Transmission fluid change DIY

The cost difference between the Toyota fluid and other brands is less than $5, tops.
So it's not worth putting in anything else. The engine oil and brake fluid is standard, so using
non-Toyota brand is good and costs less.

 

My latest prices (CDN $'s):

Toyota ATF WS: $9.14 per liter
Toyota 0W20 (in bulk): $4.90 per liter
Toyota DOT 3 fluid was $8.50, per pint

 

On that note I would put in redline d6 in place for Toyota ws, a bit higher in price, more addictive.

 

There was a CBC radio show up here, very good, called "The Age of Persuasion", about marketing. I forget what the product was, it was relatively new, sales were dragging, till they raised the price, lol.

 

Yap, well known consumer behavior. In marketing it is called The Veblen Effect

 

I love the "halo effect" which basically means the product is perceived to be or do something that it is known unlikely to ever be/do.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

A bit HIGHER, more money for something not needed.
I believe Toyota knows what their transmission needs, and what's best.
You certainly can't go wrong by using the correct fluid.

 

OP, how was your car after putting 3.75qts on it? I just finished my transmission drain and refill and noticed I put about the same amount as you. I don’t have any codes or lights. But I’m wondering about the longevity of your vehicle.

 

Heres my observation today after changing the trans fluid in my 2015 with 98,000 miles: The trans fluid actually wasn't as dark as TacoPapi's, maybe half as worn out looking. There was nothing on the drain plug, and the fluid did not have an unusual smell. My drain plug was completely stuck, and the hex socket rounded it off, I had to use vice-grips to get the drain plug off. I removed the fill plug first, and that came right out with very little muscle. The belly pan wasn't that big of a deal, but I am down 1 bolt (the threads broke off in the radiator support), and 2 plastic fasteners.

When refilling with Toyota WS, I ended up putting ALL 4 quarts in. It was dribbling out of the fill hole when I was all done, so I capped 'er off and called it a day. Perhaps my quarts weren't all the way filled from the factory? Each one WAS sealed, as I did have to "break the seal" on the cap when opening. I was concerned because most report refilling with 3.5 - 3.75 quarts. Strange.

Test drove it with the belly pan OFF, verified no leaks, and the car seems to drive exactly the same it did before.

 

I’d score a new drain bolt from dealership parts department. Torque for both is 29 ft/lb.

did you fill with the car level? That might explain getting four quarts in. Still, if just the front was raised, and IIRC the fill bolt’s towards the rear, that “might” mean it’d overflow sooner. Think you’re good lol.

the drain bolt is not magnetic btw, nothing much will cling to it.

 

Yeah, Im going to add it to my list for the next time I visit the Toyota Dealer.
I also had the front end up on rhino ramps, the rear I jacked up to be (from what I could tell to be) level. Its possible that the rear end was slightly higher than the front end maybe, its hard to tell with the lines of the car.
Im surprised the drain plug isnt magnetic, or maybe Im not surprised... two things come to mind; Toyota probably doesn't need drain plugs to catch all kinds of trash floating around their transmissions like other makes, and also, would a magnet have any influence on an electric drive unit/hybrid CVT/something that may conduct electricity? Maybe not. Just a thought though!

 

Second gen had magnetic drain bolt I think.

yeah if front was lower than rear, that might be reason for more fill.

 

.25 of a quart is not a problem. You might not have had the car level.
It doesn't have to be off by much. And i'ts hard to get it exactly level.
Last time I put 3.5qts in. 4 the first time.
Those plugs are way too tight! I have an allen wrench from my 60's VW days...
And a SnapOn 10mm hex, 1/2 inch. That's how I got mine out. Royal pain!
Just Snugged it on reinstall.

 

Does anyone reuse the crush washers instead of buying new ones?

 

Crush washer for what? I replace the one for engine oil drain plug.
They are inexpensive and easily available from pretty much any place.
The two for the transmission, I reuse. The fluid is under no pressure and
you don't need to tighten the plugs very tightly. Same for the inverter.

Won't hurt to replace them, but it's really not needed. Unless they are leaking.

 

Maybe overkill but I replace them. For perspective: they’re about the cost of a coffee. Every 5~10 years?