Transmission Drain & Fill '94-'03 Toyota Camry, Solara, Avalon, Sienna & Lexus ES300

[@joevignolor4u949]

Changing the transmission fluid is usually done in concert with dropping the pan and changing the filter. If the filter starts to get dirty and the flow through it begins to get obstructed the working pressure inside the transmission will become reduced. This can cause the clutch packs and bands inside the transmission to begin slipping, which can eventually wear them out. If that happens the transmission will need to be replaced or rebuilt. Changing the filter is fairly easy and not expensive. I wouldn't recommend skipping it.

[@AutoFixYT]

Yes you're right it's best to change the filter as well.

[@justine5804]

what do you think about this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2PJaJd8g7VraM0

[@abe6517]

I've been looking around yt. I want to flush system along with new filter and gasket with out wasting transmission fluid.

[@AutoFixYT]

@@abe6517 What do you mean by wasting transmission fluid? A flush requires a lot of fluid and quite a bit gets thrown out with almost no usage. That's how a flush generally gets done. Keep in mind that it's not always a good idea to flush the fluid. A lot of times on old cars you are better off replacing what's in the pan, and if it's really bad you're better off leaving the old fluid in there. So first take a sample of the fluid before you decide what's best for your trans.

[@abe6517]

Thanks for replying! So I have 12 quarts new, two new solenoid filter and gasket. The fluid it just showing some darkness. With the cold weather, it had a few hard shifts at 2nd gear to 3rd. So I decided to flush. My plan so far is siphon 4 quarts out, drop pan change out parts, replace pan add 4 quarts of new, and then proceed flushing the system. My plan waste 4 quarts of new fulid?I may be overthinking....

[@abe6517]

"We're going pretty fast now, the cars shaking but whatever" balls.

[@AutoFixYT]

Lol it's fiiiine

[@way2elitegaming]

Just bought a 95 Camry 4 cylinder with 280k miles, nice little work commute car and they are solid & dependable. Thanks for this video, im going to flush out my transmission and hopefully that helps

[@AutoFixYT]

Nice! Make sure the fluid isn't back like used engine oil and smells burnt like it's been overheated almost. If it does, don't change it or you will probably start losing gears. That usually means the transmission is gonna need a rebuild at this point.

[@banningjainlight185]

thank you so much for posting this, very informative. I'm torn on the multiple replacements...I just had this old Mexican guy whose been right way more times than I have tell me to take a portion of the old fluid and mix it with the new, which sounds off to me but I think I get the concept. I'm going to do a 2x replace and add the additive like you did. Camry 177K I'll let you know if anything bizarre happens...

[@AutoFixYT]

No that's right it can be done in certain cases, although not necessary on a good transmission.

[@imournhim]

Marvelously helpful, thank you!

[@AutoFixYT]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Pallidus_Rider]

I did trans drain in my 03 Corolla last year. Easy to do. Best to check trans fluid regularly and ensure it is not contaminated (is clean), so that it does it's job. IMHO.

[@AutoFixYT]

Yes agreed!

[@fakejeepman06]

Just bought an 03 Avalon, this will be very helpful. Thank you! Edit: I am watching the video and saw you struggling with the dipstick, the exact same thing happened to me when I was looking at the car before I bought it 💀. Looking forward to that 🤣.

[@AutoFixYT]

Hahaha Thanks! I'm glad the video helped!

[@ColonelPassTheCheese]

lmao I bought a 2000 avalon last year and spend 5 minutes fumbling about trying to get the dip stick back in in front of the seller. I feel so related to

[@fakejeepman06]

@@ColonelPassTheCheese lol, I was actually just messing with my transmission fluid, added some Lucas transmission fix because it shifts hard sometimes, and I have finally memorized the right way it goes in 🤣. The flared end goes to the left side of the tube.

