4Runner and Lexus GX470 Transmission Drain & Fill Procedure

[@alexanderdeeds4100]

Thank you thank you!!! I got distraced and drained the transmission fluid when going to change the oil. My heart sank when I realized the fluid that I was draining was red and not black 😆 so about 5 hours later and with lots of research, I changed the transmission fluid as well. Probably wouldnt have done it without your video. Thanks so much! For anyone else doing it, the first time I let the truck idle for 15 minutes waiting for fluid to reach temp, but I decided to turn it off and start over, the second time i did it, the light stayed on and the fluid was at temp.

[@SlothKingGarage]

Glad you got it all sorted out! I too had that happen to me years ago, it sucked! Lol

[@SavageDot001]

I just did that this evening, but even worse, I accidentally stripped the drain plug. So I'll be doing this as soon as I get a new pan. Might as well do the filter while I have everything out. Thanks for the video!

[@SlothKingGarage]

@@SavageDot001 Sounds rough, wish you luck!

[@brianbarker543hvac]

Loving all of your 4runner maintenance videos. You have saved me a lot of time and frustration with these videos. I don't donate very often unless someone really does an excellent job. Lunch on me!!!

[@SlothKingGarage]

@@brianbarker543hvac Oh man, thank you very much! You're the first person to do that and I appreciate it a lot! I'm glad I can help out! Cheers!! 🍻

[@ClearWater7.62]

Thanks! Very easy precedure to follow and by far the best video.

[@sweetbasil4030]

Hi. Superb job, always a fan of 4Runner videos, have you had the chance to change the filter? Thinking of changing mine would love to follow the steps.

[@SlothKingGarage]

I actually haven't changed the filter yet. I've read that it's only a screen and not an actual filter, so I haven't done it. But, I do plan on doing it for peace of mind soon. I'm waiting for my next interval to drain 3 quarts of fluid. So the next time I do that, I'll make a video on changing the filter out!

[@arslanahmed8504]

Great vudei, However, at 7:56, you are actually NOT pulling drain plug but overflow plug.

[@hmongwild]

So my question is. Say for example you only drained out 2.5 quarts. And filled it up with 4 quarts. Once it gets to temp it will drain out any unused oil and basically level itself out? So it should drain out 1 quart and some change.

[@SlothKingGarage]

Yep that's correct!

[@hmongwild]

@@SlothKingGarage awesome man makes alot of sense.

[@andresh16]

Are you the only owner ? I’ve been told not to change the trans filter or open the pan if you don’t know when is the last trans oil change.

[@emilianoloco89]

I heard the same thing , I changed the oil and filter on my past trucks and shortly one month after the trannies blew on me because I didn’t know the history of the trannies , I heard to only do drain and fill

[@andresh16]

@@emilianoloco89 Yea im thinking of just doing the drain and fill

[@thetruth8095]

Excellent video!

[@michaeldoan9456]

Thank you! 😊 you

[@nickwinters3657]

Hows it going is all well with the transmission not sliping or anything

[@SlothKingGarage]

It's been good, no slipping issues or anything

[@nickwinters3657]

@@SlothKingGarage fantastic 👏 thanks for the video and information

[@kaulanap1431]

Question: did you have to replace the fluid from the overfill drain?

[@SlothKingGarage]

No you don't have to, whenever the overflow turns into a trickle, you're at the proper fluid level

[@kaulanap1431]

Thanks, sorry I realized that was a stupid question after realizing it's called a "overfill plug" for a reason

[@SlothKingGarage]

@@kaulanap1431 Lol no worries

[@Frankieqd]

What gauge wire is the jumper? Or does it really matter at all?

[@SlothKingGarage]

@@Frankieqd If I recall correctly, it was either 14 or 16 gauge wire. You'll be safe with those gauges or even 18 gauge.

[@Frankieqd]

@@SlothKingGarage Thanks for the response. Gonna attempt this tomorrow. Should this be done after 100 miles or so to get even more clean fluid in the system

[@OVRCOME]

Maybe I missed something so hopefully you can clarify. You removed a little shy of 3qts. Then you added 3qts. Wouldn't that be an "even" trade? So theoretically, there would be no overage and no reason to get the trans up to temp and set the level?

