Toyota RAV4 - transmission fluid and filter change - 4th Gen

This video shows the step by step procedure to replace the transmission oil and filter on a 2017 Toyota RAV4. The text in the video at 2mins and 33secs was meant to be shown at 13:40 into the video. My apologies.

[@agostinodibella9939]

I have a 2013 RAV4 which is similar and was waiting for someone to do a video on this model. Thank you!

[@masood-tv]

You're welcome, Agostino.

[@jeffblack1644]

I like that 13/32 socket for a 10mm. Got one of those myself and it's a perfect fit. Thanks for the video!

[@masood-tv]

Hi Jeff, thx.

[@petercarnegie8232]

You have explained very well in a manner that an ordinary DIY person can always follow. I really appreciate the details you pointed out and I do think this is the best video on this subject. Thank you and I do hope I will learn more from you in the future. Blessings.

[@masood-tv]

Thanks very much, Peter, for the kind feedback.

[@petercarnegie8232]

@@masood-tv 👍🏽👍🏽🙏

[@Bluecat2525]

Thanks for the video - very helpful! I just purchased used 2013 Rav4, ~125K miles, and the transmission pan was leaking. I changed the filter and pan gasket. I did the drain and re-fill twice. The fluid could have been changed a 3rd or 4th time, for sure. Also, when setting the level my oil did not change to a dribble-trickle like in the video. Each time the stream just slowed down to a thin and thinner stream. I had to decide it was thin enough, then put the plug back in. Also, my drain plug and pan tube had a T40 instead of Allen-hex style, not sure if that is common. Car is shifting gears very smoothly, hoping it stays that way. Thanks again.

[@masood-tv]

You are very welcome. Thanks for sharing.

[@bearpuf]

I was fascinated watching your video for the transmission fluid change. It was no nonsense and very straight forward with how to do it. Your efforts are very appreciated. Thank you. I think the 2017 RAV 4 falls in 4th generation, but that is a minor note.

[@masood-tv]

Thanks, Jan, for the feedback and the correction.

[@joshtortorello]

Thank you so much for sharing this in depth video.

[@masood-tv]

You are very welcome, Joshua.

[@Eric-wg2ls]

Well done. I followed the instructions and found exactly 3.5 quarts came out during the process.

[@masood-tv]

Thanks, Eric.

[@josephbrown2045]

Excellent! The best of several I watched.

[@masood-tv]

Thanks, Joseph.

[@mcroadracer1]

I will do this for my brother-in-law eventually. Thank you for sharing

[@masood-tv]

Absolutely. Let me know if you run into issues or have any questions.

[@pyrofful]

Thanks all done! After I measured all my fluid it was maybe a half quart short of a gallon! Glad I bought a gallon like you said. Btw it was almost at 108k with heavy driving and the cloth filter was black and pretty nasty. I'm glad I didn't just drain and fill. The dealer said they only drain and fill doing NOTHING with replacing the filter!

[@masood-tv]

Wonderful. Thanks for the update.

[@scottschuett7765]

Excellent video! Even though I will not tackle this job, I now know what my mechanic needs to do.

[@masood-tv]

Thanks, Scott.

[@user-zq5jd7ee9n]

The problem still remains that if you are not there to watch his every move, how do you know he did it all correctly? i certainly do not trust my local dealer mechanics to do it right, so at some point I will have to do it myself.

[@tjjones-xj7kq]

​@@user-zq5jd7ee9nGood point but that's how it goes. I took my old LeSabre in and paid the guy ~$100 dollars. It never leaked fluid before but after.....it leaked till the day I junked it. That was my ol' boat of a vehicle that I liked but knew wasn't going to be my 300k mile car. My newer yota I'm hoping gets closer lol. I live in the "rust belt" and plenty of deer around so we will see. These videos really help the DIY guys. I also get why a person doesn't want to risk it though. I'm still on the fence but this doesn't look too difficult.🤔

[@dugaldcampbell3816]

A very helpful video but one thing I just recently found out the hard way, is that when removing the pan it holds much more oil than I anticipated even though, I drained it thoroughly or so I thought. The drain plug hole has a raised portion inside which prevents the pan from completely draining. And there was it seemed to be at least a quart left in the pan which easily causes it to tip, tilt and splash all over one.

