Drain and Fill on Transmission - 2018 Toyota Tacoma

You may have heard the Toyota Transmission is a "sealed unit" and you do not need to touch the transmission. If you are looking to have your transmission last 250k plus miles, changing the fluid is a must. The ATF is still breaking down and metal is still chipping away in the transmission. I prefer to do a drain and flush more often than replacing all the fluid so you do not shock the system with new oil. Will work for 3rd generation "gen" Tacomas. That is my 2 cents. Enjoy the how to video...
Toyota ATF WS fluid - Toyota part # 00289-ATFWS
Drain plug gasket - Toyota part # 35178-30010: amzn.to/3tpHNkj
Overflow plug gasket - Toyota part # 35178-30010: amzn.to/3tpHNkj
Oil Pump: amzn.to/3wjbaa1
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Hello Everyone, my name is Justin White. Ever since I was young I was always fascinated with how things work. Wherever I am going, I constantly look at how and why something is working the way it is. With my KZbin channel, I am able to give accurate and credible videos to the viewers. Cluengineer or "Clue in engineer" is a guide to a solution. Many of my videos are how to, fix it, and explanation. Come join the community and subscribe, like, and share.

[@hoangkybactien7207]

You don't claim to be a master mechanic or auto expert like others. But I find this particular video of your is MUCH, MUCH clearer and EASIER -- If not the easiest, clearest -- to understand and follow than others on KZbin. Many so called Master mechanics just put more fear into the mind of those who try save a few bucks by fixing/working themselves. I have a 2007 tacoma V6 that has 144,000 miles on it. And I had my transmission flush at my dealer at 40,000 miles in 2011. I have not changed it since then, for 100 000miles. I feel it is time to do it. And in the past 5 days I have watched a lot of videos on this subject. I stumbled on this video of yours. And it turns out, this video is THE best. I feel compelled to write this comment to let you know that you can make great videos compared to the so called master mechanics. I subscribed to your channel. And thank you for sharing.

[@92813justin]

This is one of the most incredible comments I have ever received. You are correct, I am not a master tech of any sorts. I studied mechanical engineering and just love passing along my projects over to other people. Thank you

[@Andy-Ngo]

like your comment❤❤❤❤❤

[@erikatkinson1395]

Always break the fill nut before the drain nut....last thing you want is to drain the fluid and not be able to fill

[@92813justin]

Very true

[@rb3tactical145]

How in the world do you get the fill plug off?? I can’t get a ratchet in there hardly, the socket won’t latch on the plug and even if it did I’d have almost no strength to torque it off. Is there some special tool???

[@Seraphim401]

@@rb3tactical145 Do you have a long enough breaker bar?

[@scrapmanindustries]

@@rb3tactical145 I just used a 15/16” socket and half inch drive breaker bar. It’s not easy but can be done

[@082187051183]

Exactly sir great point of view 👍

[@protacodan4225]

Thanks watched a bunch of different videos about this, yours is the only one that tells people “ fill plug in on the passenger side “. Huge help

[@92813justin]

You are welcome. I am glad the full details helped

[@BladePilot24]

Very well done. I like that you included the under filled segment. Thank you for making this video, it was easy to understand.

[@fab1107]

This is the best video I could find, great Job!

[@justineganob3929]

Thanks friendly neighbourhood spider man!

[@carlos.75]

Thank You! Did it today and your video helped a great deal.

[@92813justin]

Glad it helped!

[@gulfflier4700]

You did a great job on this video! Thanks.

[@92813justin]

Thank you!

[@Robcadams1974]

My Dude! Nautique and Tacoma. Best boat and trucks!

[@92813justin]

The best!

[@wiscowalleye7954]

Probably already stated. But don’t fill the transmission initially with the check plug out. Measure what you took out and put in about a half quart more than that. Then do your check with the engine running and up to temperature.

[@92813justin]

Honestly, great advice

[@Deuce_Dufresne]

Badass, easy enough for a DIY at home

[@I_discovered_civilization]

Nice. I don’t wait for a drip on the temp check overfill drain. Once it gets up to temp check mode I drain it until it’s a thin line trickle.

[@manuelrivas9141]

Thank you for such a helpful video

[@derekp6636]

Appreciate the easy to follow video...tbh its been long enough on mine im ordering a replacement gasket and fliter and will drop the pan.

