Toyota fj cruiser transmission fluid and filter change

If a MECH A NIC video helped you consider donating to my patreon account to help support the channel. / the_mech_a_nic
or my paypal
paypal.me/jonathanrenteria1986
THE MECH A NIC’s amazon store ,here’s the tools I use
www.amazon.com/shop/themechanic
THE MECH A NIC’s Instagram page
/ the_mech_a_nic
THE MECH A NIC’s facebook page
/ the-mech-a-nic-1356996...
Thank you for watching my video, I appreciate the support !
The part number at autozone for the filter and gasket is TF225
torx bit used on the pan is a T30 (torx)

[@FishyAbody]

Check on the ATF re-fill procedure. You don't remove the check-level bolt until the ATF temp reaches 122 F +/- 6 degrees. You can use an IR gun to check temp. ATF expands as it warms up; thus, if you remove the bolt before ATF reaches specified temp, you will be adding too much ATF; remove it when ATF is too hot and you remove too much fluid. So, you don't add ATF when checking, you overfill a little bit then remove the bolt; that way, all the ATF is at the same temp.

[@themechanic6117]

+Jesus Robles good info,thanks

[@taoofwoo5641]

I did your procedure, Jesus Robles, and it still took 4.5 qts to fill, just like it did for the OP. I don’t know where this 2.5 qts to fill that I keep seeing comes from. When I drained it, I measured 4.5 qts came out, warm.

[@nordicpride9708]

Toyota has proven IR guns to be unreliable. The fluid temp and temperature of a steel transmission pan vary. I have verified this and it makes sense if you understand physics. Also, per everything I’ve seen the temp check mode activated and stays solid from 115 degrees Fahrenheit to 130. That should apply to this transmission as they should be the same FJ, 4Runner and Tacoma. You can also use a ScanGauge to ascertain transmission fluid temperature. This was a good video, but there’s really no need to change the screen. From the looks of it, that filter might be lucky to catch like 175-200 micron particles on a good day, and the screen mesh was not plugged at all. Much different than the traditional felt style found in pretty much any GM transmission. Most folks aren’t aware that interval filters are for life unless trans is overhauled etc. These are “rock catchers”

[@kichaa13]

@@themechanic6117 The Toyota manual doesn't say to check temperature when refilling, only when you're checking the level. The refill procedure is as you've done, with room temperature oil until it overflows. You also don't need an IR gun to check trans temp: You can jump terminals 4 and 13 on the OBD, move shift lever between N and D at 1.5s intervals for 6s and AT OIL TEMP light will come on then go off. It will come back on at 46C and start flashing at 56C. Temperature range for oil level check is 46-56C, if there is no overflow between this range you need to add 400ml of oil then check level again, if there is overflow it's fine.

[@svnbit8408]

@@nordicpride9708 can you check temp with odb2 Bluetooth adapter and an app like torque?

[@fredhoffman6658]

No loud music, PERFECT instructions, EXCELLENT video. THANKS SO MUCH. 👌

[@DXMediaTV]

ALWAYS... Loosen/remove the fill plug BEFORE you drain your transmissions, rear ends, transfer cases. That way if the fill plug happens to be seized in the housing at least you won't stuck with a immobile vehicle.

[@themechanic6117]

Yes i forgot to do that in this video. I think i pinned that in the comments

[@oldfucker68]

Heres a tip for the new gasket. Set it out in the sun for a while the day before you do the fluid change so it flattens out.

[@wayawolf1967]

Flip the pan gasket side down on a table or flat surface while the RTV silicone is setting up. You can even put a weight of some kind on the pan to force the gasket flat until its ready to install. I use to do this back in the 80s on turbo 350 and 400 GM transmission gaskets.