[@masood-tv]

You are making a good point, Dugald. Thanks.

[@jcnikoley]

Out of multiple videos I’ve watched, yours is the only one that explains how to properly set the fluid level. Good job.

[@masood-tv]

Thank you, sir.

[@jaybilawchuk2225]

I agree. I just bought a used RAV4 and it doesn’t show a proper fluid level check anywhere like your video. You need to be at the right temperature and no one seems to be mindful of that. Good job. I have something proper to follow.

[@masood-tv]

Thanks

[@cantwealljustgetalong2]

i agree he does a great job, however its a lot of work. ive just been draining the fluid cold, before it expands from heat, measuring it out, and then adding the same amount of cold fluid back in

[@smithwesson7149]

@@cantwealljustgetalong2 Same here on my 2016 Highlander. I get 2 quarts drained and then two quarts new fluid added. Procedure done in the morning having car sitting overnight.

[@reynaldoramirez7051]

This is the best video of all thank you

[@masood-tv]

Thanks very much, Reynaldo.

[@oldtimerman59]

Brilliantly explained and demonstrated, thank you !

[@masood-tv]

Thank you very much.

[@maxgrind438]

Great work. Thank you for the beautiful instructions. 👍

[@masood-tv]

Thanks, Max.

[@jsexploring2129]

Very well done. Thank you for this video!

[@masood-tv]

You are very welcome.

[@nopayflicks]

Very clear thorough video! 👍👍

[@masood-tv]

Thanks.

[@oleksandrdiachuk2978]

good job! Thanks for the detailed video!

[@masood-tv]

Hi Oleksandr and thanks.

[@cantwealljustgetalong2]

thank you Masood, Ramadan Kareem!

[@masood-tv]

Thanks.

[@cbijames7]

Great video thank for doing this I don't have a rava 4 but been thinking about getting one down the road I have Subaru Crosstrek so there no filter to change on them they have a Internal one. So drain and refill is all you have to do on them. Again good video

[@masood-tv]

Thanks, James.

[@condor5635]

Great job. Bag the pump approach to fill. Attach vinyl tube to a funnel hang it from engine hood with hanger/wire and let it gravity feed. So much easier and much less mess and cleanup. Pump introduces potential of dirt and extra fluid etc etc

[@masood-tv]

Hello, sounds like a very good idea. Never tried it before....

[@tjjones-xj7kq]

Thanks for the idea! I like that and don't want to wait for shipping.

[@mandingo1125]

Hands down the best video I have seen to date ❤❤

[@masood-tv]

Thank you.

[@trentwheeler6161]

Excellent video! Unfortunately the U760F AWD transaxle in my 2013 Rav4 started making an awful like wheel bearing noise at the left front output shaft (located at the left front CV axle.) Sadly the toyota dealer claimed to have replaced the fluid 50k miles prior during the torque convertor campaign. There is a bearing inside the transmission that failed. Fluid looks very awful. Getting a reman transmission installed because this trans will become questionable just fixing the few components that failed. We just paid the car off too! 🤦‍♂️. The differential fluid and transfer case (power transfer unit) fluid is crazy easy to change, so I'm going to change that out with 75w90 fully synthetic. (Toyota calls for 75w85 but several owners use 75w90 fully synthetic gear oil). Very cheap insurance on another forgotten fluid!

[@masood-tv]

Thanks, Trent. Sorry to hear about your experience and thank you for sharing it.

[@chrism.6214]

great video, thank you.

[@masood-tv]

Hi Chris M, thank you.

[@miguelm3676]

I JUST DID IT!!!! Thank You My Friend.

[@masood-tv]

Wonderful. Thanks, Miguel.

[@robertfoilesjr1337]

Excellent

[@masood-tv]

Thanks.

[@cloudchaser9951]

Thanks just tried to look for the dipstick to see the transmission fluid realized there was no dipstick lol thanks

[@masood-tv]

Thank you.

[@wintermanmuzika7650]

Good job

[@masood-tv]

Thx.

[@ammcfc1]

Great video! Thanks! Is it necessary to have the transmission completely cold and wait overnight before draining the fluid?

[@masood-tv]

Thank you. No.