[@92813justin]

Not a problem. Thanks for watching

[@cbr10001997]

All you Gotta do to check, the temperature is plug, a scan tool into the port and go to live data and read the transmission temperature. You don't need to do all that jump stuff and drive and all that bullshit just use your scan. Very simple.

[@thatoneguy2756]

What temperature are we specifically looking for here? I need to do this service myself. I need to know what the temperature is supposed to be at to set the fluid level.

[@cbr10001997]

@@thatoneguy2756 109-120 degrees

[@Chabulawa]

The light D for drive was blinking, and yes you were Right. I had to wait for the transmission to cool down for the light to stop blinking. Than after about 2 hours, the transmission cooled down, than I started again the procedure and the light D for drive, did turned off this time and finish the process. Thanks

[@92813justin]

Not a problem. I am glad I could help

[@markslivka3806]

Thanks for getting to the point with out the Hoopla

[@92813justin]

No problem 👍

[@scottmartin1845]

Lots of backyard opinions, but good video. Toyota must setup many vehicles to use same amount on a trans drain and fill. My RAV4 would take 2 3/4 qts on trans service also.

[@skylineq5669]

Great detailed video. thank U

[@92813justin]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@johnb1658]

WRONG!!! You need to overfill it by 1/2 quart when you start because it NEEDS TO BE RUNNING when it’s checked! You did it completely wrong at the end!

[@Myself81565]

How many miles was on your truck, when you decided to change the transmission oil?

[@3rn3strom3r]

Thanks dude...

[@evanknoch]

Get a jabsco drill pump, they are awesome and last a long time. just be careful if you get one, they move oil very quickly!

[@CoolBeans45]

Thanks brother 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@92813justin]

Welcome 👍

[@clarin3318]

Smooth

[@charoenchansathon8893]

Thanks

[@harvmac69]

Nice job! Where did you get the document that told you how to do the port jumper? Thanks for sharing this info! I just hit 40,000 and need to drain mine.

[@feustond]

Thank you! Just watched your video as I did mine!

[@92813justin]

You are welcome

[@whiteazn2]

Can you use any wire or has to be certain gauge wire?

[@Deuce_Dufresne]

I’m at 25.5k right now on my ‘20, planning to do the ATF, transfer case, and diffs at 30k.

[@vgemini9474]

The truck has to be running when you take the check plug off or just at operating temp?

[@rl96ss]

Thanks bud, we'll done.

[@truthalways247]

Greetings, 👋🏼 I have a 2018 Toyota Tacoma SR5 truck and I wanted to know what should I change if my vehicle has 37,776 and havent changed anything yet and it's a used vehicle from a used dealership? And I found out they didn't do the transmission oil change. The only thing I changed was the airfilter and oil change at the Toyota dealership.

[@gibfkn]

Thanks for video! How many quarts was the refill, do you remember?

[@92813justin]

I purchased 4 quarts of oil and only used 2.75 quarts.

[@katracho9ful]

I have a 2021 sr5 4x4 but the obd2 is different to make the jump I all ready put 4-1/2 court in but still don’t fill cuz it don’t spill after geotempetute

[@jeffkraus1457]

Can u please tell me if my 2019 TACOMA SR 2.7 has a transmission filter? Saw a lot of talk about having a screen? Please enlighten me. Thanks.

[@hectorpenamedina4817]

Dear friend. Good video but it I do the job and change the oil filter because, in my opinion, is the most important part of the job. 👍👍🙏🙏

[@troy3456789]

How much fluid did you drain out? How much total fluid did you put in?

[@chrispatterson4951]

Does the gears and dash go back to normal after turning it off?

[@3fbc]

Thank you for this comprehensive training video. We just bought a 2022 Tacoma and it seems that the manufacturers no longer sell printed shop manuals. At one point you refer to a printed document to determine where to insert jumpers. Can you share the source of that printed information?

[@92813justin]

I don’t have access to it right now but I found it on Tacoma World

[@andrewb8548]

You buy the manual for like $15/24hours. Then print sections you need.

[@peterserna4173]

Thanks spidey

[@92813justin]

Np

[@PhanOT11]

Nice video. The part that you did wire jumping to get the temperature reading, is that part really necessary?

