Toyota Highlander Automatic Transmission fluid and filter change

[@davidkaiser6323]

Obviously it’s been six years since you posted this but I just wanted to thank you. I am a 51 year old “non car guy” who is trying to save some money and learn something new and this was the absolute best tutorial video I have ever seen. Thanks again!

[@hansschweikert9153]

One of the best, clearest videos I've seen. Thanks for adding to the community's knowledge base.

[@showgirlsaroundtheworldada4484]

Yes he is fantastic!

[@desiderious1]

There are several Toyota Highlander how to videos on changing the transmission fluid posted here. But your video is the the ONLY ONE that shows the correct way by changing the filter and cleaning the magnets that get dirty over time Thank you for posting it Toyota Maintenance.

[@EarthToORyan]

I know this is an old video, but it helped me a lot with my 04 Highlander! Thank you!!

[@BlackieMiles1]

Excellent. Strong accent yet very articulate and detailed.

[@kendrickeskelson1141]

I agree, flushing the transmission is not a good idea. Aside from the recommended transmission service intervals, what I have done with newly acquired vehicles is replace the fluid with synthetic fluid and replace the filter. Because it is not possible to completely empty all the transmission fluid by draining, (a percentage remains in the converter) I run the vehicle about 10k miles, then drain and replace the fluid only with synthetic (I do not changing the filter) then after another 10k miles do a final fluid and filter change. After that, I service the transmission at recommended intervals. This process will replace most if not all the transmission fluid and gives me many trouble free miles down the road. I'd be interested in your thoughts. I enjoy your detailed step by step instructions and love the accent.

[@Mike-pv5jd]

Kendrick Eskelson There's a machine that has been Around for many years that power flushes all the trans fluid. It forces out all the old fluid while pumping in New fluid right behind it. Some trans shops have these if u call around, but only change the filter and power flush if you feel no signs whatsoever of slipping, hard, soft or not normal shifting. In that event especially with higher to very high miles only drain and fill as changing the filter can result in worse shifting, slipping more, or loss of trans all together, or sooner. U can still power flush but leave the old filter in. All any long time mechanic who is honest and they will tell you about high mileage trans failures immediately after fluid and filter change. Some won't do changes on vehicle a with 150k+ miles, some as low as 120k. Best of luck all!

[@stevensevek6151]

@Kendrick What brand of Synthetic fluid is a direct replacement for WS?

[@robotsnthat]

@@Mike-pv5jd On older vehicles with no service history, it is better to drain and replace the transmission oil, including filter, such as on this particular vehicle. Drain and fill is very different to flush. Flushing involves forcible replacement of all oil at pressure, which can dislodge minute metal particles into the transmission assembly, which may cause damage. A drain will not do this, it is just replacing some fresh fluid into the transmission. Similar to replacing the engine oil and filter. To summarize, just drain and fill as a DIY option, and you should not do any harm to your transmission. Any doubts about this, it is better to leave it as is. A full flush on an older transmission can cause more harm than good.. I have a high mileage Lexus Rx350, and I just drain and replace the filter every 30K miles, no flushing required and hopefully it will last longer than it takes the sub-frame to rot, or the engine to be shot. If you haven't got a clue to this, just don't worry about it, you can do mare harm than good by messing with it - just leave alone. Hope this makes sense 😃

[@davidleblanc9554]

Great video! I was going to have my transmission flushed, but not now! I will do it myself thanks to you! Well done.

[@julieoswald855]

Thank you so much for this easy concise video. I’m just about to tackle my daughter’s transmission fluid as per your wonderful instructions. I will let you know how I go .

[@luisroca9947]

Love this "how to" videos. Better than new ones. Thank you

[@prof.finbarrcalamitous]

I have an 06 highlander and this video was exactly what I was looking for. Thankyou.

[@djfour]

I have a 2002 Echo but the transmission pan looks exactly the same so I think this video will be very helpful for me! Thank you very much!

[@ToyotaMaintenance]

you are welcome...

[@starkeymorgan4142]

Proper disposal of transmission fluid can be tricky. Keep this in mind when considering this. Maybe some people on here have some suggestions.