[@HB-yq8gy]

I believe you could reuse the old pan gasket if it is in good shape? Thank you excellent video very detail easy for DYI!

[@masood-tv]

Thanks.

[@tjjones-xj7kq]

Awesome video but I have 2 question if someone could answer. Is that black inner plastic pan the filter?! 1. I was expecting the filter to look like the air filter or like an oil filter .....I don't see any filter media or thing to replace. 2. Why do you purge out that oil till it trickles at the end? Aren't you lowering the level? Or are you just getting out trapped air with that oil? 3. How do you know how much to add? You measure when you drain it but then add extra.....how do you know exactly how much to add extra? Is it like changing the rear diff where you add till it starts to come out the fill plug? (Guessing not because then you wouldn't need to measure the old TF at all. Thanks to whoever knows! Thanks for the video also you did a great job with the explanation and camera angles!

[@masood-tv]

Hi TJ, thanks. 1) if you fast forward to around 6:12 minutes in the video you will see the transmission fluid filter in black color. 2) The proper level for these transmissions is to fill with fresh fluid, then to heat up the transmission to operating temperatures and then drain out whatever comes out. If nothing drains, add more fluid until it drains. The proper level is then achieved at operating temp. Transmission fluid expands as it is heated. 3) It is like differential except at operating temp. I gave the exact temp range in the video to check and drain. I hope these answer your questions. Now, if you don't want to bother with draining and measuring the temp, put back in the exact amount you take out but be sure to drain and fill at the same temp. Also, that is contingent on the assumption that whoever did it last time filled in the proper amount....

[@miguelm3676]

Awesome very good video thank you my friend ✅

[@masood-tv]

Thank you.

[@gregels27]

Hello! I really liked your video. I do have a rav4 2014 which Transmision fluid should I get?

[@masood-tv]

Thanks, GeGs Garcia. Use the same Toyota Standard transmission oil.

[@mitaraho]

Valvoline synthetic ATF IMO

[@hectorpenamedina4817]

Hello friend. Hector from Puerto Rico. Good video and job. I have a question. I have a Rav 4 2022, the transmition filter is inside and need to open de transmition to change or is like the video outside than can change easy? Thanks for the information than can give to me.🙏🙏

[@masood-tv]

Hi Hector. Thank you. I have not done this on a Gen5 RAV4 yet, but from what i know it uses the same transmission. So, it should be the same. Now, part numbers may be different and you should consult your local Toyota dealer or online using your VIN# before ordering. Perhaps, someone who has can comment on it.

[@IADHDD]

I know everyone says to put more than you took out, then get it to operating temperature specific range then take it the extra. I usually measure exactly how much came out, then put back the same amount. I make sure all the fluid that comes out gets collected. And the whole thing about when the fluid heats up it extends is true, but think about it, even if it's hot when it comes out, let it cool on the side, then measure it and put back the same amount cold

[@masood-tv]

Hello Walid, I have dealt with this issue a lot in this thread. As long as you are not underfilling, you should be ok. But to be sure, you have to maintain the same temperature, and know that it was filled properly last time. What I show is what the Toyota workshop manual states...

[@anisbenamor4308]

Thank you very much for the explanation A few months ago I changed the ATF oil at a mechanic without changing the filter because the original filter was not available and according to toyota it is not advisable to change either the oil or the filter because it is for life!!!! But I know very well that each fluid has its lifespan The problem is that my mechanic cleaned the crankcase and filled 5 liters ATF without draining the extra Can this cause problems if I leave the oil level high? And for the filter, what brand would you advise me to buy? Because there are thousands to choose from, and most of them are from the bad range.

[@masood-tv]

Hi Anis, of course, it would if he added 5 quarts without draining the old fluid. There is no room for 5 quarts of additional oil, so he must have. These transmissions are very sensitive. The oil is Toyota WS transmission fluid.

[@anisbenamor4308]

@@masood-tvThen i have to replace the filter and the oil. Thanks

[@georgeper4883]

Hi Masood, Do you use an OEM filter or aftermarket? I got quoted $90 for the filter only from Toyota. I seen one on Amazon for about $23. One of the reviews mentioned using it on a 2013 RAV4 AWD. What are your thoughts? Thank you

[@masood-tv]

Hi George, I would make sure it is well reviewed if 3rd party. I use ORM. Also look for OEM filters online from other Toyota dealers.