[@user-yk4oq4wz4d]

did it shift any better or do u have gear hunting too?

[@Chorizomicks]

Make sure to have the engine idle and you rather overfill the transmission before checking because you gonna have to redo the sequence again when checking the fluid level

[@Teporame]

At what stage should the engine be idling? While warming up and checkin the fluid level?

[@Chorizomicks]

@@Teporame engine has to be turned on while checking fluid while D is solid lit

[@spacejam7073]

When I try to put my truck in temp check the d disappears for a sec then begins to start flashing?

[@92813justin]

Please Subscribe and thank you for watching. Toyota ATF WS fluid - Toyota part # 00289-ATFWS Drain plug gasket - Toyota part # 35178-30010: amzn.to/3tpHNkj Overflow plug gasket - Toyota part # 35178-30010: amzn.to/3tpHNkj Oil Pump: amzn.to/3wjbaa1

[@alexia9220]

Can I use the fluid that autozone sell (castrol)

[@pulgarcito3030]

Did my 2018 tacoma sr5 double cab 4x4 tranny fluid drain & fill yesterday's and only 2qts of fluid came out....filled it with 3.5qts , to bring it to the right temperature I used a SnapOn ETHOS PRO and when I open the check plug....1 qt of fluid came out....what gives?🤔

[@allseeingeyezz]

does it have to be in D to check it? or can I leave it in park and use an OBD reader to check ATF pan temp?

[@johnstrickland6724]

is there a way to replace the transmission fluid without the pump. i took the plug out of the transmission by accident, should have taken the plug out of the oil pan. now Ihave got a problem7pm work tomorrow and very little trans. fluid. yes i am an idiot

[@scrapmanindustries]

@@johnstrickland6724 if you have the hands of a new born baby maybe it might be possible

[@josegonzalescastillo5776]

I Have a question. do you turn off the truck when you fill it for the second time ? Or the truck does it need to be on all the time?

[@92813justin]

I prefer to fill it with the engine off just because of the hot exhaust

[@trailblazer4609]

Do you change the gaskets for fill and drain plugs? Would it be better to take off the transmission fluid pan to remove the extra 2+ qt fluid and change/clean the filter?

[@92813justin]

Yes, I changed out the gaskets. Most of the extra fluid is not in the pan, it’s in the trans cooler.

[@thooks1234]

@@92813justin No, there is another quart+ of fluid in that pan that won't drain out from the drain hole. That's what he is asking.... There's also 3-4 magnets in the pan that are coated with metal slurry. You really need to remove the pan the first service, make sure there are no large metal pieces in the pan, etc. This will let you know that everything is good so far and give peace of mind on future drain and fills...

[@92813justin]

@@thooks1234 I am planning to do this on the next change, at 30k the oil looked brand new coming out

[@thooks1234]

@@92813justin Sounds good! I see you have gotten some flak over not showing the procedure while the engine is running. You might re-video everything and upload a revised video. I'm glad more and more people are paying attention to this. The reasoning behind a "Sealed" trans with no dipstick is Ludacris but I guess we have more of that to come...

[@92813justin]

@@thooks1234 I am checking the fluid level when the engine is running. What are you referring to? The sealed engine statement is not even true. If you look at your maintenance manual it will suggest maintenance on your trans. A "sealed" trans will 100% make it past warranty, but how far will it really go

[@jassco2]

Pumps are no fun. I use a 4 ft piece of tubing and run it down next to where the CAT runs over the heat shield and into the fill. I then use a funnel and add 1/2 quart more then drained. I leave the hose there, do the check and add if needed. There is also a procedure disconnecting the trans output line and emptying it into a measured bottle. Start the truck and it will pump out shifting through gears. Measure out 3 quarts at a time, and fill with the hose method as you go. I’ve swapped the full 11 quarts this way on a newer Tacoma. Don’t do it over 90k if never done before, just do drain and fill every 30k.

[@92813justin]

Great advice, thanks for sharing

[@yitang1236]

I saw you disconnected the wire from the OBDII while waiting for the temperature to rise. Why is that? What will happen if you left it on? Thanks.

[@92813justin]

Nothing will happen, I unplugged it so I wouldn’t run the program again.