[@johnshipps441]

Great video! I just "exchanged" the ATF on my 07 4Runner last weekend. The old fluid was like chocolate syrup just like yours! I didn't drop the pan, but when I finished up, I went back to torque the drain plug and it wouldn't torque. I think it must be stripped. It's still holding fluid, but I don't feel good about it. So since I've got to pull the drain plug again to replace it with a new one that isn't stripped, I figured I might as well drop the pan and replace the filter too. This video showed me everything I need to know in a very simple & clear way. New sub here.

[@brendanpereira1429]

This video made the process so easy! Thanks a lot dude!

[@garrymejia6402]

One of the best instructional DIY videos on KZbin!! Thanks for this 👍🏽

[@jonathonjayce7346]

Used your video as a complete guide! Very informative and easy to understand. Thanks very much!!!

[@climaxaire]

Nicely put together! Very straight forward and easy to follow instructions. Well done champ!

[@themechanic6117]

+Paul Birch thank you,thanks for watching.

[@marknasia5293]

Good points and checks, especially about checking/matching the filter before taking it out of the package, sometimes parts places do make an honest mistake and much easier to do a swap if it is still in the plastic. Nice you show this process, anyone doing a fluid change, it is much better if they can afford it to swap the filter too since it is open.

[@mombasasherman]

Excellent video. Each step is well explained. I own a 2006 fortuner, same specs as the 2007 fj. I'm confident enough I can do this on my own. Thanks 👍🏾

[@stephenhope7319]

For someone doing this service for the first time; Save all the old fluid. I took 2 old kitty litter jugs once empty and measured 1 liter ( or 2 pint ) increments of water on the outside of the jug with a marker. Empty the water, and fill with your drained trans fluid and put into the FJ exactly what you took out. I noticed the FJ was actually lower than the book called for from the factory. If filled to specs I noticed bad shift patterns on turns. ie making a left or right turn with the FJ changing from 1st to 2nd was harsh with too much trans fluid.

[@projectr5932]

Most solid tutorial I’ve ever seen 👌🏼

[@taoofwoo5641]

Thanks, I followed this vid and it helped me do this! I took my time, but so far so good. What a pain to have to squeeze under a running car to pump those bottles in!

[@themechanic6117]

+Tao of Woo glad you got it done , thanks for watching!! 👍

[@davesheedy3058]

Excellent instructions - thank You!!!

[@wimm1392]

Very informative and good instructions, this will definitely help me lots. Thanks very much.

[@themechanic6117]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@getmorecontent.]

Thanks for your video, nice camera positioning and editing.

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you

[@omarobaleed291]

@@themechanic6117 FJ filter is the same for the tacoma 2012 ?

[@thomassvob1569]

Excellent! Good video, good narration.

[@craigcorzine8134]

Bro ! Rt to the point! Excellent vid!!!👍🏼👍🏼

[@themechanic6117]

Thanks!! Appreciate it

[@debrasam7393]

Very nicely explained and demonstrated!

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you

[@terrilimbert6398]

Gonna be doing my 07 FJ soon. Have almost 60k on it most of that is offroading and going from the West Coast to East TN every year. Curious to see what it looks like. This video was very helpful thanks!!

[@themechanic6117]

+Terri Limbert nice to see you put your fj to use going off roading. Must be fun. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@RoyJNg]

Thanks for the video, same procedure for the 4th generation 4runners too.

[@themechanic6117]

You're welcome 👍

[@msaq709]

thanks for simple explanation..and great information.

[@themechanic6117]

+majed saad thank you, thanks for watching.

[@steven4894]

Great video.👍 I'd mention that DIYers might want to shift into each gear first for a few seconds with the new fluid before descending off the ramps.🙂

[@naps__4107]

Thanks man... Helped a lot...

[@Davfon23]

Great work! Thanks a lot!

[@maxmullins1807]

Thanks for the video....very informative

[@themechanic6117]

No problem. Thanks for watching

[@Geophoto63]

Thank you do much,, very nice tutorial.. appreciate it a lot!!

[@keiths9483]

Good video. Good tips from those that commented.