[@NathanGrant75]

If you are going to do transmission fluid services, you need to do them regularly. If you wait a long time or until you have problems with the trans, changing the fluid could lead to total failure. The clutch material in the old fluid may be all that is keeping the trans from slipping.

[@lucasmills1246]

Exactly, I never fuck with the transmission in a used car. I baby the oil and flush the power steering. I have a highlander like this and I will never change the tranny fluid in it. 200k and it's bright red

[@paulmiles483]

Very nicely put together.....clear, and to the point..torque specs would of been helpful....but overall great job.

[@castillo33brandon]

His voice is so calming, I couldn’t even pay attention

[@jdeans5390]

Thank you so much. Very informative and helpful. My friend just spent over $300 bucks to replace her transmission fluid and clean the transmission...whatever that is. Wish she would have seen your video first.

[@ToyotaMaintenance]

+J Deans You are welcome….

[@RTB4MO]

Great explanation!!! Glad you mentioned about running the engine and putting it through the gears before checking. Several other videos out on KZbin don’t address and look like they never did anything like this before, or don’t even look at using the appropriate Toyota T-IV fluid for a CVT transmission. Appreciate your video!

[@superperior]

Thank you for the helpful video! This is my next project on the highlander

[@ovidiugabi]

Good information on how to clean the trans oil pan and replace the trans oil screen ( remember, Highlander doesn't have a true filter but uses a screen instead). Next thing you want to do, which isn't shown in this video, is to a complete flush of the system ( what this guy did in the video only replaces 4 quarts of the trans oil which collects in the pan. There are 5 more quarts of dirty oil left in the transmission, inside the torque converter). After the first step in this video, before you turn on the engine, disconnect the return hose that connects your transmission to the radiator ( trans oil is being circulated through the radiator for cooling down purposes ). Start the engine ( now the oil pump will push clean oil out of the pan into the transmission ) and let 3 quarts of oil to come out of the system. Then turn the engine off, reconnect the hose and add 3 quarts of clean oil. Disconnect the hose again and turn the engine on again and let another approx. 2 quarts to drain out ( or until you see clean oil pumping out ) then shut the engine off reconnect the hose and add approx. 2 quarts of clean oil. Good luck

[@gk10002000]

I agree with this gentle flush. I don't recommend a power flush as some shops do.

[@kelvenguard]

would dirty oil and screen cause a 2002 highlander not to shift into high gear when driving...

[@tubetime39]

AARR why would you disconnect the hose, and let 3 qt od dirty fluid out then re connect hose, add more clean fluid then disconnect hose to let the rest of the dirty fluid out ?? Leave hose disconnect and let all the dirty fluid out with out reconnecting for no reason. You keep track of the amount of dirty fluid coming out ( I use empty milk jugs ) and put in the same amount of new ( hopefully full synthetic good quality fluid ). You can also look at fluid coming out of hose and see when the good clean fluid has pushed the old dirty stuff out. Put clean in ( the amount you removed when you drained the pan ) with hose disconnected you run some out like you said with engine running, then shut engine off to add more and continue to do this until all fluid replaced. No need to reconnect hose until you are done cleaning all the dirty fluid out.

[@tubetime39]

I've done 5 transmissions this way. Clean ALL the fluid out. Leaving dirty fluid in there and changing a little at a time and you will always have dirty fluid in your transmission. Use the Toyota brand fluid or a better fluid is Amsoil. I don't sell Amsoil but it is the best. Use their gear lube in your other gear boxes too. You will notice a difference. Get a little bit better mpg too. There is no competition in transmission fluid and gear lube, non. Unless something has come on the market lately that might come close but it wouldn't beat it Do it right even if it costs a few bucks more. It could save you a lot in the future and can possibly save you in gas money enough to pay that little extra you spent on doing it right. Or even enough to pay for all your fluids over the life of a 80,000 or 100,000 transmission change interval. It did for me. Been using it for 14 yrs now.

[@markreynolds3850]

Gasket ,changing the filter..great information provided.thanks

[@gregrodrigues2882]

ALL transmission bolts are easily removed with SK box wrench 87779. I assume cheaper box wrenches would also work, but that is the one I bought for this purpose.