[@AutoFixYT]

@ColonelPassTheCheese hahaha yeah, happens at the worst time lol

[@timothyvoight9753]

Nice Wagon, it looks good with the DEPO Headlights

[@AutoFixYT]

Thanks! Yes it does, way better lighting at night too lol

[@TunerFaction]

Man what great content! I had to come check out your channel after your comment on mine and my gosh, what great quality! Your obviously super knowledgable about cars! Great stuff my man!

[@AutoFixYT]

Thank you very much! It's crazy to think that 7 years ago I knew nothing about cars and now I'm helping others learn who are at the stage I was at back then. I always put myself in my own shoes from 7 years ago, and with every video I make I try to answer one question: What do I really need to know to do this job well, assuming I know nothing? There are a few exceptions of course, Like my 2JZ head gasket video where I skipped over some details but still. Thank you again for checking out the channel! I'll be following along with yours, looks like yo have really good content and I'm interested in it haha

[@TunerFaction]

@@AutoFixYT I have a lot of respect for you man, you remember how it felt to know really nothing about cars and now youre making content to give back to the people just entering into repairing their own cars! I love it man! And heck I really appreciate you following along with my build brother! I subbed to your channel too! I can always learn something new!

[@AutoFixYT]

@@TunerFaction Thank you!! And yes I try to. Sometimes my videos aren't geared towards beginners but I found that especially with the cars I tend to make videos on, there are many people that are always looking for simple repair videos and mine end up popping up for them. Do you have an instagram?

[@kimchee94112]

I was looking for a fill plug on the transmission casing. I guess only way to fill it is at the dipstick. Having a hard time dropping the pan after removing all the pan bolts, wanted to change the filter as well. The pan won't budge using a mallet or prybar.

[@AutoFixYT]

Yeah dipstick is the only way to fill these. Also, I’ve had to pry oil pans to the point where they bent. Sometimes they’re very stuck. Just be patient and apply even pressure from multiple points. It will pop off eventually. But be ready to clean up a mess if it goes flying because there’s always fluid left inside of the pan. More than you think… haha

[@stevendavls2109]

My Avalon suddenly runs out of powerr and then picks back up again. Ive replaced the coils wires plugs, flushed and filled transmission. Still does it.

[@AutoFixYT]

It's gonna be difficult for me to diagnose this just from a comment, so I recommend you bring it to a professional you trust.

[@philippebourgon2500]

Hello my atf level is lower on dip stick when engine is hot and comes up higher when is cold.. isn't it supposed to do the opposite? 1994 celica should i ignore cold reading and only read when hot runing on park?

[@AutoFixYT]

Yeah that's kinda weird but I would go by the hot mark. It's usually the most accurate.

[@juanborras5432]

I have a 1999 solar with 327,000 mi tranny fluid was changed from the original owner at 180,000 at Toyota service dealership I live in Florida but last year when temperature dropped in January it wouldn't move when I put it in drive only reverse but in the summer it works. should I give it the transmission drain?????

[@AutoFixYT]

I don't think it's a good idea to drain it after not having serviced it for so many miles. It sounds like the transmission is on its way out. You can top off the fluid if it's low, but it's been way too long to actually service it. Removing that contaminated fluid can actually create worse problems than leaving it in there until it completely blows up, at which point it will just need a new or rebuilt transmission. That's why waiting to service an automatic transmission is never a good thing.

[@mandoc3506]

I like the lights on the cluster could you send me the information so I can get the right lightbulbs

[@AutoFixYT]

Here is a video I made and in the description you can find the link to the bulbs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnWsl3dvjc96ibs

[@greer2402]

The drain plug is loosened clockwise?

[@AutoFixYT]

No, counterclockwise.

[@rubenaraujom]

I would like a video on how to change the atf of the automatic transmission 1997 Corolla dx

[@AutoFixYT]

It's the same as this actually, just takes less fluid.

[@erickrodriguez3104]

How.much fluid they told me 4 of dex Ron 3

[@elitescop3s828]

How much miles till you change that transmission fluid because mine looks no where near as dark. Mine is red with little slight tint a of gray 109000 miles toyota avalon

[@AutoFixYT]

That means it's been changed, no way 109k miles and you still see red. If you like to do drain and fills, I'd say every 20-25k miles. If you like to do flushes, you can probably stretch it to 30-40k miles.