[@yitang1236]

@@92813justin Many thanks.

[@markk2060]

You disconnect the jumper after its in check mode to maintain the proper idle speed when checking the fluid level

[@brianfowler1879]

Great watch Justin! How’s the Land Rover?

[@92813justin]

It’s going great. My dad and I worked on it last weekend. We installed a new valve cover gasket. We found the hardware to set the tire on the hood. This is apparently some really rare hardware you can purchase anymore!

[@eliasmaldonado4518]

I have a 2017 Tacoma, bought it brand new from a Toyota dealer it has 28k miles normal driving conditions never haul anything at what mileage do you recommend changing the transmission oil?

[@troy3456789]

Since you do not know how it was used (severe service) or towing; I recommend you do it now; that way you get to see if the fluid looks burned. 4 bottles of Toyota WS fluid from a Toyota dealership is not very expensive compared to having to replace the whole transmission.

[@yzrippin]

every time you change your oil that way in 30K you have theoretically changed all 12 courts. This procedure only replaces about 4qts.

[@spacejam7073]

If I have a scan gage (which tells me the trans temp) do I need the jumper wires?

[@92813justin]

No, then you know when it is at temp

[@4af]

Only a simulation of how to check the fluid level - because he didn't have the engine idling during the final step of his fluid level checking procedure. So we don't really know if he ever got the fluid level correct.

[@scotthamilton3611]

Would it be better if you had someone to watch the D indicator and someone to check the fluid level

[@thooks1234]

@Nor Fen It's too late then. You need to study up on the latest theory about servicing a Toyota (Asin) transmission. You need to service it at 40-60k miles and every thereafter. Waiting until 150-200k miles, the fluid is full of debris that actually helps the aged/worn clutches maintain grip and shouldn't be changed then, wait til failure and rebuild to start over...

[@aspamaquinastortiladoras988]

Cuántos litros de aceite lleva mi Tacoma 2017 6 cilindros 4x 2??

[@92813justin]

6

[@tinodorado1979]

Will these procedure work for a 2019 Toyota Tacoma off Road 4x4 ?

[@92813justin]

Yes

[@ChiliStyles]

Wow. That sure is a heck of a process just to drain and change fluid. So many computers on vehicles now a days. My new car I bought doesn’t have a transmission dipstick in it

[@92813justin]

That’s the problem I ran into. They want you to bring it into the dealer

[@America1st69]

You can thank your democratic government for this all older cars have dipsticks that's why I like older cars better

[@RaulGarcia-cg3vn]

@@America1st69 you think so boss..im not trying to get political or anything..I just think everybody is getting greedy AF..but I agree older cars are way simpler..

[@thooks1234]

@@RaulGarcia-cg3vn He is 100% absolutely correct. It is on the democrats 100%. They are the ones creating idiotic EPA regulations. Toyota managed to come up with a scheme to go around an EPA regulation with this "sealed" transmission, saying the fluid is "lifetime" and won't need to be changed. This enabled them to circumvent heavy fees / regulations imposed by the EPA for fluid disposal. My explanation needs much more detail, but that is the jist of it. Again, it boils down to ridiculous EPA regulations!

[@Steve_Balboni]

I have a 4 cylinder third gen. Is the fill plug located at the same spot? I'm having a terrible time finding it.

[@92813justin]

I am not sure, good luck

[@carlosaugusto4643]

Great video!! How is your TACOMA being working since the transmission oil change?

[@92813justin]

Very strong, thanks for asking

[@bayshark7o7]

Good stuff bro. Think u can tell me part number for those washers? Thnx

[@usmc2msu213]

M12 Transmission Drain Plug Gasket Fits for Toyota 4Runner Lexus, Replacement for the Part# 35178-30010, 10 Pack www.amazon.com/dp/B07JQFH5V2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_7KCZRHPBDDVNH72K0D2M?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[@92813justin]

Drain plug gasket - Toyota part # 35178-30010: amzn.to/3tpHNkj Overflow plug gasket - Toyota part # 35178-30010: amzn.to/3tpHNkj

[@bayshark7o7]

@@92813justin thnks spidey

[@92813justin]

@@bayshark7o7 You are welcome

[@mysticjedi6730]

Measure what comes out first time at room temperature. Every time you drain whatever comes out and fill your predetermined amount. Switch to amsoil for your tranny and diferential.. penzoil ultra etc is fine for your engine but for longer drain fluids go with the best.. The fuel economy savings will pay for the extra cost of the fluid..