[@old4x4]

Great vid. I did this last weekend and it went smoothly, God, I hate the smell of transmission fluid! LOLBTW, I used a 5mm hex key for the level check

[@themechanic6117]

Thanks for the info. Glad it went smoothly for you 👍

[@diciplinex7407]

Great video

[@Artr543]

big help. kudos to you guys. thank you for your time .

[@michael184272]

great informative video...thanks for posting .

[@themechanic6117]

+George Salvesen thanks for watching

[@vallesperez3827]

Perfect thanks so much, nice video!!

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you

[@sr25jd]

Nice and Simple ,ThankYou So Much ..

[@hayneshuntingcom]

excellent video!

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you

[@user-tm7ss5ug3j]

GOOD JOB . THANK YOU .

[@fredhoffman6658]

Great instructional video. Thank you sir. 👍👌

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you for watching

[@steven4894]

Laying the bent transmission gasket on a flat surface for a few hours or overnight will help with the pan fitting. But I'd still use a little adhesive too. Thanks 😃 for the video.👍

[@themechanic6117]

Thanks for the tip

[@stephenhope7319]

When you receive the filter and gasket, take out the gasket and set it on a flat surface and put books or weights on it for a day, you will not need the silicone adhesive.

[@CristianAPrimoATM]

I flushed mine (Lexus GX470, basically the same trans) using the transmission cooler in front (12qts of Valvoline maxxlife atf trans fluid, full synthetic, better then OEM and cheaper), easy access, no mess. All you have to do is to measure how much fluid came out on the filter change and later add through the return line by the transmission cooler using a cheap pump. Ad an additional 1qt (overfill trans), crank the engine and let it run for a few seconds till about 1.5 quarts comes out of the trans on the transmission cooler (out side, using a extension 1/4 in hose to a clear container to measure) and shut the engine off. Repeat the process with the exact same amount of fluid till clear fluid start to come out. You can shift through the gears while doing it too. Have someone assist you with the process, at the end use the correct procedures to top off the transmission at the correct fluid temperature about +-130F with the car running, in park on a level surface.

[@themechanic6117]

Great process. Thanks for sharing

[@calvinabbott6920]

Yes circulated fluid until it came clear with FJ about ten liters was clearing up pumped in the same amount as came out, do for another change with 350,000 on FJ.

[@stephenhope7319]

And then remove the lower radiator trans line ( the return line ) and use a hose to drain this as you turn on the engine for 30 second increments. Shut off engine and add equal amounts of new trans fluid to trans. Do this for about 12 quarts and you have now changed all the trans fluid out of this car. Button everything up and recheck level at trans pan at correct temp. Full service done.

[@mistakesweremade]

great video. thank you.

[@themechanic6117]

+brows33 you're welcome, thanks for watching and commenting

[@shekapkamara6004]

Brilliant 👏

[@professorchaos9171]

This video saved my ass

[@michaelfortunato1860]

Excellent.

[@luisceja8121]

Nice video 👍

[@themechanic6117]

Thanks for watching

[@Davfon23]

Awesome thank you

[@themechanic6117]

Thanks for watching

[@AW-xv7dq]

thank u

[@ding174]

Drain and fill when everything is cooled to ambient temp. Factory service manual shows drain and should need 3 qts to refill. I do this every oil change to keep the trans fluid “fresh”.

[@travistoler8250]

This is a great video-big thanks to The mech a nic. However, if you really want to flush the system properly, you need to empty the residual in the torque converter as well. Get the FJ up to running temp and drive it going through all of the gears (get the fluid hot). Get the FJ into position (ramps, jacks, etc.) and let it sit so the fluid can drain-10-20 minutes. Drain what is in the pan, and repeat 2-3 more times. Once that is completed, you will notice no more dirty fluid coming out and fresh cherry red fluid. At this point change the transmission filter if necessary/refill.

[@themechanic6117]

This customer was already have trans problems and I told him doing this wouldn't fix the problem but this is as far as he wanted to go. I guess he just wanted to give it a shot

[@jimj-acesofttech2657]

@@themechanic6117 Did that worked? Could you please let me know? I too have transmission shudder issue.