[@josegrullon777]

Do you know this can of cars have front diferencial you should change the oil too.

[@AutoFixYT]

Yes I know there is a separate drain and fill for that as well. Don't have a video on it though.

[@garagesociety9907]

I follow your work

[@AutoFixYT]

Thank you!

[@precisionbay6899]

What about the diff fluid fill plug? Where the manual tells me, there is a blocked off hole...

[@selix9386]

Not sure if you’ve already figured it out but, the fill plug and drain plugs were phased out as these transmissions got reengineered over the years, so if you don’t have a fill plug it’s because there’s a fluid pass through from the transmission to the differential but some still have a drain plug and that’s just to get more fluid out on a pan drop, usually another quart

[@Fidel55]

Is it OK to use toyota T-IV fluid?

[@AutoFixYT]

No, not at all. Use only Dexron 3 or higher ATF. If you don't get straight Dexron, you can use Valvoline Max Life which, as you will see on the bottle, is compatible with Dex3 or higher.

[@adamfrbs9259]

Just got an old 97 camry with the 2.2 four cylinder. It won't shift any lower than drive. (3,2,1) feels like a mechanical cable type issue is my guess. Shifts itself perfectly fine all day long. Ever seen something like this before?

[@AutoFixYT]

Weird, yeah I'd check the linkage. Just like you said it might be a mechanical issue. There's no way it's a transmission problem at that point if it while in drive it works normally. It could also be the shifter mechanism itself. Like if something fell inside the shifter lever. Or yeah like you said the linkage between that and the trans. Something is physically stopping it.

[@Alex-io5el]

I have a 2000 Sienna with 326k on it with the original version of this transmission. The fluid inside is 16,000 miles old and is clean, properly filled, and doesn't smell burnt. However, for many years, the transmission has always made a buzzing noise in park on certain days depending on the temperature outside (probably the pump), but after a while in park, the buzzing noise goes away, and you don't hear it at all once you put it in any gear. I have never lost a gear or have it slip on me. The shop I took it to for my timing belt and transmission service did a drain and fill like you did (the filter inside the transmission is from 2014). That transmission has made that buzzing sound for the better half of ten years (even after a filter replacement then) and if something was going wrong, it would have broke a long ago. Other than that, no issues with shifting, fluid level, or smell. Any idea of what it could be? Thanks!

[@AutoFixYT]

That's a weird issue, but to be honest since it's something that minor and it's been going on for that long, I wouldn't worry about it. It might be annoying but clearly it's not affecting anything so just keep servicing it as usual and it should last! A little tip, on old transmissions, especially Toyotas, I like to put in a quart of Lucas Trans fluid additive to help it out. But I do this on transmissions that haven't been properly secriced or are showing signs of wear. So if your doesn't need it, you don't have to add that.

[@Alex-io5el]

@@AutoFixYT Gotcha. It is more of a nuisance than anything else, but it is good to know whether there is an issue or if everything is good. The next time I change the fluid, I'll see if I can get a new filter installed at a minimum. The shop refused to put in a filter and opt with a drain and fill since opening up the pan could cause some seals inside the trans to start leaking.

[@AutoFixYT]

Removing the pan wouldnt affect anything at all actually. So I'm not sure what they were trying to say but the pan is just... The pan. Just reseal it and you'll be all set.

[@Alex-io5el]

@@AutoFixYT Thanks!

[@Pallidus_Rider]

Would be nice to see a hood strut replacement video in future 😲🤪😲

[@AutoFixYT]

I don't have the car anymore but they're easy to replace. Usually they just unscrew with a 12mm wrench.

[@joevignolor4u949]

My Lexus has the same problem. I just got a wooden stick cut to the right length that I use as a prop to hold the hood up. Just make sure you place it somewhere where it won't damage anything and it won't move so that the hood doesn't drop on your head. Then carry the stick around with you in the trunk.