[@GoldGlizzyGang]

I can't get to em on my 07 highlander its crazy

[@dougtomich5093]

do not suppose you has a link where i can find a drain plug & an aluminum crush washer for a 2007 highland transmission pan? my drain plug is leaking now. Thanks!

[@notreal5299]

Exactly the info I needed. Now I have the exact wrench on the way, in time to do the job. Thank you.

[@JohnDoe-gm5qr]

That is the same fluid my 06 Jetta takes and I buy the Toyota fluid instead in VW's expensive fluid. It has been nearly 30,000 miles and no problems at all. What lead me to use Type T-IV is that many other cars have the same transmission and they have all been using this fluid instead of the dealer's overpriced fluid. As much as I like to maintain my car, I don't like paying VW 18.36 per liter IF there is a fluid just as good and maybe better that I can use in it and most others are cheaper. Then there is the issue with the filter. It is nice to know that some auto makers use an external spin on filter similar to the oil filter. My Grandmother's Subaru is like that and it is not one of those awful sealed transmissions because all the fluids up front have a dipstick, even the front differential. My car does not have an external transmission filter but an internal fine mesh screen that they say catches most stuff. People would have you believe that my transmission is sealed and there is no way to check or change the fluid. The reality of it is that it is no different from a transmission with a dipstick. Having no dipstick is only thing that makes mine sealed. Then there is a load of BS from the dealer about the fluid never needing changed because it is a life time fluid. I scoff at that. I have never seen a fluid that does not break down eventually. No fluid is truly that good.

[@stevensevek6151]

Exactly. Earlier models that started using WS fluid had dip-sticks and it was never claimed that it was lifetime fluid. Then magically, by simply taking away the dip-stick, it became lifetime fluid. The ATF in our 2009 sometimes gets up to 226°F. There is no way that WS fluid which is not synthetic, is not going to be damaged by such excessive temperatures.

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks Peter for your excellent information and service job.

[@tubetime39]

I just look on here bc I am going to buy a Toyota Highlander, 2008, just to get an idea of bolt sizes ir anything else special I might need to know about this vehicle. Like special filter wrench you need for oil filter on the engine. Not understanding why anyone one would only change some of the fluid in your transmission and leave most of the used, worn out dirty fluid in there ? Insane. Transmission will last waaaaay longer if you change it all. And use a good quality ATF not just an ok one. You will get better performance, better mpg with less worry. Good stuff and doing it right is worth your time and worth every penny.

[@Mijanboy]

Why only part of the liquid and not all? Because they weren't afraid to drive, for example, 250,000 miles without a replacement. But then they are afraid to replace the entire content (the fear is justified). In addition, most ATs will leak out (without help) max. 1/2 of the total amount of liquid. Obviously changing all the fluid regularly is best.

[@philjerome9795]

I see this is an older video. I just did the fluid and filter on my 2004 Highlander, V6, front wheel drive. I have been working on cars for a while. This was not as easy as other vehicles I have done. I had to disconnect the left and front motor mounts, and raise the engine slightly to get those hard to reach pan bolts. Also, it looks like Toyota used blue thread locker on the pan bolts from the factory. One of the bolts broke off when I tried to remove it. I reinstalled the pan minus the one bolt. Hopefully it doesn't leak. You will also need a new copper crush ring, don't chance reusing the original one, I have had them leak. I will only use Toyota ATF, doesn't pay to take chances.

[@ToyotaMaintenance]

Thanks for sharing with us

[@mitomr.twiceasnice4358]

@Phil Jerome, will offset wrenches help with trying to get the hard to get to bolts without raising engine. I got to do this for my mom's Highlander eventualy, and also my 08' Solara 2.4L has a similiar frame obstruction that I put off from doing 11k miles ago.

[@philjerome9795]

I tried a flex head 10mm wrench on those buried bolts, no luck. I just took the top nuts off of the left and front motor mounts, I think they were 19mm. I then slightly lifted the motor with a floor jack, and a piece of wood, from the transmission case, to the right of the pan (passenger side). Keep in mind, my 04 Highlander is slightly different than the 07 this gentleman is showing. @@mitomr.twiceasnice4358

[@mitomr.twiceasnice4358]

@@philjerome9795 , Thanks from S. TX, I will prepare mentaly. lol.