[@themechanic6117]

No it didnt fix his problem. Not long after the problem was fixed by itself...owner crashed the car and it totalled.

[@jimj-acesofttech2657]

​@@themechanic6117 Thanks SO Much. You mentioned after a while the problem was fixed by itself? Usually it takes 2000-3000 kms drive to fix the transmission shudder issue to be fixed because of new trans oil. Thats what might have happened. Or the issue fixed by he totalling the car? lol

[@themechanic6117]

The issue fixed by totalling the car unfortunately.

[@bradfordsparks329]

Do you think the small oil pan bolts are in any danger of breaking off when I try to loosen them, if I have a moderately rusty vehicle underneath? Maybe they are high enough that they are protected from the elements.

[@lisademayo8589]

Hi there! what kind of "silicone" did you use for the new gasket? is there a certain kind to buy?

[@All6sand7s]

Awesome video!!! Have any on doing the O2 sensors on the FJ?

[@themechanic6117]

Thanks, at the moment I don't. If I get another fj in the garage for that problem I'll make a video

[@travistoler8250]

What silicone glue did you use for the new gasket?

[@patriot3193]

Спасибо за информацию!)

[@KissmyBasss]

Great job done the right way. I don't understand how "flushing" is acceptable. I used to rebuild 4L60 and some Ford tranny on an assembly line. Its impossible to back flush the valve body or the filter

[@xufaga1988]

Man this video is amazing, but I'm not sure if I need to change it, my friend told me he never changed it and he has 1 fj 2009, I have fj 2012 I'm just confused about it

[@QuantumMind88]

So you get a better fill if you drain it while hot?

[@ding174]

Drain and fill when the trans is at ambient temperature. Toyota designs its drivetrains for worldwide use in remote and rugged third world countries who don’t have access to tech stuff like a temp gun, nor do they care. They have a life and need their vehicles for survival at the most basic level. So they use ToyotaS due to simplicity of maintenance and service and extreme reliability. Drain, fill, go. Oil, gas, go. Point A to point B anywhere in the world and failure is not an option.

[@EXOVCDS]

I bought the exact same pumper from my local parts store! =)

[@themechanic6117]

+Thomas EXOVCDS it's gets the job done! Now to put it in a safe place so the next time I need it I don't have to buy another lol

[@stefenb.8395]

can you please make a video changing spark plugs:))

[@GHOST-2.002]

Does that apply for the Manuel FJ as well?

[@southcheeto]

how many miles did the old oil had ? what type of use it had too ? thank youu

[@advancedxdirective]

I have a 2007 FJ Cruiser. I bought it as is and i dont know anything about its previous maintenance. It has 121k miles on it. I have done: the rear diff: I was forced to take it to the shop because no place in my area sells synthetic 80w 90 ( i probably could have gotten away with using 75w 90 or i probably could have ordered some online) and it looked pretty bad I did the transfer case: it probably could have gone awhile but i changed it anyway I did the Front diff: I really wish i took it to the shop!!!all the bolts were rusted in place and it was ergonomically difficult and there was sludge coming out. ( a shop probably would have charged no less than 150) It may be time for me to do the transmission fluid as well

[@themechanic6117]

Sound like some rough times.good luck on the trans fluid

[@Winkleo.x]

I bought mine used and it soon developed the dreaded shudder between 3rd and 4th. I checked the trans fluid and it looked worse than the motor oil. Dropped the pan, changed the filter & refilled, but before starting the FJ I redirected the trans cooler return line into a jug. I ran the motor for a few seconds at a time to let the transmission pump 1 quart of nasty fluid out through the torque converter, which I would put 1 qt of fresh back into the pan. After several quarts I get fresh fluid coming out of the cooler. Afterwards I make sure I see fluid tricking out of the check/overflow hole when the FJ is off and cold. Bring it up to the correct temperature then slowly add fluid until I get the dribble again, then done! Since then I only do the fluid every 50k or so, not really concerned about the filter which is just a metal screen anyway. It took about 10 miles for the shudder to disappear forever.