[@AutoFixYT]

Lol I did the same except I didn't carry it in the car, I just had it in the garage

[@VEDATOR_official]

Is there a transmission fluid filter to replace on this car?

[@AutoFixYT]

Yes, you have to remove the transmission oil pan and then you'll see the filter in there.

[@VEDATOR_official]

@@AutoFixYT you didn’t do it in the video right? Doesn’t seem super necessary

[@kimquyluu6771]

Thank you share clip

[@AutoFixYT]

You're welcome

[@recon1071]

1) that fluid looks horrible. 2) I got four quarts out my 1999 es300. Why am I not getting 4 quarts out of my 2003 es300?

[@AutoFixYT]

It may look horrible but it's actually not that bad lol Not all cars will hold the same amount of fluid. Best way to know is to check a manual or use the dip stick to ensure it's full, then measure what comes out. You will always get slightly different results. As long as it's full when you're done, that's all that matters.

[@Danny350v8]

same for a corolla ?

[@AutoFixYT]

Yes

[@martasarber7133]

Thank you!

[@AutoFixYT]

You're welcome!

[@bryonwright]

Just bought a '93 Camry wagon and not only did I like/subscribe but I also saved this video as well. Question: this is my first automatic in a while.. is a transmission cooler a good idea or is it just unnecessary/extra points of failure? I plan on installing a hitch but at most I will haul a light motorbike/camping gear (so maybe 1200lbs at the very most).. do these tranny's heat up to the point where that's an issue? Also, how are the headlights holding up? I looked at those online and had bad examples that immediately fogged up.

[@AutoFixYT]

If you’re gonna tow or haul, especially in hot climates or hot summer days, I think a transmission cooler will help. There is already one built into the radiator, but you can take those hoses off and install your own external cooler. These transmissions are sturdy and can take some abuse but a cooler will help prevent overheating. If you are towing on the highway or on long uphill inclines, you will heat that trans fluid a lot. Maybe not overheat it, but it’ll be above its normal operating temp. So yes, I’d install one. But make sure that in the winter months (if there is winter weather where you live) the transmission doesn’t over-cool. You want that fluid to warm up as fast as possible. And an external cooler sometimes prevents that. So it’s a tricky situation.

[@AutoFixYT]

Oh and about the headlights, they’re great! I don’t know why they’d get hazy in a short period of time, but they’re great!

[@yurboi698]

I have a 99 solara v6 with 253k and the transfluid hasn't been changed since 2011 I plan on doing this and I might try the Lucas I already use it in my engine I'd be curious if the Lucas would help with this clunk when going into reverse my car has only when cold

[@AutoFixYT]

It might help, but also make sure you check the engine mounts. Sometimes they wear in such a way in which they let the engine rock backwards more than forwards and because it sits at higher RPMs when it's cold it has more force to throw it backwards when you put it in reverse, as opposed to when it's at full operating temp and sitting at 650-700 RPM. Anwyay, as long as it's shifting fine, you're all set. Make sure the fluid you're draining isn't burnt or very contaminated. If it is, don't drain it all, don't flush it. Take it easy and drain some then I'll it then drive it and see how it reacts. You don't wanna ruin the trans by giving it fresh slippery fluid if all the clutch material is in the old fluid.

[@yurboi698]

@@AutoFixYT damn you know yur stuff I'm only 17 and it's my first car so I'm still learning but I did replace my upper dog bone mount it was shot and the lower motor mount has chunks out so it's bad but I still haven't done that.that would probably fix my problem didn't realize that thank you.

[@AutoFixYT]

@@yurboi698 Nice, always happy to help! The only reason I brought up motor mounts is because if it was an internal trans issue it would come with other symptoms too, such as hard shifts, slipping, or delayed shifting, and especially once it warms up. Your issue seems to be very precise. Anyway, still change the fluid though, it good to keep it fresh.

