Expert Tips for Prolonging Your Car's Lifespan: 2014 RAV-4 Trans Filter & Fluid Change

Complete details for replacing transmission fluid and filter on the 2014 Toyota RAV-4
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Thermometer:amzn.to/3S5pLRd
Fluid pump:amzn.to/46xPx51

[@chrishoglo3761]

Try overfilling by half a quart, allowing all fluid to reach operating temperature, remove drain plug and replace it after fluid drains to a trickle. Saves time and more accurate measurement when all fluid is at operating temperature.

[@jt4277]

Agreed - best to overfill a bit so that some fluid comes out because it won't stay in the target temperature range long enough to add more once you've started.

[@markkus1134]

Yeah I would add a extra 1/2 quart then warm up transmission then pull the plug

[@sasanhassani2322]

Thank you so much, One of the best video that I have seen. Easy talk and easy to follow.

[@thelaibon]

Excellent work and video. Thx.

[@maleta666]

Thanks for this, you explain it for dummies, thanks a lot

[@larrystanley2394]

Thanks for the video. For those doing the change, I would suggest also changing the filter and dropping the pan cover. Why, when I did that about 1/2 quart was in the on that didn’t drain that I got out, the magnets were filthy dirty and I cleaned the pan with kerosene, when I dropped the filter another 3 to 6 ounces of fluid came out. I used the bucket with measurement and got a total of about 3 and 1/2 quarts out. I then added 4 quarts back in and did the drain after bringing up to temp. The temp gun were easy to access on Amazon for about $9 to 15 bucks with a great. Umber to choose from. Another trick to help is placing a level with a magnet ( I had one) on the pan to see when it was level using a jack at the back of the car to loft it to level the car. It took me several hours, but glad I did it. So far, no issues. God bless U tubers!!

[@albertaguilar681]

Great video, that's exactly what I did to my transmission.

[@joshtortorello]

Wow you make great content. I learned a lot. Thanks broski

[@naiba996]

fantastic video

[@joshtortorello]

Dude nice Video. 👌 Great attention to detail.

[@levidominguez9197]

fantastic job my friend!

[@josemoradel3114]

This is the video I was looking for . 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@markkus1134]

In the old days we had a dipstick we checked it when it was warm and just added if needed PITA now

[@tallc23]

Thank you Sir! Very helpful.

[@junboo8730]

Awesomeeeee video. I use Shinespout funnel. Works awesome too.

[@josemoradel3114]

Thanks very much for this video I will do my transmission oil

[@UtahTrucker]

Great video exactly what I was looking for

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Awesome.

[@UtahTrucker]

@@JoesCarSmartsNY I was wondering if you put any Loctite on the bolts when you put the pan back

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

@@UtahTrucker No. I just made sure to torque them properly. Also: I always double check for leaks after a day or two and re-torque if needed.

[@chrishoglo3761]

Try overfilling 1/2 quart, and then allow to come to operating temperature, remove drain plug, and when fluid drains to a trickle, replace drain plug. Saves time and more accurate measurement.

[@jeffkeryk3550]

Thanks for the video. I add about 1/2 qt more than I drained and let the excess drain. Easy peasey. Hardest part is getting the car level. Ha! Thanks again.

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Awesome. That’s a good tactic. Glad this helped you.

[@dantesmith3664]

great video. thank you sir

[@TrinhNguyen-vi2qo]

You got about 3.5 quarts out, but the total fluid according to handbook was 6.9 Q, so I assumed you could only got about half out. So basically you only dilute. Great video, after watching your and some others, after think for awhile, I decide only change the fluid, but not the filter, and do it more often like every 40K miles. Much easier to do, no need to take off the pan.

[@mtraven23]

you can probably get away with only changing the filter every other change (on a 40k schedule), but you can't just not ever change it. The pan is just some bolts, ain't no thing.

[@doconphan7810]

that's awesome , thanks a lot brother !

[@mtraven23]

thanks for explaining the stand off, that seemed weird to me...now I get it.

[@bobbyjolee4362]