[@georgeper4883]

@@masood-tv thanks for the answer Masood!

[@masood-tv]

@@georgeper4883 np.

[@user-cj3rx3rk3f]

Where do you measure from to check if car is level? I was thinking of using small level placed on transmissions drain plug to get trans level.

[@masood-tv]

Hi Bill, exactly. At the bottom of the pan will give the most accurate reading.

[@datadata-di1lp]

Is the 2017 RAV4 FWD or AWD?

[@sherwannasradin]

at what temperature should I open the drain plug nut in celsius? or is it the 108 Fahrenheit?

[@masood-tv]

Hi Sherwan, the temperatures I talk about in the video are in Fahrenheit.

[@nilolee2426]

Where did you exactly put the jack stands for the front of vehicle?

[@masood-tv]

Hi Nilo, there is a vertical track approximately 1 to 1.5 inches tall made of heavy metal parallel and perpendicularly attached to the body frame underneath on both sides. Then, right after front and before rear tires (just a few inches away from the wheels), you will notice 2 half circled carvings on the same tracks indicating exactly where the jack stands should go. Take a look and let me know if you cannot find them. This applies to most Toyotas, not just the RAV4's.

[@firstpestcontrol276]

Hi, do you know if this is the same process for the manual gearbox?

[@masood-tv]

Sorry, Martin, for the late reply. No, it is different.

[@AndroBoy17]

Pls could you advise exact CVT model and recommended milage for oil change. Thks

[@masood-tv]

Hi AndroBoy17, regardless of model, replace oil and filter at around 60k miles or 96,000 kilometers, and similar intervals thereafter.

[@macker0077]

Thanks for the video. Once the transmission reaches the 107-109 degrees, shouldn't you turn the vehicle off and then open the drain plug to allow the excess fluid to come out? I imagine if you open it while running, the fluid is likely circulating in the pan and may not give you a good indication of the oil level? I've also read that you may want to drain the fluid out again from the pan again after driving the car for 20 mins., as there is a lot of old fluid in the system?

[@masood-tv]

Hi macker0077 - no, keep the engine running but stop shifting gears. And, yes, you can do it not just once but a couple more times if you wish (if the transmission is not very old and if it has been maintained regularly).

[@macker0077]

@@masood-tv Thanks!

[@KangarooRide]

Hey mate, Nice video, show all the processes, also the specs to do it the right job. Just one thing it is not much clear. Can you be clear to us, after you drain and fill up the oil, how much was in litres?

[@masood-tv]

Hi DLG. Thank you. I don't remember how much was drained out exactly. It really doesn't matter. Whatever you take out, add that much plus another liter or so.

[@KangarooRide]

@Masood so I will measure what I took out, then fill up 1 litre more. Leave running for while do the gear chagw, and then open the drain plug and let run out what it is not in use?

[@masood-tv]

@DLG yes،, but run, shift gears, until the temperature is reached. Then open drain until trickle and close.

[@KangarooRide]

@Masood got it. Thanks for hand! Very helpful

[@masood-tv]

@@KangarooRide my pleasure.

[@Andrew-yw8vz]

I’m seeing so much conflicting information. Many saying not to change trans filter. Thoughts on why you did it?

[@masood-tv]

Hello Andrew. That is akin to asking why change the engine oil and filter. It is because of all the moving parts, the gears, the friction, and the resulting heat. All these gears and friction points must be kept well oiled to avoid scoring and deformities. The oil too has to change regularly to maintain its working properties. Then some friction or metallic savings will still get loose and must be filtered out - not cycled back into the engine or transmission valves. Hence, the need for filters and replacing filters periodically. Don't listen to the nay sayers. They really don't know. Think about it logically. How about the example of fryer oil and French fries in restaurants. How long to keep the same oil? The oil is changed,, and, the potatoe debris are filtered out, regularly. Now some manufacturers may claim the transmission oil is good for life. They lie too but for a different reason. Profit.

[@alimostafa8968]

please use scan tools to check the internal temprature as been told in the vedio, the laser thermometer measure the outside surface only. But the whole vedio is very good.