[@selix9386]

Hey I have a very similar situation with my 2004 Avalon, it looks to be about the same color as yours on the dipstick, just a little nervous to change it as I don’t want it to start slipping I was planning to put some Lucas fix in mine as well, I’m just noticing some hard shifts sometimes, but I don’t want to wait until the point of no return, should I still change it I would only do one drain and a filter change

[@AutoFixYT]

Try to see if it smells burnt or overheated. You'll know if you smell it, it's a horrible smell. If it doesn't smell burnt, then do the drain and fill procedure and add some Lucas.

[@selix9386]

@@AutoFixYT ok will do, thank you

[@UGotAPerdyMouf]

Does the differential take the same fluid do you know?

[@AutoFixYT]

Yes I'm pretty sure it uses the same fluid. It has a different drain and fill plug though, just like a regular differential.

[@AlloyedFrequencies]

According to Haynes repair manual yes, they both call for Dexron III

[@hansfranz9914]

Although the differential has it's own drain plug, the transmission and differential share the fluid.

[@AlloyedFrequencies]

@@hansfranz9914 good point, that is true

[@justine5804]

​@hansfranz9914 So do you still need to drain and fill seperately?

[@tomblobasjamesc.mccollum1740]

The 24 ounce Lucas bottle is 12 ounces shy of a 32 ounce quart.

[@AutoFixYT]

Oops lol

[@tomblobasjamesc.mccollum1740]

Should be fine as long as level on dipstick reads good.

[@AutoFixYT]

Yeah I always double check

[@uhtred7860]

For the rest of the world not using Ye Olde units of measurement, 2.5 Quarts is 2.3 Litres. 😏😏

[@time2maked0hnutz54]

How's your Corolla doing Bro?!?

[@AutoFixYT]

It's doing well, I drive it every single day to work! There will be more videos coming for that car throughout the summer!

[@uhtred7860]

Ha, my trans dip stick does the same thing.😆

[@AutoFixYT]

Lol

[@DR-UTAH]

You still have the Camry? I thought you sold it

[@AutoFixYT]

Sold it in October but still have videos that I filmed. There are a few more lol

[@DR-UTAH]

@@AutoFixYT makes sense

[@AutoFixYT]

@@DR-UTAH Didn't wanna drop them all at once. Would have been boring for most people. Trying to keep things fresh by alternating cars as well as video topics.

[@AlloyedFrequencies]

@@AutoFixYT Why did you sell this car? Just wondering because I have one that I drive to work

[@AutoFixYT]

I sold it because I had too many cars. But it went to a friend and it is being cared for and driven daily. I still see it once in a while.

[@tootai]

wait, people drain it three times?

[@AutoFixYT]

Not necessarily, but if you want to get most of it out without doing an actual flush, this is how you do it.

[@tootai]

@@AutoFixYT you run the same fluid through, or all new stuff everytime? im gonna do this soon.

[@AutoFixYT]

New every time

[@tootai]

@@AutoFixYT you are very patient

[@AutoFixYT]

@@tootai Thanks haha Doing this without filming doesn't usually take more than 30 min

[@erickrodriguez3104]

I have a 97 toyota corolla 4 speed auto they told me 4 bottle of dex merc or 33

[@AutoFixYT]

Yeah that would work. But straight dexron is best. That's what these were made to run.

[@erickrodriguez3104]

Dang it I'll do that on next one and keep it on straight dex Ron thanks

[@erickrodriguez3104]

One more.thing should.i do.trans oil often every 3000 or 5000

[@erickrodriguez3104]

Usually do it same time as oil change

[@peopleschoice9555]

Is this video the knock off version of chris fix? 😂

[@AutoFixYT]

Lol no this is video on how to replace the trans fluid on your 3rd gen Camry, but I am a big fan of his videos

[@user-rc9jf8ng2k]

The transmission fluid is brown... and you didn't even put a new filter in, shame on you.

[@AutoFixYT]

Brown doesn't mean catastrophe.. Brown means it's due for a change. It starts out red. New filter isn't always needed.

[@user-rc9jf8ng2k]

​@@AutoFixYT Heh, sorry was just razzing you.