[@berardia4]

I was able to remove the few bolts under the frame with a open end wrench. Just a slow process. Don't remove engine mounts.

[@martinsebesta1098]

very easy very clear and straight forward presentation! thank you

[@ToyotaMaintenance]

you are welcome....

[@MUISHAGGY572]

Do you need to oil the pan gasket just like when you oil a motor oil filter? To make it easier for it to be removed.

[@thomasgreen7407]

I have a 2003 Highlander Limited V6 All wheel drive. It has been very well kept. Transmission fluid doesn't look to bad for 155k. Im big on maintenance. Would you recommend doing a filter change along with drain and fill the fluid? I've only had it 2 weeks and going to change oil and gear oil and basically regular maintenance. Suggestions? Thank you

[@tubetime39]

Thomas G; yes, replace filter. And change all the fluid. Why do only 1/3 of the fluid ? Makes no sense.

[@richardraborn2467]

how did you loosen and tighten those aggravating bolts by the frame?!!!!

[@BorderPaps]

I have a 3.3 engine AWD. I went to AutoZone to buy the filter and gasket and they want to know if it is a four-speed or five-speed. How can I tell? Edit: looked up the part on Toyota website and use my Vin number. The 3.3 L 2004 Limited is a 5 speed. I looked it up on the AutoZone website and it asked me if I had a limited. It gave me a filter for a 5 speed. Went back to autozone and it was in stock.

[@tony.t8522]

Great video....I was trying to do the job on my 2003 highlander, but can't manage to remove the 3 nut bolt block by the frame, are you using special tool to removed it....any tips will be big help thankx

[@tm3422]

be very careful with those, so you don't strip them...they gave me hard time too...as long term mechanic i have collected all kinds of tools in various sizes....wrenches, mini sockets, extensions....you have to just take time to find some which will make job done...good luck.

[@xSolalax]

corvette autos yeah, good things I try to remove those difficult but first but fail ...hehehe...well got to bring it to a mechanic pal and hopefully we get it

[@ToyotaMaintenance]

Dell Ngoc GOOD LUCK !

[@artocingerbub]

thanks for this video, very well explained n illustrated👍 you've been a gr8 help🙏

[@seanhowley5955]

Should I put on any gasket cement when I replace a pan gasket . ? Thanks for your great videos

[@robotsnthat]

No

[@GoldGlizzyGang]

Thank you sir, valvoline wants 150 to do my trans fluid flush. I think I can do this myself and change that filter. Save some money and learn something new!

[@laurencezemlick1979]

Never ever flush a transmission. Use the OEM fluid. Use OEM filter.

[@cmos9020]

The flush is a good idea, because there is still a lot of ATF in the torque converter, and it stays in there if you don't pump it out

[@joaquinsaldivar4653]

Thanks a lot. That was a big help and saving money.

[@ToyotaMaintenance]

+Joaquin Saldivar you are welcome...

[@dougtomich5093]

do not suppose anyone has a link where i can find a drain plug & an aluminum crush washer for a 2007 highland transmission pan? my drain plug is leaking now. Thanks!

[@eliseomarinero6934]

Thanks for your video, that my next project!

[@andrewvillanueva4222]

Awesome job I wish you were my mechanic.

[@zofa300]

Hi I need help. I have camry 2007 LE with 120K miles. I try to change the transmission filter but I have a hard time removing the 10 mm hidden bolts under the car structure. How did you manager to remove it? Thanks

[@garychen483]

zofa300 All you need is an extension.

[@christophermarino2026]

I have 2011 highlander V6, with 257,000 miles the last transmission change was 95,000 would you bother to change or will it do more harm then good?

[@THANHNGUYEN-jw4pp]

Great Video Clip . Very clear and very helpful. Thank you so much.

[@martinalbert5653]

Peter, can you tell me where on the transmission fluid dipstick you want to see the line. I am assuming when the motor is warmed up the fluid line should fall between the two lines for hot. Am I correct in this?

[@aslr364]

So you said one magnet looked bad and showed a problem. May I ask what the problem would be, how much longer you think a the trans on that car is good for, and a reasonable price to repair it? Thank you for a great vid!

[@ToyotaMaintenance]

That transmission lasted only few more months before failing...I think owners paid $4000 for replacement....