For those who want a complete fluid exchange vs an approx 40% pan exchange, the following RAV4 approach SHOULD be applicable to Most makes and models: 1.) Remove the plastic shield under the front of the vehicle. Note, new assorted plastic push-clips are recommended. 2.) The radiator cooler transmission fluid out-fall is on the drivers side approx 3/4" OD, 3/8" ID rubber hose with spring clasp clamp -- EASY to see and access! 3.) Disconnect the hose and attach an extension line to a translucent 1gal jug in an catch pan (for overflow/spills). 4.) The steel return line may drip into a second catch pan. 5.) Snuggly attach a clear extension line to the dip-stick tube with a funnel. (I inserted a clear plastic kitchen "baster" keeping the refill level from overflowing at top of the "baster"/funnel). 6.) Start the engine and put in gear (automatic) until approx 1/2 gal OLD is collected and turn off engine. 7.) Fill approx 1/2 gal NEW. 8.) Repeat for approx 2 1/2 gals until bright pink is dispensing. 9.) Reattach radiator/trans Return line. 10.) Adjust fluid level to the low side of the "Cold" mark on dip-stick (so you can top-off to the Hot mark). 11.) Drive vehicle until transmission is up to approx 115 deg. F and adjust fluid level to "Hot" mark. 12.) Reattach the plastic shield using new plastic push-pins. 13.) This should replace the Trans, Torque Converter, and Radiator Cooler with ALL New Fluid. NOTE: For Sealed transmissions attach an extension line with funnel to the steel Return line (instead of the non-existent "dip-stick tube"). Happy motoring!

[@yasut3153]

Mind asking you what happened to your Chrysler 200? Still keeping it? I recently bought it and your video’s been very helpful.

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

It was my brother’s. He crashed it…again. It’s gone now. He’s okay tho. So that’s good.

[@remarinero]

amazing explanation of the best procedure. I only have the doubt since the gasket that I bought from the dealer is metallic, not plastic and it does not show when you removed the old one. Will the metal gasket work?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Dealer parts will work. The rubber gasket is aftermarket.

[@702Wolfi]

Is this the first drain and fill? Thanks for this great video!

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Not sure if this was the first. My son just bought it at around 100k miles. It’s possible it was the first time it’s been changed. We don’t know the history.

[@ajeys7370]

Great video , after changing fluid, how is your rav running thanks

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Runs great. 100%

[@MrLuckylilly]

Very good video , I have a 2013 Rav 4 and do you know if it also has the fill plug in the same place as the 2014 ? Thanks again !

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

My best recommendation is to just pull that panel off and check it out. I’m not certain they are the same.

[@larrydove3004]

I've watched a few of these and none of them account for the old fluid left in the converter. You should drain and fill a couple extra times to flush the converter.

[@juannolasco8011]

Excelente video

[@SpencerWeinell]

Great video, Thank you for taking the time to go through the filter change procedure. Can you confirm the vehicle was running while setting the final fluid level after transmission was at temp?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Yes. Vehicle has to be running and at operating temp to check fluid level.

[@mtebor]

good video. I have a 2015 Rav 4 with 118K. I don't have the history but I didn't see the filter/fluid change schedule in the manual. Is it really necessary?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

It’s up to you. Transmission fluid does not last forever. It degrades over time. Even without a manufacturer recommendation it’s a good idea to do this if you’re over 100k miles. Especially if you want to stretch the life of any vehicle. Sometimes you can even feel it shifting better afterward. I always keep in mind that it’s in the best interest of the car makers for you to buy another car. They’re not too worried about it at 100k miles

[@fmendez1005]

Do you have the part number to the filter kit you used? Great video!!!

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

I got this one from AutoZone. Part# TF717. Also here’s one on Amazon: amzn.to/3UImdSs

[@atticstattic]

@@JoesCarSmartsNY That comes with a rubber gasket, I prefer using an OEM metal crush gasket.

[@King_TuTT]

ATF World Standard (WS). i though this is the correct oil? what is the correct and best filter ?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

The WS fluid is best. Here is a filter I liked amzn.to/3QuMTr2

[@roogermoore6135]

How much fluid did you have to add, when starting the car. Looked like you had a good measure on Refill. I guess I’m asking, how far off were you. Thanks

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

I’m not sure how much more I added. I added until it started spilling out. Then waited for it to trickle before plugging it.

[@velocity800]

did you have to engage to all gears before you do the procedure of getting the right amount of fluid? i suspect mine is overfilled , even when engine is cold, the fluid level is on high mark,,, what should i do please help thanks,, 2004 toyota rav4 rans a little crappy

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

If your dipstick is reading High you need to drain a little fluid out.

[@LadybugAdventures]

Great video. Jeez Toyota. Maintenance is always more complicated with them. I find my Honda has a much simpler system.

[@quarantainment293]

Well, I thought so too - but it's actually a decent set up. A filter in the pan takes about 30 minutes. If you use his procedure - you cannot overfill the pan. Lever the drain plug off, any excess will drain if in right temperature range.

[@rodyfunk]

maybe i missed it but do you do the final level check with trany in park or neutral? thanks.

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Engine running. In park.

[@vizznizz]

Did you ever go through any of the gears at any point of the procedure or not necessary? Thanks for the confidence!

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

I shifted down and up one cycle. But I don’t think it’s actually necessary.

[@TrinhNguyen-vi2qo]

You use Trans Dex6? but the handbook recommend Toyota WS ATF? is Dex6 better, that's why you use it?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Toyota fluid is better. Use that.