[@masood-tv]

Thanks Ali, for the feedback. You are correct. I did comparisons. For those without access to a scanner, I found a 2 to 4 degrees difference between the two methods.

[@Seraphim401]

@@masood-tv Or bridge pin 4 and 13 on the obd2 port. No scanner needed.

[@masood-tv]

@@Seraphim401 , thanks. Those viewers who wish to follow this method should search the net for instructions. I am sure there are tons of instructions out there.

[@Seraphim401]

@@masood-tv There are. That's how I know about it.

[@HugDeeznueces]

What Toyota software are you using? Where can I get it?

[@masood-tv]

Hi Rob, it is called Techstream. Please google it.

[@tjk5992]

Good video but I hate this. I miss the old drain plug with a dip stick. I wont be surprised if they do this nonsense with oil next.

[@masood-tv]

Hi TJK, I know...increasingly car manufacturers are trending that way.

[@geoffballou8737]

BMW took away the engine oil dipstick 15 years ago

[@tjk5992]

@@geoffballou8737 Just looked. Thats crazy. Good thing I would never own a BMW. If that sensor failed the engine can be fcked. I hate European cars German in particular.

[@rodyfunk]

do you check the level in park or neutral?

[@masood-tv]

In Park.

[@hgaming3171]

Hi. how much fluids you add ? approx in total. 4 liters? or 3.5L ?

[@masood-tv]

Hello, 4 liters should be sufficient but have one more on hand just in case...

[@user-np1ey6dd3o]

When you check the fluid level, engine running or not? Thanks

[@masood-tv]

Hi Rinnie, check level when engine is running...

[@mohdibrahim1350]

Thanks for sharing How is it doing now?

[@masood-tv]

Thank you. Are you asking me?

[@mohdibrahim1350]

@@masood-tv yes. How is the transmission doing now?

[@masood-tv]

Pretty good.

[@zztop8592]

Can't you leave off the fill plug while it's warming up, and it will flow out if it's too full?

[@masood-tv]

I don't see why not...

[@anoopsinghgill5807]

Toyota Maintenance does this all FREE.

[@masood-tv]

I think they only do the warmer filter...

[@nilolee2426]

I have 2015 rav4 awd and I bought it brand new but I’m only getting like 23mpg highway and city driving combined. I’m not an aggressive driver but it seems the gas consumption is not economical. I thought it Should at leave 25-27 mpg on average in all rav4. Btw, I installed a hitch and bike rack. Someone told me to swtich the traction control off to get more mileage, is this true?

[@masood-tv]

Hi Nilo, I am not sure. There are a number of factors that could affect your mileage. Driving uphills, for example. Driving on highways vs in stop and go traffic.

[@wanelly]

Turn your 4wheel drive off. Change spark plugs and see if it gets better. Anything less than 27 miles/g is not acceptable

[@XBrandonLeeX765]

Drop a bottle of fuel cleaner in, at your next fill up. To clean injectors. See if that helps. You should NOT turn your traction control off. Traction control is just that, helps you stabilize the torque being delivered to the wheels.

[@machinis]

AWD vehicles generally consume more gas than FWD. Your numbers seem about right.

[@andrewkalipetis7128]

I have a 15 AWD 2.4 and I see the same numbers.

[@jaybilawchuk2225]

Good video. But do we trust our heat guns to be accurate? I would hope so. lol.

[@masood-tv]

I am glad you brought this up, Jay. I had neglected to mention to test the temperature measurement instrument, laser gus or whatever for accuracy....

[@sherwannasradin]

I think this process is also right for other cars with no dipstick? Toyotas and non-Toyotas ?

[@masood-tv]

Yes, pretty much with some variations in fluid temperature range. However, it is the same for most Toyotas without a dipstick.

[@sherwannasradin]

Thank you

[@masood-tv]

@@sherwannasradin my pleasure.

[@WoodrowfolloweroftheMessiah]

👍🏻🙏🏻😀

[@masood-tv]

Thanks.

[@robertnovell3652]

I went to the toyota dealer to change the aft and he didn't want to do the aft change because according to them its use for life! My 2011 RAV4 has 150 thousand kilometers traveled and I have had no problems so far with the automatic transmission but they told me that after the aft change there are usually problems, should I change the aft anyway?