[@allenshepard7992]

Thank you. Older cars did not have the drain plug. Would have enjoyed seeing the clean magnets. The metal comes from the bands holding the planetary gears, was that too much metal? Will all the metal be in the bottom or will some be in the filter as well ?? Again thank you.

[@ToyotaMaintenance]

magnets, filter.....

[@MP-zf7kg]

Well done and to the point. I would probably flush the entire transmission with fresh fluid would be my only addition. Other than that this is spot on.

[@ToyotaMaintenance]

Michael Parker Thank you.

[@stevebrown2965]

Bad idea... You WANT to leave SOME of the old fluid in there

[@michaelnalepsinki1416]

prior to this or has anyone had acceleration issues of trans almost not responding properly, from a dead stop,or accelerating into a turn, the care doesnt seem to register the gas pedal is pressed and has a good 1 to 2 second delay, i've added two 4 oz Lubegurd red, to my 2005 limited Highlander which i read has this issues, 2nd gens dont?

[@anthonyanthony6213]

Hi mate I'm in Sydney Australia and we have the highlander but it's called kluger all the same just different name. Anyway wanted to buy one - test drove 3 of them. 2 had a 4 second lag after hitting gas pedal to the ground then started to accelerate. I ended up buying the 3rd which did not have that issue. It was a 2005. Could be a computer issue or throttle position sensor you never know. Good luck.

[@OfficalTCG]

Did the lubegurd work?

[@ArvindPatel-dv1rd]

Very well done video and explained perfectly.

[@marcmouine265]

Hi! Thanks very much for sharing the video. Do you know if it would be the same procedure on a Lexus RX300 Gen1 of 2001? Wich i believe shares the same automatic transmission than the 2001-2003 Highlander?

[@BoardThroughThePain]

Do you check the fluid level in neutral or park?

[@esketitethan9679]

It shouldn’t make a difference. I could be wrong, just google it.

[@ovidiugabi]

Would be interesting to see how did he removed the bolts behind the frame

[@stuntdriver2147]

I do it with a 10 mm GearWrench or any equivalent ratcheting box end wrench - it is the only way - Why they didn't drill a hole so a deep socket could be inserted is beyond me.

[@stanislav9608]

@@stuntdriver2147 Why? very simple - to prevent car enthusiast to remove the pan, clean all that dirt and replace the ATF filter. After 12 years of the " sealed transmission" the stealership will start to make money on transmission failure.

[@mrfiskars]

Great video, Do you have an easy way to get those two or three bolts out on the driver's side that are hidden under the frame? Maybe a certain tool that fits? I already did the job but for next time I would like to do the job a little easier😂

[@tylerdurden9520]

Great video. i have a 2005 highlander any tips in getting the bolts partially blocked by frame ?

[@showgirlsaroundtheworldada4484]

Pivot head and very thin extensions is the only way for me

[@americanveteran2643]

Thank you, sir. Well done video. A hard working American.

[@ToyotaMaintenance]

you are welcome….

[@buckstucky1]

My Highlander 2001 6cyl AWD has two pan bolts blocked by the frame . What do I have to loosen to get at them (or is that a 4 cyl that you have) Help ?

[@showgirlsaroundtheworldada4484]

Use a pivot head and very thin extensions...and smallest ratchet and socket

[@johnmason528]

I really like your clear videos. I purchased a 2007v6awd Highlander with no service history. Fluid is black rather than red but still fairly clear. When I tried to order the filter at the Toyota dealer , the parts person said he’d not ordered a filter in the 5 years he’d worked there. He said the dealer service is just an empty and refill . Like you said I’m your intro the dealer doesn’t change the filter . I’m curious if any one knows why Toyota dealer doesn’t change the filter ? I’m just wondering if I should do more than Toyota deal does? As the filter costs $160 cad from dealer! And obviously a lot more work than just draining and refilling like Toyota do?

