Transmission Fluid and Filter Change - Toyota Camry

[@JamesAutoDude]

Thank you! You're literally the only one showing the 4 speed filter change on KZbin. Appreciate it!!

[@drivewaygarage1561]

I just bought a 1998 Camry and came across this video. This is the oldest video I've watched by you. Good video as usual.

[@aroldfut]

You are what all professional mechanics should perform like. Unfortunately, too many sloppy amateurs now inhabit shops. Your attention to cleanliness makes a difference that many people underestimate. Well done and useful information in every step of the video! Regards, John

[@efil4kizum]

7 years later that is still so true unfortunately about the slop shops

[@daveschannel124]

Good video Eric! I actually drain, fill and run these vehicles about 2 to 3 times to get a more thorough fluid change. Even if you end up using 9-10 qts and about 2-3 hrs labor is much less cost for the customer than have that expensive trans wear out! Many newer vehicles with no dipsticks go unchecked and thus the Trans gets worn out! Usually a thorough Trans fluid service including changing fluid multiple times is still about 1/10th the price for a rebuild or new replacement! Makes it a easy sell if they own it and intend on keeping it a long time! I do prefer using brush on High Tack on pan instead of spraying inside pan! I did a video on changing out trans fluid on a Honda Pilot awhile back - although my videos suck compared to yours! Keep the great videos coming! Dave E (Dave's Service Center - Ivyland Pa).

[@youfixitatvutv]

Reading comments on here is absolutely great! So many experts! ( Sarcasm) Brake clean is a recommended cleaning solvent for the pan and mating surfaces. The chemical cleans oil and debris and evaporates in seconds. Remember fluid flows down with gravity, unless your in space. I personally, torque everything to factory spec, just my way. Many good mechanics with lots of experience have good feel, such as Eric, to know how much to tighten things. I've watched tons of his videos and he does good work.

[@freddyflintstoned913]

I tighten by feel.

[@bertgrau9246]

I have rebuilt automatic transmission's before and I always check the bolt length when taking them apart , a lot of times ther can be 3 different lengths of bolts holding the valve body on. Very good point he made about making sure you put the proper bolt where it goes.

[@JS-sh3nq]

Just love when people watch videos to learn, then some make rude comments on how wrong things were done. For those with the rude comments , make your own videos if you think you can do it better. You are doing a great job, keep up the awesome videos.

[@Joe_334]

There is something so satisfying, about knowing that when you put some critical part back together, the gasket secured by the gasket adhesive is sealing it from leaking fluid.

[@kellyjohnson5923]

I looked this up out of curiosity. I just called a national oil change chain and they quoted me approx. $230. I thought that was a bit much. After viewing your video I believe I can do this myself. You went step by step. I am going to dive in and do it. Thanks.

[@SouthMainAuto]

At a girl Kelly Johnson!

[@wyrtwister4260]

That is about twice what I would have thought . Find a good independent transmission shop or mechanic ( like Eric ) . I have done this on GM & Ford vehicles . Thing is I am getting old and fat . :-) And the knees and other joints do not work as well .......... Or do it yourself . About $ 200 on tooling ( if you do not already have it ) and $ 30 on parts and consumables . Or something like that . But BE SAFE ! Jack the car up carefully and support the car carefully on jack stands . Wear eye protection , a paper dust mask ( at minimum ) And some old clothes and footwear that you would be OK with throwing away . But don't throw them away , launder them & use them on the next project . God bless Wyr

[@megezerlopez4798]

Kelly Johnson ,a mechanic told me $220 ,he made it sound like he was gonna put a new transmition on my car smh....

[@freddyflintstoned913]

It is easy. do it

[@cooldude2245]

It's a new/well maintained car. The older cars have rusty bolts and the fluid just spills on out (those with no drain bolt). Also the gasket sometimes is harder to clean or remove. Still though, I think anyone can do it.

[@johnzabik270]

This guy is a good mechanic..knows his job.

[@ozzykrahn806]

Funny coming from a trump supporter

[@Pointlesshandle48]

@@ozzykrahn806 how’s Biden working out?

[@cravinehogan1191]

@@ozzykrahn806 Oh yeah, that’s right, how’s ole lunch bucket Joe Biden from Scranton working out?! Let’s go Brandon!