[@masood-tv]

Yes, absolutely. Replace one time along with the filter. Drive a few thousand miles and replace the oil again.

[@XBrandonLeeX765]

@funnygags7964don’t drop pan. Just drain & fill what you took out.

[@michaeltammaro482]

Would this be considered a transmission FLUSH? If NOT, it would be a half ass job in my opinion since only 50% at BEST of the transmission fluid would actually be replaced. Correct me please if I'm wrong about this.

[@masood-tv]

Hi Michael - no, as the title suggests, it is a change. Do it a couple of times more, and it will be a flush :)

[@simonnyirenda1461]

Ipsum 3s gearbox not change gearbox help me

[@rocketbase5740]

Toyota do not sell transmission filter and oil , change transmission only Where do you think I can buy oil and gasket for tranny oil pan and what oil do you use? Thanks 🙏

[@masood-tv]

Hi Rocket Base, use the Toyota World Standard oil. You can get it from Amazon. You can also get the filter and gasket from Amazon but I suggest you first look for other Toyota dealerships online and order from one locally.

[@joselollopez59]

Amazon . ATF WS (automatic transmission fluid) brand Toyota filter depend your model rav4

[@gjergjidano5478]

What about the fluid in the torque converter how do you get it out

[@masood-tv]

Hello Gabed, do this a couple of times within a few hundred or thousand miles...

[@Chitown388]

make it clearer by putting text overlay info on the tool and the torque spec used for each of the steps. It was frustrating to comb through your narration on the tool you used to remove the plastic drain. Still couldn't find it after 3x rewinds. Where was the video for catching and measuring the drained oil? What happened to filling the same amount of oil back into the transmission? Net, more show than talk would always be a good idea for a video.

[@masood-tv]

Sorry, it is not easy to work and record everything at the same time...just trying to help people out as much as I can. I do have the torque values though in the video starting at 14:03 minutes, and never mentioned I would show how to measure what is drained out...

[@leoperrong6543]

What is the model of that infrared temp gun ? Can I purchase it on Amazon ?

[@masood-tv]

Hi Leo, yes you can. Search on Amazon for laser thermometer. They come handy for many other applications as well.

[@leoperrong6543]

@@masood-tv What temp range in Fahrenheit am I looking for to open that bolt and let the excess fluid drain from the straw ?

[@masood-tv]

@@leoperrong6543 any oil temp above 97 degrees Fahrenheit but less than 115F. Keep in mind your thermal gun will be measuring the pan surface temp. The actual oil temp may be 2 to 4 degrees hotter.

[@wjm3018]

You panicked and close the drain plug too soon. Theres probably at least 100 ml over. U need to wait until the flow changes from constant flow to quick trickle. U will notice the change of flow.

[@networth9151]

It seems you should be able to drain the fluid at room temp and add the exact amount back into the fill port. Any reason why you have to heat the fluid?

[@masood-tv]

Hi Networth. The procedure in the video follows the Toyota workshop method with the presumption that not everyone can afford the wait time. As long as you can measure the fluid temp at the time of draining and ensure it matches that of the replacement fluid, you would be ok. Otherwise, it is best to underfill or overfill by half a quart or so, bring car to operating temp, and then drain to trickle.

[@user-jq3jc9pv5r]

I have one rav4 I hear a little moan sound from the transmission when I tread on the acceleration treadle . What is the problem?

[@masood-tv]

Hello Abdullah, I would check the fluid level first..how old is the car and when was the transmission serviced last?

[@fernandojosehernandezgomez2610]

My English it's bad how much oil you put in the transmission?

[@masood-tv]

Hi Fernando, your English is good enough. It depends. Have a gallon at ready. You will fill until it drips at a slower rate....see video for when.

[@Mzznz]

I just changed the oil for my rav in workshop and they do 20% per of that you did💔😂 I think my gear won’t last for long 😂😂

[@masood-tv]

Hi Mazin, that's why you should either do it yourself, or have it done by trusted mechanics.

[@tyronesmith3812]

How's it going sir

[@masood-tv]

All is good, Tyrone. Thx.

[@user-zq5jd7ee9n]

Sorry, it is not clear to me- why do you drain a bit of fluid out at the very end?

[@masood-tv]

Hi Hal, transmission fluid expands when hot as car is driven. Proper fluid level is therefore checked when at driving temp. Hence, making sure there is enough fluid in pan.

