2015 Toyota RAV4 Transmission fluid change

In this video, I change the automatic transmission fluid on the 2015 Toyota Rav4. The fluid that I took out was pretty dark. It should of been changed around 60k but it didn't get changed until 150k. I hope that you like the video. Make sure you like, share, and subscribe. Stay safe and thanks for watching.
Update: I changed the transmission twice in this video because the first time it was still dark. I have not had any problems with this transmission since.

[@talonniedixon2760]

Make sure your transmission is cold. Drain until all the fluid in the pan comes out. If 2 quarts comes out put back 2.5 quarts. When the transmission reach 95f to 113f drain off the extra fluid til it’s starts to trickle…If no fluid comes out then you have to add more fluid! Be careful not to let your transmission get up to 200f + you can drain off too much fluid and in reality your transmission has very low fluid! I hope this helps!

[@wjm3018]

Nice video great tutorial. For next time i wouldnt let the transmission run too hot. Good range to open drain plug is at 104-107 degrees righr in the middle

[@wonkster1970]

Thanks. I'll do that the next time I change the oil.

[@EastCoastScott]

NEVER take out the drain plug before loosening the full plug!! Imagine draining it only to find out someone stripped out the fill plug bolt or for whatever reason, your unable to remove it. Just saying

[@wonkster1970]

Thanks. I didn't think of that.

[@andrewtempalski5783]

Fucking good tip

[@wonkster1970]

@andrewtempalski5783 yes it is. I check the fill plug now before draining the oil.

[@condor5635]

Keep 2 clean identical jugs. Then no measuring. Just fill one with same level as the other. So simple

[@talonniedixon2760]

Nice vid! Never warm up the transmission! Start with a cold transmission...let it sit overnight! Drill the pan “cold!” If 2 quarts drain out, refill with 2.5 quarts! The correct temp check is 95f to 113f...Do not drain the pan if the transmission fluid temperature is over 113f! I check the temperature at 104f that way your right the middle! (The Sweet spot!) Remember to let fluid trickle out then replace the drain plug...Get a proper scanner! Find that RAV4 and re-do the drain and fill procedure. You maybe running on less transmission fluid than you think! God Bless!

[@wonkster1970]

Thank you for watching. The Haynes manual that I used specified to drain the transmission fluid when it was at operating temperature. I had drained and filled it twice. I did put some extra fluid in each time. Some of the old fluid was still in the torque converter after the first drain and fill. The fluid that came out when I pulled the drain plug was still dark. On the first change, I left the drain plug out until the fluid stopped. The transmission was whiny. After a complete drain and refill, I used the trickle method on the drain plug. The transmission sounded better. No whine after that. I've put thousands of miles on the RAV4 since the change and haven't had any issues.

[@TojiZenin3956]

Wonkster thanks for the video but TaLonnie Dixon is spot on. There are two proper procedure for this. One with scan gauge to read the trans temp between 95 F to 113 F and let the excess fluid trickle out through the overflow tube. Second, official toyota OBD dashboard lights method. They are both accurate. I think more accurate than Hanes manual you're using. Good luck.

[@wordsofhis1799]

I've gotten burned by Haynes incorrect specs before (Head bolt torque). I'd get another source and compare notes.

[@danhirtle7825]

Just to clarify, I just did this drain/ fill on my Rav4 and am wondering if you stop the draining when the stream of fluid tuns from a steady stream to intermittent spitting, or do you wait until there is absolutely no fluid coming out of the tube?

[@wonkster1970]

I waited until it went from a stream to a trickle. Then I put the plug back in.

[@human1513]

Fluid temp window for when it should drain at a steady trickle is 95 F - 110 F (35 C - 43 C) . That looked like dirty diesel oil rather than atf fluid. LOL. Doing it only via the oil pan drains approx. 30% of the oil as the transmission holds in total approx. 7.08 US quarts (6.7 litres) including what is in the small cooler. I used an OBD2 scanner that plugs inot the OBD2 port and runs on my Android phone. I toke the phone under the vehicle with me so I can see the temperature as to when to remove the drain bolt and to reinstall it with a new gasket before it gets too hot. Ensure the RAV4 is level when set up onto jack stands. I used a tape measure and measure in similar locations in all 4 corners of the RAV4. I also found that an 8 inch magnetic torpedo level stuck to the bottom of the pan also indicated if the vehicle was level. Once done 1 time I found it is not complicated at all. I also drained 1 quart at a time from the cooler's outlet (attached a 3/8" ID clear hose to the cooler's spigot and ran it down into a large 1 gallon jug on the floor (inside a round catch pan in case the jug started to fall over). I drained 1 quart by starting and running the engine for 12 seconds. Then turned off the motor. Measure the fluid drained into the 1 gallon jug. The installed new fluid of the same volume drained. I repeated this 5 times and the final drained 1 quart was near new in color. I did during all this time add 1/2 extra quart of fluid. Then I adjusted the level paying attention to the temperature window. The extra 1/2 quart of fluid drained out during the temperature window. So this way I flushed out more than 80% of the oil. Maybe near 90%.