[@Shade_Tree_Mechanic]

@@ozzykrahn806 Funny coming from a "Ped0 Peter" supporter

[@derekhambleton4746]

@@ozzykrahn806 wtf does who people vote for have to do with trans filter? Weirdo

[@whiznot3028]

I going to do a drain and fill on my 2001 Camry. I decided to use the Valvoline Maxlife before watching your video. Now I'm more confident about that choice.

[@geologic740]

Great, thorough video. In my experience the high quality filter kits came with pan gaskets which would stay in place because several bolt holes are smaller so you can put some of the bolts through them to hold the gasket close to the flange on the pan. I've never had to use gasket tack on pan gaskets so far.

[@feddy11100]

Thank you for making this . I have a Corolla with the same transmission and I looked through like 20 videos to find one that was no nonsense like this. Too many people trying to make music videos, or talking in a way that's hard to understand, or making it over complicated, or just obviously not knowing WTF they are talking about... Thank you.

[@BrianAhearn8597]

I like this guy he doesn’t do Clickbait pretend he’s quitting every 10 videos keep up the good work

[@johnmckamy6398]

your a honest stand up guy , a lot of people would have said well I'm not responsible for the parts . love the videos.

[@spanky762]

Thanks for this. I use your videos to help explain to my kids how to do things on the car. You are a natural teacher.

[@craigkennedy5328]

Hi Eric. Thank you for posting. Your informative video was a huge help and gave me the confidence to tackle the job. Really enjoy your other videos and sense of humour tackling challenging issues. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. Kindest Regards, Craig.

[@dadtype2339]

Oh man Eric, I forgot you used open with Dr. O , love it!!! And somehow I missed this episode, thumbs up as usual!

[@alannorthcarolina1776]

Aww, I hear your littles in the background! I had the same going on when my wife did her interior design business while I had to do all the installs.

[@DarrylMrT]

Thank you. I'll be changing the fluid tomorrow as soon as I can get to the auto parts store. I especially appreciate knowing about the drain plug.

[@rkgsd]

The filter on these particular Toyota transmissions doesn't need to be changed every time. Exactly what I needed to know and exactly what I've heard from a few other mechanics.

[@outdoorsurvivalist9155]

I've always used the transmission pan bolts to hold the gasket for me once you get a few started, you can tighten the rest up hand tight then torque by what you have.

[@chadjaquith5930]

I am so thankful for them leaving this video up for so many years cause now I need it. Got to do my 02 Cam do to it not shifting when it's cold. Wish me luck, I want to see this car make 200 thou!

[@johngrande3426]

straight forward and educational, this is why we love SMA! Pretty clean undercarriage for a '98

[@cgrscott]

Now, I'm replacing the transmission fluid filter on my 2006 Toyota Sienna. Your video hear is still helpful guide to refresh my memory on this procedure.

[@connorhubbard6439]

Hey Great Vid!!! I use grease on my gaskets and o rings that helps it stick too. Not as sticky as that sticky tack but I like it because it helps the gaskets seal a little better imo. Sweet Vid again keep it up!!!!

[@Starvester]

I saw nothing wrong with your procedure, the brake cleaner evaporates very quickly. Thanks for the advice, South Main Auto, you are real experts!

[@jasonledbetter4372]

Forget the haters Eric!! You do great work, and I have learned a metric butt-ton from watching your extensive catalogue! I binge-watch it like Netflix....I'm sure divorce papers are forthcoming, as the "ol' lady" doesn't share my love for automotive repair/quest for knowledge. 😉

[@kjlv777]

Outstanding video, you just made my next weekend project a lot easier. Thanks for sharing.

[@SouthMainAuto]

spanky rex YW

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Hi from Australia. Thanks for the info about the filter replacement. I change my fluid every 35000 miles. It's always pretty clean and red still.

[@cal9126]

Always a pleasure watching this guy work...knows his shit

[@trizzledog]

Thank you for this 👍 I'm getting ready to do this on my Solara. Oddly enough...all my previous vehicles were standards, so this will be the first time doing this. Now I know what to expect

[@philipmatthews4420]

I like the practical way Faye Hadley explains things and makes the complicated simple !

[@agegonzo39]

👍🏽 for the high tack recommendation for gaskets. I was banging my head against the block trying to replace the oil pump gasket

[@ahummerich2751]

Amazing show! My wife and I have a lot of laughs watching you and your great family. Not to mention how much we learn. Lay off the aerosols Eric!