[@TrinhNguyen-vi2qo]

@@JoesCarSmartsNY Thanks, but the Toyota WS are much more expensive, and I search online on some forum, they said Dex6 was far more superior fluid. And when asking should use to replace WS on a Toyota, the expert on the same forum refused to answer. I think at 100K I am not risk, but when my car reach 200K I will try Dex6 even though doing so mean mixing Dex6 with old WS.

[@wjm3018]

​@@TrinhNguyen-vi2qolet us know what happened to your transmission with shifting. Noticed any harsh shifting or difference?

[@androidphone6972]

You need to change transmission fluid once in how many kilometres? Thanks

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

I don’t have the owners manual for this car. Sometimes it’s 50,000 miles. But if I buy a car and it’s around 100,000 miles I change the fluid just so I know it’s been done. Then I’ll do every 50,000 miles after that.

[@TrinhNguyen-vi2qo]

Some other KZbinr, who did change trans fluid but not filter on a 2015 Rav4 XLE, he got only 2.5 quarts out, not 3.5 Q as you. Is that seem right? or maybe because they were different model. The front look different but the engine and the trans were identical to your.

[@junboo8730]

Why they didn’t changed it.

[@TrinhNguyen-vi2qo]

@@junboo8730 If you checked out lot of KZbinr said you really don't need to change trans filter, main reason, unlike engine oil which oil run thru ring of piston and actually contact to combustion and build up burn CO2 with time and will clog up the filter. second reason engine oil are pressureized.. Trans on other hand are closed system, trans oil will never expose to any external environment, no dirt or burn build up. It may have metal deposit which usually very small amount and unlikely to clog up the big surface of the filter. It may collect in some area of the filter or in the magnet but impossible to clog up the whole filter and hinder the fluid running. Trans fluid is not pressurized and very easy running across the filter.

[@junboo8730]

@@TrinhNguyen-vi2qo Makes a lot of sense. Thank you.

[@ammcfc1]

@@TrinhNguyen-vi2qo If that is true why Toyota use filter at all. You run the risk of clogging important parts in an expensive transmission, versus saving yourself replacing a cheap filter.

[@oscarrobertomartinezserran6017]

The transmission fluid is CVT or ATF? I have a 2015 rav4

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

This ‘14 takes ATF. Not sure if they changed after that.

[@thehurley17]

Hey joe my 2013 RAV4 is having issues not sure if it’s the Transmission, or the torque converter or possibly the ECM. I’m thinking it’s the tranmission. It has a hard time when shifting. I replaced the trans fluid and the filter it was very dark. (I had someone else do it) even after I got the service done it’s still having this issue. What do you think it is?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Some of these have a problem that they shudder at low speeds. I believe that’s a torque converter. For your issue you could try to have the fluid changed again. After that a transmission specialist is your best bet to diagnose.

[@thehurley17]

@@JoesCarSmartsNY yeah mine shutters as well which is forsure the torque converter. And also the transmission has trouble when shifting. Wondering if I should just get a new car. Sucks I paid a fortune for this thing and have only had it for 3 years now

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

@@thehurley17 ugh. Sorry to hear this. Try to get a quote for a trans repair replacement. The rest of the car is outstanding quality. Could be worth the cost of repair.

[@thehurley17]

@@JoesCarSmartsNY true. One guy told me with parts and labor 3,000$

[@hgaming3171]

Hi. when you measure the level in gallons is the temperature still up? or already in cold temperature? hopefully you can answer me. thanks in advance

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

You’re asking about when I measure the fluid that drains out? Measuring warm is best if possible.

[@hgaming3171]

@@JoesCarSmartsNY yes, in your video you show that you transfer it to your measuring gallon, is it already cold or still freshly out from the trans?.

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

@@hgaming3171 Fresh from transmission.

[@hgaming3171]

@@JoesCarSmartsNY i see thanks for your reply. so it means if you add a new fluids it should be less than that. because the new one stilll cold. the fresh fluids out from trans still expanded

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

@@hgaming3171 as long as you check it properly at the end of the project you will be fine. Had to be checked with car up to temp, level to the ground and open that drain plug to allow excess to drain. If no excess drains out, slowly add to the side fill hole until I starts to trickle out of lower drain hole.

[@cloudchaser9951]

hi my rav 4 is at 62137.119 miles should i change the fluid? thanks

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

That’s a good time to change the fluid.

[@premierBASS]

All you need is gasket, filter and fluid for this job?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

That’s all I used. The thermometer is helpful too, so you can get the fluid level correct at the end.

[@premierBASS]

@@JoesCarSmartsNY do you have the part numbers by any chance ?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

@@premierBASS The fluid, thermometer and pump links are in the video description. Here’s the filter: amzn.to/4dNO4vv

[@premierBASS]

@@JoesCarSmartsNY Thank you

[@mridware9694]

How is the aftermarket filter

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Good. Car’s running/shifting great.