[@eliasbeas3556]

Did you have to put back the new fluid (the amount that was drained out) with the check plug removed? Why not just put back the same quantity fluid with the check plug on since you will have to remove the check plug after the temperature goes up anyways? I think thats why you didnt get any fluid coming out when you removed the check plug.

[@92813justin]

I just put in enough fluid until it was full. I had to do it twice. The problem with putting the exact amount in is assuming the amount that came out was at the proper level and you didn't spill any which is hard to do

[@laredoland]

There seems to be no leaks on this fairly new vehicle, so why not fill with the exact amount you drained?

[@92813justin]

You would probably be pretty close if you did that. It's just the safer way to go. If someone else touched the tranny before you, you are trusting they did it correctly and no oil vaporized when your tranny gets over 210 degrees

[@gotshopow3]

Thank you for sharing this. I’m getting a click noise when I shift from R to P. Should I be concerned?

[@jaycarl1562]

If you are parking on an incline, yes you should be worried. Do this when parking on an incline, stop, put car in neutral, apply parking brake, release brake pedal, shift to park. When you leave, hold brake pedal, release PB, shift to reverse or drive.

[@tonypuntillo4931]

Great question and answer!

[@jaspalmarahar3783]

At 8:05 in the video, you removed the check plug with the engine running. At 8:34 you removed the check plug with the engine off. Are you supposed to check it with the engine on or off?

[@92813justin]

The engine was always on while I was checking the oil level with the check plug. On 8:34, I spoke over the original audio in post processing. Sorry for the confusion but great question

[@prestonhanson501]

Its better to over fill it so you dont have to refill it taking more time. If you got 2 liters put 3 in. Saves time to over fill it then drain the excess

[@janpur1417]

No matter how good you treat an automatic transmission, there will be a day you get stranded! it will happen!! my 21 Taco is a manual... The most reliable truck and can only be stopped if it runs out of fuel.

[@thomasgriffin3474]

The first question I have to ask is how many miles are on your truck ?

[@92813justin]

55k

[@America1st69]

@@92813justin wow you're driving the heck out of it

[@georgesantiago6005]

Why didn't change the filter?

[@America1st69]

Toyota too stingy to put a dipstick in it

[@cody5495]

I tried the temp check mode for 3 hours on my 2018 and eventually gave up.. I forwhatever reason cannot get it into that mode.

[@92813justin]

Weird, I would double check your wire placement on the OBD2

[@cbr10001997]

Just plug a scan tool into it and read the live data feed. It'll tell you the temperature of the transmission fluid very simple you don't need to jump shit

[@markkus1134]

If you drain and fill when cold there should be no need to warm it up just refill

[@rb3tactical145]

How in the world do you get the fill plug off?? I can’t get a ratchet in there hardly, the socket won’t latch on the plug and even if it did I’d have almost no strength to torque it off. Is there some special tool???

[@dajahvue]

Will 4 qts be enough

[@92813justin]

no

[@andrewb8548]

Pin the thermostat and watch that 3/4 qt you thought you were "short" drain right back out.

[@92813justin]

Great idea

[@frankarmijo41]

What do you mean by "pin the thermostat"?

[@rb3tactical145]

So I just accidentally drained my transmission trying to do an oil change… trying to get what I need to refill Why do you have to do the jump thing? Is that step necessary?

[@silverhorder1969]

I don’t understand why you can’t just measure the amount you took out of the transmission and put the exact same amount back in. If it is cool when you drain it, it would be cool when you put the same amount back in. I don’t see a problem. Am I missing something?

[@Jtwizzle]

You can I have seen people do that. I know 2016 and maybe some 2017 had issues with being up to 1qt low on trans fluid.

[@allseeingeyezz]

because the level might not be correct in the first place.