[@arkdave]

what is the interval for this maintenance sir?

[@SJsAdv]

I need to make some time to get this done on my FJ here soon.

[@Plissken68]

Take care not to cross thread the pan bolts upon re-installation. Impact and/or air tools can also break the heads off of the pan bolts.

[@lisademayo8589]

At how many miles is ATF recommended to be changed? Mine is a 2012 FJ?

[@kuazliu1744]

what is those yellow liquid? I saw some of them liquids bleeding on my FJ

[@BHARUCK]

GREAT video !! Thank you for the info. Actually im planing do this to my FJ this weekend. QUESTION: which part number is that DURALAST kit? my local Autozone store couldn´t find it. I really need the #part please. Regards and keep uploading great more videos.

[@themechanic6117]

BHARUCK the part number at autozone is TF225

[@BHARUCK]

Thanks for your prompt answer Mr.Mechanic! Mmm.. I told the Autozone Guy (I even show him your video) ¨the epic unboxing part¨ jajaja... The guy saw the label number 003182 you can see this at min. 3:55 in the Duralast box. Got it TF225, after office I´ll stop by at autozone again!!!

[@themechanic6117]

You're welcome, I usually include the part numbers in all my videos.sorry I forgot to do it in this video. I like to use the AutoZone app for finding parts and part numbers. Good luck with your repair. Be sure to crack the fill plug before anything. You want to be sure you can re fill the system after you drain the old fluid.

[@BHARUCK]

Got it... It will be a busy weekend for me working in the FJ. Regards Mr.

[@HouseDrone1]

oh ok I didn't know if you mentioned the temp before servicing what if the trans cools off while your working on it. You can just start the car and run it till it reaches the temp ? can you use a basic food thermometer ?

[@themechanic6117]

George I added enough fluid so I can turn it on with out it being empty,let it run for a while till it warmed up then continued adding fluid.I have a infrared thermometer

[@fredbergeron7997]

I'd also clean the pan with brakleen before re-installing.

[@dmustayne]

What's the ratchet adapter(?) did you use to remove/re-install the indicator plug?

[@themechanic6117]

+dmustayne if I remember correctly it's a t30 torx .sorry for not being 100% on that

[@minhsicheong6317]

What brand and type of oil did you use?

[@tjlayes8199]

Thanks for making the videos I learn a lot. How often are u supposed to change your transmission oil and filter. Thanks

[@themechanic6117]

Thanks for watching.id look in the owners manual for service intervals

[@carlfalk7251]

What of the torque converter? Yes or no?

[@louisnchelromero8128]

Hi over the info on this video but I have one question do I block the tires and fill it while on in neutral or do I fill it in park please help

[@themechanic6117]

You can fill it in park. Then just shift through the gears when you're done

[@user-ng9uu9te8j]

Is it a problem in oil change after 198k

[@speedymedic19]

Great instructional video, I just bought a 2008 Fj with 75k miles on it, do you recommend doing a complete pan drop? or just a drain and fill? Every service on the vehicle was done at Toyota, but reviewing the records doesn't show any sort of transmission service done ever.

[@themechanic6117]

Since its a easy job id recommend changing the filter

[@speedymedic19]

@@themechanic6117 how many quarts of Toyota ATF WS should I have on hand to do the pan drop like you did?

[@themechanic6117]

@@speedymedic19 i cant remember. You can call the dealer for that info

[@speedymedic19]

@@themechanic6117 thanks!

[@jackempson3044]

Why wouldn't you clean the inside of the pan before putting it back on?

[@Kevitivity]

This is an excelent video. I have an 08 FJ that has some transmission whine. 200K miles. No other problems. Would this indicate I need to replace the fluid?