[@starkeymorgan4142]

I got a non oem filter at Parts Plus for like $30. Put it in my 2000 Lexus Rx 300 3 years ago. Dropped the pan, replaced filter, refilled with Valvoline Max or whatever it is (got it at Walmart) and threw in a bottle of Lucas trans fix for fun (was fairly certain fluid had never been changed at 20 years old and 202,000 miles. It wasn't having any particular issues when I did this, but ran noticably better over time after. I did clean the pan with brake cleaner and towels, cleaned the magnet. There was some pretty nasty gunk in the pan, similar to in this video. Entire procedure cost me like $80.

[@allivervjig]

Hi Toyota Maintenance, Is it the same for the 2014 Highlander?

[@ToyotaMaintenance]

i don't think so.

[@puffyelvis4307]

allan villapaz 2014 uses Toyota type WS fluid, not type IV

[@stevensevek6151]

Thec2014 does not have a dip-stick.

[@stevensonger3706]

I have a 2003 highlander. The transmission is sluggish and feels like it lacks power. Could it be a clogged filter?

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing your video this is really good video,because I like you dropping pan and your

[@steveau1747]

thanks for your video, toyota use 10mm screw, right ?

[@familyoffour2234]

Great video! Thank you for making it!

[@ezrram]

Awesome. And to the point too. I loved it

[@kenkoy6723]

+Toyota Maintenance Is it normal that the ATF is way too low on the dipstick COOL marker when the car did not run the whole day 'cause mine was barely reach the COOL marker when I checked it early in the morning, no leaks or whatever .

[@CornyRoll]

in your newer videos you say to use only toyota oils. will you use toyota oils here if you would travel back in time? or stick with this full synthetic T4?

[@ricksanchez3867]

I love your transmission fluid videos. Im looking forward to seeing one on the toyota tacoma with the A750E Transmission so I can follow your steps for that particular transmission.

[@Joe-cu4hi]

Accent adds charm

[@dthomasdell6839]

Have you had to fix a leak in the PTO for the 4X4 just behind the transmission? My ‘04 is leaking a minor amount there. How about a fluid change on the whole drive line to the rear wheels? Thanks for a good video

[@tubetime39]

What's a PTO on a Toyota SUV ?? Yes change all fluids. With full synthetic. And no cheap crap

[@sugrbar69]

Great video. I'm getting ready to do the same to my daughter's 2002 Highlander. I hope it goes as easy as yours did. Looking forward to more videos. My daughter's car seems to be missing panel lights (the radio and A/C panel), do you have a fix?

[@evelynperez7576]

What tipe oil did u put on trasmition ist toyota o. Anything???

[@zofa300]

great video. Do you know if same procedure for Highlander 2011 AWD 6 cyl is the same? Also is it the same for camry 2007 LE 4 cylinder? Do not we need to put the oil at certain temperature as recommended? Thank you

[@garychen483]

zofa300 Almost the same; Similar; 100°F

[@stevensevek6151]

If you have a dip-stick the transmission should be at operating temperature for the final check in the hot done on the dip-stick. Operating temperature is 158°F to 176°F on our 2009 RAV4.

[@hasopi]

Hi, do you have a similar video for 2014 thru 2019 highlander automatic transmission

[@MrBillybathgate5]

1:55 sounds like your were going to transform into a werewolf

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this information with you.

[@basilaal-dhahir929]

Thank you for most beautiful clear useful video. Is this the same process for the 2009 model? I heard it takes 13 quarts to use. Is this true? Many thanks again and again

[@puffyelvis4307]

Basila Al-Dhahir Negative. 2009 Highlander uses Toyota type WS fluid. You can get it at your toyota dealership for $8-10 a quart. It takes 12+ quarts for a complete flush. 3.7 quarts for a drain. If you drain and drop the pan, replace the filter, etc... it can take closer to 4.5 quarts.

[@stevensevek6151]

A 2009 model likely takes WS fluid.

[@tubetime39]

You say that bolt was hard to get but doable, Well ? How in the heck did you do(able) it ??

[@stevensevek6151]

So when you do the final check of the fluid being at the proper level the engine should be at operating temperature. What is the operating temperature?

[@BorderPaps]

Steven Sevek On all of the cars I have its sits just below half on the temp guage (the one you your dash. It’s a good idea to watch it a lil and know where it sits. That way you will know if your car over heats).

[@stevensevek6151]

@@BorderPaps I think I meant "the transmission should be at operating temperature" since it's transmission fluid you're checking. The temperature gauge on the dash is the engine coolant temperature. Our coolant never overheats but the ATF does.