[@katracho9ful]

Ok so I can’t put it I’m temperature mode cuz obd2 is different not same pin

[@92813justin]

You can use an OBD2 scanner to keep track of transmission temperature

[@katracho9ful]

@@92813justin thanks

[@92813justin]

@@katracho9ful You are welcome

[@ryancolomy5207]

How many quarts would you say you actually ended up needing?

[@America1st69]

The rule of thumb with me is when I drain fluid out of a transmission I make sure I measure it and I put the exact amount that I took out back in

[@bigdaddymak1439]

@@America1st69 you're assuming there was the proper amount in the transmission before

[@JrEss408]

Is your taco a SR5.? 2-7L.?

[@92813justin]

SR5 3.5L

[@Mark-yo5rb]

Why cant you just put in 1/3 over what you took out. Run it for 15 minutes with out doing the computer thing. And then check the overflow for the correct level when it get hot?

[@92813justin]

You can try that. You would probably be close but I personally like it to be spot on since I am spending the time

[@rockkstah2550]

I didn’t know spider man drives a taco😂

[@MudfloodUSA]

I thought the fill plug was 24mm socket size? Not saying 15/16 is wrong, but seems weird Toyota wouldn't use metric on that...everything else is metric except the spark plugs....

[@scrapmanindustries]

15/16” is equal to 23.813mm so the 15/16” socket should fit more snug assuming the manufacturer of the socket made it 15/16”. In other words they should be interchangeable on stuff that’s not super duper critical.

[@JorgeGonzalez-vq8fv]

☝️🙏✌👍🇵🇷😘

[@lawrenceralph7481]

Is this wise?

[@92813justin]

Toyota does recommend changing the fluid, see your maintenance manual.

[@lawrenceralph7481]

@@92813justin But this is a partial dilution not a change. Does it satisfy the warranty requirements?

[@manuelnajera1521]

Someone told me to use a paper clip lol

[@92813justin]

Just easier to use some wires

[@Elrudo2games]

You not charging transmission fluid for new toyota 😅

[@Scrapla1]

Order a extra drain plug bolt and replace that horrible hex head fill level check bolt with it.

[@92813justin]

Great idea but I'd be careful replacing drain plugs with bolts from the hardware store. That drain plug is a softer metal than the drain pan so in theory the plug will strip before the drain pan

[@509livin8]

Couldn't you just measure how much fluid you took out then put that same amount back in???

[@92813justin]

Yes, but you are assuming you did not loose any oil from vaporizing when the oil gets hot at you are trusting the previous mechanic. I would rather be safe and make sure it is the right level since you are already under there

[@509livin8]

@@92813justin makes sense

[@joemamastinks1611]

Ok Spiderman

[@Prosecute-fauci]

You could just weigh the fluid that you drain and then put the same weight back in.

[@92813justin]

Just be cautious using this method incase the transmission fluid is low.

[@condor5635]

@@92813justin exactly. People alway talk about putting same amount by weight or volume back in. Might work great one time in a pinch but errors continue to grow continuing this approach

[@stickyhooksfishing2829]

You did this wrong. Its suppose to be a slight trickle when you put the overflow plug back in. Not drips.

[@Mikeyc8791]

You need practice on making service videos, 😮

[@BurtBowers]

Never change the transmission fluid big mistake if you do..

[@92813justin]

Burt, that is not the case. In the maintenance manual in your glove box, it recommends changing the fluid out in "severe conditions". I do a lot of towing and offroading which falls in that category. Toyota will also service the transmission for you as well.

[@BurtBowers]

@@92813justin totally false, you never have to change out any trans fluid on any vehicle only to add fluid that may be needed, all my years with cars & trucks I had owned never had to change out trans fluid but dealerships & shops will say you do, it's all a big scam & know how the dealerships & shops play the scam game unfortunately they get the gullible to buy into it as with other things they tell you must be done & rip the consumer off.. Been around bud many years & know seen how the con games work..

[@abelyerikaguerra1540]

@@92813justin great video👍I have a question I bought a Tacoma 2016 about a month ago it has 74000 miles I dont know if the dealer or previous owner changed the transmission fluid ??? do you recommend me to change it or should I take it to a transmission shop for a flush????

[@92813justin]

@@abelyerikaguerra1540 If the transmission fluid has not been changed, I would change it on my personal truck because that is what Toyota recommends in the service manual under severe conditions. Hope this helps.