[@themechanic6117]

If it's whining I'd start with a fluid change and cross my fingers

[@larissamainer2228]

Hello, I just bought an 07 fj. I know oil was changed regularly but unsure on the transmission fluid. Is that something I should go ahead and change? Is it just a flushing that is a concern when it hasn’t been done in awhile?

[@fujitsubo3323]

if its unknown when the ATF and filter was done last its such a cheap thing to do that takes only an hour or so of time its cheap insurance for the car. couple of bottles of ATF or a new tranny, i know what i would pick.

[@xpacmaner23]

+the mech a nic if automatic transmission brown in color, should change or flush machine?

[@themechanic6117]

Just change it.itll be ok

[@BioStuff415]

Nice work... that helped. I an inspired to change mine. At what mileage is it recommended? I bought an 07' recently with 134k. Do not know what has been done. Will be making a list of things to maintain. Thanks

[@themechanic6117]

+BioStuff415 you'd have to check your owners manual for that info

[@rajandivakaran3902]

How many litters are you filled in this vehicle.??. Pls replay sir.

[@KOTO-ROG6]

Hi, how much do you charge for that job

[@notephone1924]

I changed it recently. Dropped the pan and changed the filter. Is 5 quarts enough?

[@tannyrocha9344]

I think he said 2 qts before getting the truck of the ramps, he did that because tranny needs to level to fill it up, remove the indicator bolt and keep pumping until the indicator hole drains some oil, but since you put 5 qts i suggest you remove the indicator bolt only untill there is a thin and solid drip string because I think its alot. . . Hope it helps👨‍🔧🤙

[@1907mete]

what is the part number?

[@doransignal]

what type of transmission fluid does it use?

[@craigheartwell5142]

anyone have a vid for the manual transmission?

[@JohnnyQ-cw8uz]

80 inch lb is way too much for the pan. The gasket started warping. After realizing this, I checked the manual and proper torque spec is 39 in lb. Thank god I didn’t strip the bolts

[@fijitec]

Open fill plug before draining fluid just in case fill plug won’t open

[@oci464]

Heat gasket with hair dryer to get it to sit flat

[@MrMusaalam]

what size is the torx bit or hex key for the overflow.

[@themechanic6117]

Musa Alam T30 torx

[@cadillacescalade1]

What about the old oil residing in the torque converter which is 50% of total transmission oil volume Now the new oils is contaminated with old one....

[@themechanic6117]

+Qatari Man yeah you're not going to get all of it out.. feel free to get the converter emptied if you'd like.

[@breaking-the-fiction-addic4185]

@@themechanic6117 50% new mixed with 50% old oil. That's not an oil change my friend.

[@roster2423]

Every how many miles should i change the transmission filter? And every how many miles do i have to change the transmission oil?

[@themechanic6117]

You should refer to the owners manual

[@HouseDrone1]

acorging to the other video the guy shows that its a much more involved procedure to fill it properly with several expensive tool kits like the straw extender ,a vacuum pump to vac the trans and some other tool. He says its not just a mater of filling it till it runs out. that temperatures are extremely important that you cant just fill it your way. sis you see this video . its the next one after yours. I just wouldn't want to get stuck where I couldn't fill it enough to get the correct level

[@themechanic6117]

+George the video was edited but I did let the truck run for a while the let the temperature go up. I keep in touch with the owner of this FJ, he hasn't had any problems.

[@guiasdealturas245]

@@themechanic6117 Thanks for the vid Jesus! Any update in this FJ after 3 years of this trans fluid change?

[@themechanic6117]

Yeah ,its in the junk yard. The owner totaled it in a accident

[@noelchristopherrosete1509]

torque specs should be: refill plug => 39 Nm or 29 ft-lbs drain plug => 28 Nm or 21 ft-lbs overflow plug => 180 in-lbs oil pan bolts => 39 in-lbs oil strainer bolts => 84 in-lbs

[@apadilla0352]

Most videos I’ve seen just put back what came out. Temp this and that no worries. ??