[@stevensevek6151]

@@BorderPaps I have found out that the transmission operating temperature is 158°F to 176°F.

[@beye3angels]

So how much total fluid did you have to add back in ? Is 4 quarts enough ?

[@augustineomodayo3093]

Please which kind of transmission fluid can i use for my 2004 highlander

[@Mijanboy]

What type of AT do you have? If you don't know, write: engine content, 2WD or 4WD, 4 or 5 speed AT?

[@LVang152]

My 2012 Toyota Camry reach it 50k miles, I want to do a drain and refill transmission fluid. Toyota has move to a seal transmission, which there is no dipstick and the guys at toyota sale the car has a life-time transmission fluid. I also read people refill the same amount back into the transmission after drain, which they measure how much come out. Then they put the same amount back in the transmission. Any suggestion on this topic?

[@wellnesspathforme6236]

Faye Hadley has a very good video describing exactly how to do this. Search her channel. Her name might be Fay, but I'm sure you can sort it out.

[@gabebourgeois3]

I added 4 quarts and my fluid is still low. Any idea why that might be?

[@mikeschoolcraft21]

Why did you not use Toyota transmission fluid?

[@BorderPaps]

43 inch pounds sound right for pan bolts (couldn’t find highlander specs. That was for a Camry). Also, I have an 04 with a 3.3 ltr awd, I have written 4.8 qts from my last drain and fill. Is yours a 4 cylinder? Finally, no gasket sealer is ok right?

[@Archie2060]

Hi Very good video. Could you tell me if the filter is the same for 2008 Hilander. Thanks

[@ToyotaMaintenance]

i don't know. I don't own Electronic Parts Catalogue.

[@johnnylin3063]

Does this video work with 2015 Toyota Highlander? Last question and I know it may sound stupid but is Automatic Transmission Fluid the same as Auto Transmission Fluid?

[@bunozen1]

It is very important to add with the new fuel, the additive they use when the car is new, otherwise the transmission will fail. I flushed then added 7 to 8 oz of Lubegard AT red bottle. I saved my transmission. No more loud noise or hard to shift gears. Check it out for yourself, Lubegard is the best thing there is for your car.

[@condor5635]

This comment makes no sense at all. You speak of new fuel? You mean transmission fluid? You don't need to add anything o the fluid if that is in fact what you are talking about. I did exactly what this guy did refilling with Redline transmission fluid and that was 25k ago. Smooth shifting. No issues whatsoever. So not sure what you are talking about.

[@c5back9]

Did you decide to use Valvoline ATF instead of genuine Toyota Type 4 because you found evidence of transmission damage and knew you’d soon be repairing the transmission?

[@stevensevek6151]

Knowing this gentleman, I'd guess that the customer provided the fluid.

[@mamadujuldeh8609]

Pls I want to know if the gear box of the 2003 highlander and the 2007 if they are the same if I can use the 2003 to fix it too the 2007 model?

[@Jiableable]

How did you remove the pan bolt hidden in in the frame? I just couldn’t do anything about it

[@JustAnotherGuyInTheComments]

It looked like he used a wobble extension. I have also heard of guys using a 10 MM wrench and going quarter-turns.

[@k2000b]

BTW U didn't do a complete flush & drain out you forgot do the Drain out via the Transmission Cooler outlet/Return via the radiator ??

[@GraV21]

I have the same vehicle, and am getting ready to do the same thing, but I was curious if I needed a lift or not? Will 3.75 quarts come out without having it lifted or tilted? Thanks

[@superperior]

If you can fit under it and access everything i dont see why you would have to. Maybe just lift a tad

[@GraV21]

superperior i didn’t think so, but had someone try to tell me I needed a lift for it, so I was just checking. Just not looking forward to those bolts behind the frame. Going to start working on it tomorrow.

[@superperior]

@@GraV21 oh yea no lift but maybe a jack and jack stand if anything. Nice tell me how it goes im planning on doing mine

[@GraV21]

superperior will do. I ordered a Wix filter and got it in yesterday, just waiting for the free time. Usually only go with OEM but I did some research and saw wix makes good filters for a fraction of the price so, sounds good enough to me. I’ll actually record the whole process and post it, and you can check it out. Mainly going to focus on those bolts behind the frame though. I’m also going to record and post me changing the dashboard lights to another color. I looked everywhere for a video on that and couldn’t find anything, so hopefully that will help anyone else who needs to know how to do that.

