We do our share of 12 ounce curls once the work is done at the meet ups.

The best fluid to toast garage success.

 

Nope, no fees and we have all of the tools.

Unless you want to contribute to those that help you out.

Decent deal in today’s world.

 

Back in the 80's and 90's, bantam weight fights were way more exciting to watch..........so you are in good company.

 

It's good practice to change the drain and fill bolt washers. They're not cheap though, at least $5~6 for the two, at dealership parts counter.

 

The 2 crush washers needs to be replaced, fill & drain bolts can be reused.

 

You don't need to bolts, unless you somehow managed to damage them. Just the crush washers.

 

Tried what? Which one what is? I don't know what you're asking.

I just go to the dealer 2 miles away and get the oil and washers. It's not worth the hassle of trying to make sure you're getting the right everything online and then waiting for it to save a couple bucks on something I'll probably only do once per vehicle.

Here's where you can get a lifetime supply of the washers. They aren't sourced from Toyota, but look OK to me.

The part number matches what I found here on PC. I'm not home now, so I don't have access to my receipt.

 

You don't need to know, that's the parts department's job. Go to the parts department, tell them you need washers for the drain and fill bolts of the transaxle on a 2010 Prius. If you're car is registered there, just your phone number will typically id your car, and keeps track of your purchase history I think.

 

The original washer won't leak if reused, unless it was flipped or abused. Mine has not leaked a drop since I changed the WS 4 years ago.

 

90430-18008

Not sure if that is for a single or 10 pack, as I purchased the 10 pack from amazon for $12

If you order online, make sure it is genuine oem from Toyota.
That is something you dont want to mess with, hence dealer is best,
but we all understand where you are coming from.

 

If you just come to the Bay Area meet up, we have a whole bag of the crush washers.

Donuts (or your favorite breakfast item to share) or a cold adult beverage would get you what you need .

 

Do newbies have to bring a six pack of beer? I don't think that is for the transmission is it?
I'd be tempted to come by but it is a six hour drive.

 

Anyone is free to bring anything.

We usually do a potluck. @SFO and @Pedal Logic usually do the meat choices and @The Critic brings the donuts for the start of the day.

But when we send the invite out just before the event, we get commitments for the food components. Stop on by.

 

The plastic belly pan sucks to take off if you have never done it before. All the fasteners will be seized on - including the plastic ones.

I'm still sore from taking off the belly pan, fixing the broken off rusty screws holding it on and installing new plastic plugs. The fill is the easy part! It would be a 30 minute job if it was not for taking off and putting the belly pan back again!

Although it is a technically easy job, practically if someone does not have the tools or time, it could be difficult. Those drain plugs are on tight, you need 1/2 wrench and a 6" or so extension to break them free. You just have to be prepared with all the tools and set aside 3 hrs in case you have difficulty. It took me at least two hours and I have tons of tools. That dang belly pan! It should come off easy now.

I just did a flush on a regular old 2003 Camry, it was a far quicker job. All you have to do is loosen the line going to the oil cooler to get all the oil out and back in again.


I highly recommend you go to that meetup.


List of tools:
1/2 ratchet with 10mm allen
1/2 6" extension
small 10mm hex socket + wrench (front of belly pan)
flat screw driver to remove the plugs

Hose + Funnel or hose and pump
Pan


List of supplies:
4qts atf ws
2x crush washers
a few spare M6x1 20mm long bolts in case you break some.
blaster/wd40 etc.. (for the belly pan bolts and plastic plugs)
4x jack stands (you can do it with 2, the car almost balances on the front two )
1 jack