[@carlcrasmussen]

So you were able to drain 5 quarts at a time and repeated it five times? I couldn't afford that to with World standard

[@wonkster1970]

I think that I only got 3 quarts out at a time. I drained and refilled it twice.

[@carlcrasmussen]

@@wonkster1970 Oh I thought I seen you say you drain the pan which I got 2.3 quarts out of mine and then you pulled two more courts from two other places and repeated at five times I did a drain and fill just from the pan 3x and that used exactly 7 quarts looks like the fluids about 70 percent fresh

[@miguelm3676]

So you didn’t change the filter inside??? That’s too bad for a 150000 miles

[@juanlanda2441]

If you drain and fill , there is a netal pipe inside of the pan that will not allow all of the fluid to come out . Is why you only took out 2 quarts. Remove the pan and replace the filter and gasket then you will be at 3.6 quarts or so . I overfill it and then remove the drain to let it self level al this at 120'

[@twocrowsblades3544]

Lower temp than normal operating temp and long as not cold like below 70 deg F that oil won’t be any higher in the pan at 75* than it would at 100-125* I believe the parameters were put in place for cold climate reasons… they know the fluid would expand from like 14 degrees 100deg and above bit I’d venture no difference between oil at ambient temperature of 70 degrees to 125

[@naiba996]

so change this fluid during summer will be more easier?😃 lesser steps

[@jimbaldwin3841]

Filter? All the old fluid in the transmission??

[@carlcrasmussen]

The irony is this is way less accurate than a dipstick at full running temperature. They will Gaslight you by telling you that these Transmissions are much fussier then the old ones and that's why you have to do it this "more accurate" way. And don't forget the magic formula World Standard that cost at least twice as much

[@wonkster1970]

I'd prefer to have a dipstick to check the transmission oil level.

[@carlcrasmussen]

@@wonkster1970 oh of course but then you're more likely to service it yourself and you might even choose to skip the Liquid Gold World standard that's outrageously priced they just keep thinking of new ways to screw us all

[@IzharKhan-uz7et]

Very unprofessional video, I have to give you thumbs down, Not enough light during the shoot, delete and Redo,

[@wonkster1970]

Thank you for your honest opinion.

[@MegaSelby]

You should have taken the fill plug off first.

[@human1513]

Yes always to ensure the fill plug is not seized in place.

[@anunpopularstance]

Never use those infrared guns to check transmission fluid Temps. Scanguage 2, torque apps etc are way more reliable and accurate and relatively affordable. Toyota sealed transmissions are sensitive to fluid levels.

[@wonkster1970]

I agree with the infrared guns and the sensitivity of these transmissions. I watched another video where they used that to check the transmission temperature. I used one to check it and then connected the scanner. I went with what the scanner reported. Thanks for watching.

[@nilolee2426]

Would it not be the same or easier if you measure the old fluid in empty bottle and compare it to same amount of new fluid in identical bottle at same room temperature ?

[@wonkster1970]

Ideally, if the fluid level in the transmission is at the correct level when you drain it, you could do that. Technically, the old oil and the new oil would have to be at the same temperature. In my opinion, the only way to make sure that the fluid is at the correct level is to overfill it and then lower it to the correct level via the plastic tube that sticks up in the transmission pan. Personally, I think that it would have been better if Toyota just put a dipstick in the transmission so the fluid level could be easily checked. Thanks for the comment and watching. Stay safe.

[@spotlightdeals]

I inspect for any leaks and if there isn't any I also measure what comes out and put back in the same amount. I place the new ATF fluid bottles in the back of the car the night before so that in the morning the fluids in the new bottles and in the transmission are the same temperature. I've got the scan tool and temperature gun but haven't needed to use it since I haven't had any leaks. This job is best kept simple.

[@douglasrodrigues8361]

You left over half of the dirty fluid in the torque convertor. Also, the fluid level is supposed to be checked at 104F.