[@larrydove3004]

Only problem is you never flushed the torque converter. You can see how dirty the "new" fluid is at the end of the video.

[@masood-tv]

Hi Lary Dove, it really was not that dark. The lighting was certainly not good. But, you are right in the sense that this method does not completely replace the fluid. It is best to follow up with a couple more drains (without replacing the filter) which is what I did but did not record to keep the video brief.

[@87Stang]

that plastic tube is not called a filler ....its actually your dip stick ...

[@masood-tv]

Sorry, I didn't see this comment before. You are correct in that it is not called a filter. But it is not a dipstck either, albeit it serves that function. I am not sure what Toyota officially calls it. But it is a secondary drain plug with an inner tube designed to indicate whether the pan contains sufficient fluid. If oil drains out, it means it flows over the height of the plug and out/down the inner tube. Overflow plug may be?

[@Shawn-ky2tw]

Overflow tube

[@masood-tv]

Thanks.

[@fredmertz1791]

Wait a minute, the plug is at the lowest point of the transmission, what do you mean " if no oil comes out" ? Where did it go ?

[@masood-tv]

Hi Fred, if nothing comes out while at operating temperature, it means the fluid level is low and that you should add more.

[@rmcdaniel423]

watch again, particularly for the plastic insert cylinder that goes into the drain hole BEFORE the metal plug. It sticks UP from the bottom of the pan. Fresh new fluid will fill up to that level, then after it has expanded by warming up, any surplus will spill over and out through that tube. So the top end of that plastic tube (which can't actually be seen once installed) serves as the correct oil level gauge.

[@twofourmarine]

@@rmcdaniel423 wow great explanation

[@camillemitchell6305]

108-110 Fahrenheit?

[@masood-tv]

Yes, Fahrenheit.

[@roeldeleon6419]

Excuseme, How much torque ft pound,

[@masood-tv]

Hey, Roel. I have the torque values in the video.

[@roeldeleon6419]

@@masood-tv I know, I don't understand 67 in#, I understand 7 foot pound, Is correct.

[@masood-tv]

7 ft pd is 84 inch pounds. Multiply or divide by 12, depending... Torque wrenches in inch pounds are more accurate and designed for smaller forces.

[@mtraven23]

any tips on getting that drain plug out? I just striped the allan key on my buddies car trying to get it out.

[@masood-tv]

Hi Matt, which one? The upper plastic one or the lower metal one?

[@mtraven23]

@@masood-tv the metal one, dont think its ever been removed. 2 ft bar did her in. I got some stuff too try (ez outs, weld to it), but I want to have the new one in hand before I do that..car is drivable as is. any suggestions would be helpful

[@masood-tv]

Besides what you are already intending, if all else fails, you will have to just buy a new pan cover.

[@mtraven23]

@@masood-tv hmm..that option had slipped my mind. Thanks, ill keep that in my back pocket!

[@masood-tv]

Np. The pan cover is not too expensive...will give you a chance to replace the filter inside also if you wished to do it.

[@gabrielkaras1858]

Not having a transmission dipstick should be illegal in the auto manufacturing industry.

[@masood-tv]

Just another way for them to make money..

[@Username-ng8jy]

I don’t understand about the fluid. At same temp. What you take out you put it in at the same temp. So leave that shit off overnight. And put the fluid near by. What you take out put in and you’re good

[@wjm3018]

I believe your atf is still overfilled because you didnt wait for it to trickle more. You plugged it to early. It has to start trickle before putting back thr drain plug.

[@masood-tv]

Hi, if you pay close attention, the plug was replaced right as it started to tricle. Also, please consider that the engine is still running and it takes time to open the plug. Meanwhile, the fluid temp keeps rising and the fluid keeps expanding. Believe me, that is the correct moment to plug it. I have followed the same method on two other Rav4's. No issues. Actually, some mechanics let it tricle to almost nothing and then add a third or half a quart afterwards. I think that is too much.

[@wjm3018]

​@@masood-tvI've watched other toyota mechanic and they wait until the flow changes from constant to quick trickle and that's when u close the drain plug. U dont want to wait until it does a slow drip. That will be under fill. I still think your still overfilled it and later down the road the transmission will act up. These sealed transmission are very picky.