[@superperior]

@@GraV21 awesome i was just looking at that wix filter with gasket and all, ive heard wix is good ive only used their air filters and cabin air, that would be great i would definitely check that out that would be a nice upgrade too!

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this video. Interesting video.

[@robertdatario85]

This is really a helpful video. I was hard hard time getting the bolts out located behind the frame. what tools did you use to take them out?

[@ToyotaMaintenance]

+Robert Datario combination of smallest wrenches and swivel sockets..it took a lot of time...

[@robertdatario85]

Thank you.

[@AmazingLifestyle19]

Hi I'm little confused after I changed new transmission fluid on my sienna, I check the fluid on cold engine it is on hot mark level but when hot engine the fluid down below cold mark. Whats wrong?

[@stevensevek6151]

You didn't have the engine running when you checked it cold...

[@IMADALBASRII]

hi thanks for sharing the video, i did change my truck express , now i have an issue with 06 highlander just recently i feel the transmission kind of pushing when driving and speeding shifting gear to high whats you things now i have 105,000 maybe never had trans oil changed before

[@ToyotaMaintenance]

IMADALBASRII i will start with changing fluid and filter and go from there….good luck.

[@zofa300]

Thank you. Great video! Just wonder how long you run the car to warm the fluid before you check the oil level. If I drive for some distance then keep running the engine and measure the fluid, I get different readings each time. Also I heard you never get all the fluids drained you can only drain almost half the transmission capacity? Thanks

[@ToyotaMaintenance]

it should be hot, 80 degrees celsius......to get all out, you will have to flush it....

[@ToyotaMaintenance]

This is tough one, no codes...I will check with a dealer if there is TSB or Recall....

[@stevensevek6151]

@@ToyotaMaintenance Actually for our 2009 RAV4 4 cylinder the service manual says the ATF fluid should be 70°C to 80°C. (158°F to 176°F) when checking the transmission fluid level.

[@aasdaaasd7042]

@@stevensevek6151 that’s not only not the same car, but that’s also the temps he said

[@DirtyDanRacimg]

What I find is these highlanders will show a bad owner more then other toyotas expesially the 3.0 liter ones. If the truck was serviced to the Toyota maintenance schedule it's possible the filter could have gone longer. Many times a filter is recommended to a customer at the dealer but at the age of these cars now the owners are usually cheap.

[@ToyotaMaintenance]

thanks for sharing….

[@ravieprasaud4527]

I heard after replacing gasket and oil you have to have the computer check it to make sure it reads the new oil and filter. I had some taxi guys messed up their tranny because computer wasn't reset or some sort. this is only I know with Toyota vehicles.

[@eduardomatias3011]

So, you said Toyota dealers don't replace the transmission filter?

[@671guamnevermindroad9]

What is cause when taking off from stop sign my 02 rav4 automatic feels slow in acceleration. I am going to do what you did on the highlander. What do think of using transX?

[@thefireman285]

If your engine is operating properly, it sounds as if your transmission is not downshifting into 1st gear when you stop. So if I am correct, your rav4 is starting in 2nd or higher gear. you may have some blocked (from debris) passages or even a damaged solenoid. After you change the fluid and filter in this manner it may become unblocked, however some further investigation on that particular transmission should be performed. All the time and cost of fluid is prohibitive to have to revisit the problem if not solved.

[@671guamnevermindroad9]

@@thefireman285 thank you I'll will change transmission fluid! I bought this vechice 2nd hand.. I was sucker and now I have to fix the problem! Lol God bless you and your family..

[@TheNajuto9tail]

my 02 highlander has 120k miles without changing trans fluid. previous owner never changed it. what should I do? thanks

[@ToyotaMaintenance]

Change the fluid and the filter…good luck.

[@stevenmeddles4369]

Thanks for the video, do you recall the milage on this highlander when you changed the filter?

[@ToyotaMaintenance]

I forgot sorry