[@wonkster1970]

I ended up changing the fluid twice. After the first change, it was still dark. It looked better after changing it again. According to the Haynes manual, I was within spec for the temperature. I was looking for a way to drain the torque converter. I didn't see a safe way of doing it so it just did a second change. The transmission is still running good. Thanks for watching.

[@shawnengstrom3906]

@@wonkster1970 The right way is to exchange all the fluid using the transmission cooling lines. Drain pan and put 2 quarts in. get someone to be in the car to start and stop the engine. Let engine pump out 1 quart and shut engine off. Replace that quart with new oil into the return line. Keep doing until you get only new oil coming out. Add a little extra and bring up to temp then remove plug to drain excess. Procedure takes 30-45 minutes start to finish and you have all new clean fluid.

[@johnnyc482]

@@shawnengstrom3906 Yep

[@wonkster1970]

The would work if there are 2 people present.

[@jmfu]

Was it a success a year later? 150k for 1st change is a bit late. Any problems?

[@wonkster1970]

It's still running a year later. I agree. It should of been changed sooner. That's for sure.

[@rickt2419]

Not sure where all the thumbs-up were from since this video had so many wrong information... Hope no one else follows the information (i.e temp and the drained amount)!

[@wonkster1970]

The method that I used was a combination from research that I found online and what was in the Haynes manual. The Haynes manual specified bringing the transmission up to temperature before changing it. I have not had any issues with this transmission since and I've put thousands of miles on it. It has been working great. Thanks for watching.

[@j.d.7321]

Worst type of measuring toyota came up with. Smh

[@wonkster1970]

I agree.

[@Quentyn73]

Nice vid, thanks! I'll do that on mine. Do you recall if there was an aluminum crush washer on the fill plug and was it a crush washer or a crush washer of a softer compound? What was the torque on this bolt? Also, I did not understand why you needed to warm it up before? Couldn't you just open cold, drain, put in exactly the same quantity (at the same temperature of the fluid) and then bring it up to temp and check the oil using the overfill plug?

[@wonkster1970]

Thanks for watching. I don't recall if there was a washer on the fill plug. It may of just been machined smooth. The torque on the bolt was 30 foot pounds. I just warmed up the transmission to make it easier to drain and hopefully flush out any contaminates in the transmission. I've heard some people say not to drain it warm. I went by what the Chilton manual stated. I could of put the same amount of transmission fluid in as what I took out. But I thought that if some how the level was low to begin with, It would be low when I refilled it. So, I just decided to put a little more in and drain out the excess using the "trickle method".

[@Quentyn73]

@@wonkster1970 Great explanation, thank you for so promptly following up, for the additional specs and for your vid.

[@joebass5163]

Yeah, I just had the dealer do it. I do most of my own work but that was a crazy complicated process.

[@wonkster1970]

I agree, it is a crazy complicated process. I was close to taking it to the dealer. When I do the work myself though, I enjoy the feeling that I'm saving money on labor and the job is done correctly. Thanks for watching.

[@Quentyn73]

My dealer lied that they changed the engine oil on 15,000 miles. I wouldn't trust them to tie their shoes properly.

[@carlcrasmussen]

And that is the plan they want you to spend hundreds of dollars have them do it and make sure you buy the double priced magic formula World standard. they really love sticking it to us

[@christophergonzaga7226]

I own a 2016 Toyota RAV4. I drained out 3 quarts of fluid and refilled it with 3 quarts of Castrol Transmax full synthetic multi vehicle atf and she runs just fine. I didn't have to do this complicated procedure.

[@battlehrfred]

question. what "if" the transmission was low on fluid for some reason before you purchased the vehicle?...... and 3 quarts was drained and you refilled 3 quarts.... that means the tranny would still be low without you knowing..... just thinking because there is no dipstick.....mmmmmmm ty

[@wonkster1970]

Technically, the pipe that sticks up within the transmission pan serves as a full indicator. If you fill the transmission back up and nothing comes out of the "overflow" tube, that would indicate that there isn't enough fluid in the transmission.

[@peter-pg5yc]

@@wonkster1970 at the right trans temp..fluids expand temp very imp

[@huangmen1611]

How many milliliters of new oil should be added to this rav4 gearbox

[@wonkster1970]

I put 2.5 Quarts in the transmission. That would be 2365.88 milliliters. I measured what was drained from the transmission and added .5 quarts of new oil on the refill. Then I used the trickle method to drain the excess.

[@julianrojas7854]

No enseñó nada nomas el sabe lo que hace el video no sirve

[@wonkster1970]

Vi el video nuevamente. Noté que la iluminación no era la mejor y no mostré cómo quitar e instalar el zócalo o la cubierta lateral. La próxima vez explicaré más. Agradezco los comentarios. Gracias por ver.