[@masood-tv]

@wjm3018 ، the correct time to plug it back in is just as it starts to trickle. That car was driven 55K miles without issues and was just serviced again.

[@datadata-di1lp]

Why you care about the transmission fluid temperature? The goal is to ensure the new fluid added has equal amount to the old fluid. If you drain the old fluid at room temperature and pump the same amount of new fluid back to the transmission at the same temperature, the goal can be archived.

[@masood-tv]

How would you know it was filled to the proper level last time? Besides, the procedure in the video is what the Toyota Rav4 shop manual instructs...

[@datadata-di1lp]

Hi my friend. Let me ask you back why we need to know the exact level last time. Let me ask a logic question. Do you agree the goal of changing transmission fluid is to make sure no change to the level of the fluid in the transmission? Do you agree the same amount of fluid has same level of fluid at the same temperature? If both answers are yes, then, I think it is a simple math count: at the SAME temperature (e.g., room temperature), the amount of fluid removed + the same amount of new fluid added = no amount change. It means no level change. We achieved the goal. Any logic issue? In my opinion, the manual suggesting the higher temperature might be intended to increase the fluid flow-ability. BUT if the fluid can drain out, how much benefit of more flow-ability than less flow-ability? I believe it's little if any. I'm not saying we need to against the manual. But I feel we might be better to ask ourselves why the manual says so and how much sense it makes. @@masood-tv

[@masood-tv]

@datadata-di1lp , how would you know it was filled to the proper level last time unless you have owned the car from the beginning and the only one doing it? Also, you would have to make sure the temp of what come out and goes in is the same....

[@datadata-di1lp]

Ok, if the transmission fluid has been changed with incorrect amount in the past already, after then changing the same amount of fluid cannot make sure the amount can restore to the original amount. I agree your method can help to restore it to the original amount. Let's say another case: If there was no transmission fluid change in the past, as a first transmission fluid change, can we just simple change the same amount of fluid at room temperature? I believe it's the easy and more accurate method. Please let me know your thoughts. @@masood-tv

[@masood-tv]

@@datadata-di1lp if you can maintain the same fluid temp, yes.

[@jpsmith8523]

It's transmission fluid!!! Not oil

[@masood-tv]

Hi JP Smith - you are somewhat right. No arguments here. I was using it in the generic sense. While it provides hydraulic functions, it also lubricates the transmission gears inside like an oil. That is why some call it gear oil. Non-synthetic transmission fluid has a different viscosity from engine oils and it is still made from crude oil. I have referred to it as fluid in other videos...regardless, thanks for the comment and I hope you found the video useful.

[@johng2116]

good for an overview but not a good video to instruct a DIY

[@masood-tv]

Hi John, would you please elaborate. What else could make it a DIY video?

[@Shawn-ky2tw]

@@masood-tv You probably have to do the job for him. lol

[@miguelm3676]

$600.00 at my Toyota dealer NFW!!!!!

[@masood-tv]

I know...crazy!

[@user-wc3tz3be1j]

Is it worth flushing ? Instead of just replacing the fluid?

[@masood-tv]

Hi T, this is really fluid replacement and not a full flush...there will still remain some fluid inside the transmission.

[@user-wc3tz3be1j]

@@masood-tv yeah i know u just replaced the fluid. I meant is it worth flushing the transmission using transmission return line vs just replacing it?

[@masood-tv]

@T absolutely, if the car has less than 150k miles. Alternatively, you can replace it a couple of times to achieve somewhat of a flush effect.

[@JetFire9]

@@user-wc3tz3be1j Yes, this is the only good way to bleed out all the old transmission fluid. I don't like to call it a flush because people think you are adding some flushing chemicals or forcing fluid through the system with some mysterious shop machine. Bleeding the transmission using its own internal pump is more like a blood transfusion. I just did this method on a 2009 Rav4, and it's so satisfying to see the fluid come out completely fresh after pumping through 10 quarts of new ATF WS.

[@user-wc3tz3be1j]

@@JetFire9 yeah that's what's up I just dont understand people just change fluid not bleeding out all the fluid in the torque converter lol. They tell ppl just to do this 3 times and eventually fluid will be good lol