[@ammcfc1]

What are the torque numbers for the pan?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Sorry. I don’t remember.

[@ammcfc1]

@@JoesCarSmartsNY I found somewhere 67 in-lbs (7.5Nm) Do you think these values are too low?

[@billy6162]

why does the fluid pour out at temperature when you first drain the fluid, but not when you check the fluid? Wouldn't that mean its under filled?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

With the engine running a good amount of fluid is circulating through the torque converter and cooling lines. That’s when you’re checking it. When the engine is off, some of that circulating fluid flows back into the pan and increases the level in the pan. That’s when your draining it, with the engine off so that’s why the fluid level is higher.

[@billy6162]

@@JoesCarSmartsNY That makes sense! Thank you so much!

[@aaronmercado5171]

What would happen if i accidentally doubled the filters o rings?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

It should be hard to install the filter that way. The filter is now probably pressed hard against the inside of the pan. It could make it difficult for the pump to suck fluid up from the pan.

[@richardhull8694]

does your tranny have the shudder at 25 to 30 mph just as tc lockup?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

No. It shifts nice and smooth. However we test drove a 2013 that had that issue. I was told it would probably need a torque converter so we skipped that one and bought this 2014 instead.

[@George-ck6qw]

Was he running the engine the whole time he was checking it? It sounded like it was running!

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Yes. Engine running and warmed up before checking fluid level.

[@wjm3018]

Toyota WS Only

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

That would be best. However, this car has been driven up and down the East coast of the USA several times without any problems using the Dexron.

[@wish2fish37]

How many miles were on this car?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

About 100K miles if i remember

[@wish2fish37]

@@JoesCarSmartsNY thanks..What did the inside of old filter look like? Dirty. Clean.Daughter has one of these with 126k and never had fluid and filter changed.Not sure if it would be bad to change it at this point or not.?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

@@wish2fish37 Inside of filter is tough to see. At your mileage it’s still a good idea in my opinion. If you’re hesitant to replace the filter (too tricky or involved?) you should at least drain and refill the fluid. Then drive it for maybe a week and drain and fill it again.

[@wish2fish37]

Thanks. Guess filter could be cut open to see it. Plastic housing is it not?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

@@wish2fish37 I think it is.

[@sugarytv]

this is one of those things that you really should go to a dealer for and pay $$$ if THEY fuck up its on THEM

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

That’s up to you. Want to spend more? Pay a shop. But this is not a hard project for someone with some simple tools.

[@atticstattic]

Thats, IF the dealer will do it...

[@sugarytv]

@@atticstattic yep the boys at the dealership are too unsure of doing it properly

[@ProwlersPit]

Here's a question for you. When you first remove the drain plug and check the fluid that comes out. Then go through everything you said. Now when it comes time to refill. Leave the main drain. Fill in till you get fluid. Once you have fluid coming out the green level. Put the main drain plug back in running to temperature. Then remove the plug again and measure that amount of fluid. If it's the same amount of fluid as when you initially start it then you know how much to put in. Because if it's the same fluid volume as the first time. Just pour that little mount back in that you took out

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

I’m a little confused about what you’re asking. The only way to know you have the correct amount of fluid in the transmission is for the car to be on level ground with the fluid at operating temperature and to make sure that if you add any more fluid…it runs out of the drain hole. Once it’s done dripping from the drain hole (a few seconds) you know it’s at the correct fluid level.

[@ProwlersPit]

@@JoesCarSmartsNY okay what I'm saying is everybody saying you got to do all this measuring. When I'm saying is once you put the green level level tube in the transmission. Poor fluid in until you see it coming out. Now you know that it's at the top of that level. Reinstall the main drain plug. And run the car up the temperature. This will expand the fluid and make it go over that tube. Take the main drain plug back out and do what you did. You can also measure the amount of oil that came out of the first time you took out the drain plug before you took out the green plug. If it's the same amount of fluid you're good. Or at least you're at the point you were when you start it

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

@@ProwlersPit Okay. So, I prefer to measure what comes out so I have a good starting point. Your suggestion can also work, but the engine has to be running when you check the fluid before bringing it up to temp. The level has to be checked with the engine running.

[@ProwlersPit]

@@JoesCarSmartsNY I get that. But if you pour the fluid in until it comes out over that level tube. You should be at a safe area to do just that. Because when the fluid heats up it will expand. Did you go through all the gears like the old transmissions. Or is that not need it no more.? I don't know what the protocol is for these transmission

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

I did shift through the gears. I don’t know if it’s required or not.

[@JesusSaves827]

Think I’ll stay with my Honda CRV.