[@EHou01]

So basically, no problems with the transmission at 150K miles. Sounds good to me. :)

[@ProwlersPit]

Let me ask you a question. Since it's a sealed transmission, you would assume that all the transmission, correct? So when you pull out the drain plug and you only get a little bit of fluid. Measure that amount all the fluid. No drain the rest of the fluid. Reinsert the green oil fill tube. Put a dream bucket under the car again. Pour in the transmission fluid until you see it coming out. Install the drain plug. Then whatever your measurement was from that first drain. Poor that amount of oil back into the transmission. That should put it at the exact level that you had it. Or better idea. After fluid comes out of the transmission. Install the second drain plug then. Let the car run and get up the temperature. Then pull that drain plug again and see how much comes out. If it's the same amount as the first time you drained it when you start it. You know you're good. Just pour that fluid back in.

[@wonkster1970]

Yes, in theory, you are correct. I followed the procedure that was listed in service manual that I have (Haynes). Thanks for watching.

[@Chipshot17]

Great video was very informative!!!

[@wonkster1970]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ajeys7370]

In order to have a accurate fluid level , you have to make sure the SUV is perfectly leveled , I think this is the most important part of the fluid change , if I am wrong correct me please thanks , excellent video .

[@wonkster1970]

Yes. It should be level. Thank you.

[@Fortunately8]

I have 2014 Toyota RAV4. 148K ... please recommend correct place to flush..i am in New York.

[@wonkster1970]

I don't know where you could get it flushed in New York.

[@ammcfc1]

Nice video! What kind of oil transfer pump do you use? Please, give me a link to the pump. Thanks!

[@wonkster1970]

Thanks. This is similar to the pump that I used. a.co/d/4kjLxUy

[@haroldnavarro9055]

Nice vid! Where can we get that kind of manual you have which has the torque specs? My vehicle’s manual is not like that.

[@wonkster1970]

Haynes repair manual.

[@wonkster1970]

I found it at Autozone

[@haroldnavarro9055]

Thank you. Helpful vid. I was waiting for someone to vlog on this atf change on rav4 2015 up. I see youre using the obdlink lx for atf temp, what mobile app did you use?

[@wonkster1970]

@@haroldnavarro9055 I use the OBDlink app.

[@gardyjeanplong3638]

Is this a 4wd model

[@wonkster1970]

No. This is an AWD version. Thanks for watching.

[@vinces8974]

Did you change the transmission filter? I must’ve missed that

[@wonkster1970]

Nope. I didn't replace the transmission filter.

[@connorrampage7817]

You should have done more research before doing this.

[@wonkster1970]

I have the Haynes manual.

[@talonniedixon2760]

Cool!

[@WoodrowfolloweroftheMessiah]

👍🏻🙏🏻😀

[@alleyoop5185]

How do I pop the pin fasteners without breaking them?

[@wonkster1970]

I think the fasteners have a pin in the center. I just used a small flat blade screwdriver or pick to slowly work it out. Once the center pin is out, they should come out of the plastic pretty easy.

[@aamirlover123]

Do you check it while the engine is running?

[@wonkster1970]

I brought the transmission up to temperature and checked the level while it was running.

[@jpnphom5470]

I think you over fill your transmission fluid....Most videos I saw they let the new fluid overflow until it drips...I thought Toyota said transmission temperature is between 103 degrees to 113 degrees...140?.?

[@wonkster1970]

I filled it once and left it drip at the overflow. The transmission started winning. I drained and refilled it again following the method in the video and I had no issues. I've put thousands of miles on the vehicle and it works great. The transmission temperature was not 140. I double checked it. Thanks for watching.

[@calvintaylor9259]

this would be underfilled if done at that temperature 95-113f . 104 is in the middle. Not 140f.

[@CP-jc9lj]

It would be nice to mention there's no dipstick location, it would have been nice if Toyota said that in the manual..., Been going crazy searching manual and under the hood lol

[@wonkster1970]

There isn't a dipstick. There is a tube that sticks up in the oil drain plug. That gauges the fluid level. Thanks for watching.

[@jasonjason4974]

Wrong temp

[@wonkster1970]

Really? What is the proper temperature?

[@MustafizurRahmanMahim]

is this the 6mm allen. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078Z2DLY9/ref=ewc_pr_img_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

[@wonkster1970]

Yes. That's it. Sorry it took so long to get back to you.