[@SlothKingGarage]

I see what you mean, but no, because when you do the drain and fill, you'll always get a little under 3qts. So by adding 3 quarts, you are overfilling it, even if it's just by a little. Because when the transmission is up to temp, the fluid expands. Which shows a higher reading. So that's why you have to get it up to temp then drain the excess fluid and get it at the correct level. Now, if you follow the procedure the first time, get the fluid level set correctly. On the second drain and fill, if you add the exact amount back in that you took out, you technically don't have to do that procedure again. As long as you don't add more fluid than what you took out. I hope that clears things up!

[@christophertk]

Did you ever tackle the transmission filter? I am debating whether its necessary. I have an 2003 v8 with about 191k miles

[@SlothKingGarage]

@@christophertk I haven't replaced it. I've been told that it's just a mesh filter and technically doesn't need to be replaced (from what I've read/been told). But it's not hard to do if you decide to tackle it. You'll just need to take the pan off, it adds an extra 10 minutes or so to this job.

[@christophertk]

@@SlothKingGarage went to do a drain and fill and turns out mine has a dipstick, on the 2003 v8 it has a A340F transmission. any chance you know where i can find the procedure for this one? 😅

[@SlothKingGarage]

@@christophertk I haven't seen a writeup on one, but also never looked too far into it. I'd assume that you'd do the drain and fill like any other vehicle with a dipstick on the transmission. (Drain, fill up to specified level in owners manual, wait for it to warm up then check the level, and adjust accordingly)

[@mwarren1154]

What if the a/t oil light continues to blink?

[@SlothKingGarage]

It means the fluid is too hot to check. You'll have to let it cool and try it again

[@SavageDot001]

Thank you

[@mrbmd710]

W hat happen if u over fill the transmission by half a quart?

[@edwardschuster8245]

When it gets to temp you open the overflow until it trickles out and replace bolt.

[@aaronrhys9709]

My understanding is that the trans holds 12 quarts. Why did you only do 3?

[@SlothKingGarage]

Because it's only a drain and fill, not a whole flush. Since it has over 100k miles and I'm not sure when or if the previous owner flushed or changed the fluid. So to keep any issues to a minimum, you'll want to slowly change out the fluid. That'll keep any clutch material in the transmission to alleviate any slipping if the clutches are worn. You'll just have to do this a few times over a month or two for the fluid to be fully changed. Now if it's been properly maintained during all ownership, you'll be fine to do a flush

[@onlyfoolriding8223]

Nice job.

[@richardson_adventures]

Did it all work out ok in the long run?? I have 173k and looking to do it my first time. Not sure if this was ever done before I bought my 4runner. Also, can you use a paperclip instead of a jumper wire?

[@SlothKingGarage]

It sure did! I flushed out 6 quarts total so far and haven't had any issues. It actually made it shift smoother as well. Just keep in mind, since the vehicles are high mileage, you'll want to slowly change out the fluid since the clutch material might be worn down. Which could possibly cause slippage if you do a full flush with new fluid all at once. But in the end, I recommend this drain and fill method. You can definitely use a paperclip instead of the wire.

[@richardson_adventures]

@@SlothKingGarage perfect timing!! I’m about to send it w a 3 qt drain and fill. Thank you!!

[@SlothKingGarage]

@@richardson_adventures You're welcome! Good luck with it!

[@richardson_adventures]

@@SlothKingGarage a rain storm ended up coming through so postponed til tomorrow. Silly question but have you heard of the technique where you refill with the exact amount you drained and then skip the temperature excess fluid check? I’m thinking about doing it but I’m a little nervous lol

[@SlothKingGarage]

@@richardson_adventures My bad, I just saw this! But yeah, I have heard of people using that technique before without any issues, but I haven't tried it. I wouldn't feel comfortable doing it, especially if the vehicle was bought second hand, so I wouldn't know if it was done right or at all before. I'd do it right the first time then maybe attempt it later on once you know the proper level was set