[@willcojak9650]

You are a good man. And well done. No BS !

[@philmar7866]

Thanks for the excellent Video. Been doing my car maintenance for many years but only in the last few years have had auto's. Feel much more comfortable doing this that constantly paying for trans' service. A 'Goodonya mate' from Australia.

[@corechil]

Very very helpful. I actually did this myself with your help. I don't know how you got that old gasket off so easily though... I actually gave up and got a whole new pan.

[@soyeldiego4878]

Nice! Will doing this project on my 1997 Camry this weekend. Thanks for the video.

[@guidedbygreen1480]

@json json what type of Valvoline were you using? It's supposed to be Type T-IV

[@garyburstell7222]

"all the mechanics in my garage are experts" *camera pans to the baby talking in the background building an engine*

[@JeffreyStrader]

Real men use 80 grit sand paper with Brake Cleaner on it to wipe their butts!................Eric did 'NOTHING' wrong in using Brake Cleaner as a cleaning agent for a gasket surface. I use that miracle spray on EVERYTHING!....:-)........I'd use it on my teeth, if I had any!

[@Yeshuasavedmefromallofmysins]

😆

[@ethelryan257]

Yup. All this hating on brake cleaner is weird.

[@BradleyWashburn1]

Pfft. Wimps. I use 60 grit sandpaper.

[@jms7585]

I bite the shit off!

[@michaelserrano7097]

Still have teeths?

[@jaimesustaita285]

PS just become a subscriber, love your vids, seem many KZbin mechanics , u r definitely the best.

[@Rakatawhat]

Wish your shop was close by. Thanks for the vid

[@SouthMainAuto]

YW :)

[@erict4883]

Yeah i agree...but i am taking one of my vehicles to him this Spring. I am sick of getting ripped off and sloppy work.

[@OxideBarbell]

Rakatawhat s

[@tommyboulet]

i would be a customer too, but i'm in god damn montreal lol

[@jasonledbetter4372]

Maybe a new chain of repair shops called "THERE'S YER PRAWBLIM LADY!"...with an adjoining restaurant called "ONE, TWO, BBQ!"😂

[@Olorin7]

Oh man. I think this was the first SMA video I ever saw. Still great :)

[@joet4806]

Thank you for this video. You have excellent teaching skills! V Good workmanship skills too. Be well!

[@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

Brake clean evaporates quickly and would have used gravity to drain out so I wouldn't be too concerned about it for the people that were. 2nd for the people concerned about the rest of the fluid that didn't get changed out and pushed flushes, some vehicle manufacturers don't recommend flushes won't do them, and won't warranty them. The problem with flushes is damage due to pressure, clogs, and the detergents in the fluid. After a period of time the detergents weaken and fibers from normal engine wear build up in places throughout the trans. With a drain and refill about half the fluid is changed and the additive/detergent pack is partially refreshed allowing trans to go on as normal, but a full fluid flush or change has a full strength detergent pack and starts cleaning the trans rapidly plugging things up. I've heard more bad things about flushes than good things and never had one done and won't. The filter is there to catch the contaminants leaving the majority of them in the pan

[@ethelryan257]

Took the words right out of my mouth. Precisely. Exactly.

[@samk1584]

I wonder what you all have heard about trapped air in transmissions after a flush?

[@kittty2005]

I'll tell you what trapped air in a competition torque converter can do,a friend blew some clutches in his trans.and wanted to make sure everything was cleaned,during the overhaul he dropped the converter and drained it,it was a custom job so it had a drain plug. To make a long story short,he didn't give the trans. time enough to circulate all the air out of it,he locked the rear wheels and mashed the gas pedal,a 6000 rpm torque converter with a big air bubble meets a 1000 hp engine at W.O.T.,BANG.He cut the converter apart and it looked like someone took a large ball peen hammer to it,scrap.A 600$ trans. rebuild became 2600$ trans.and engine rebuild,he also took the flange off the back of the crank with that stunt,the fact that the 'verter didn't explode was remarkable.

[@cgrscott]

I just replaced the Transmission Filter on my daughter's 2002 Camry. I unbolted the left engine mount and used a bottle jack to rock the left end if the engine upward. I was able to use an inch pound torque wrench to retighten all of the drain pan screws.

[@kenman1717]

that one actually looked pretty easy to do. I love when the pans have a drain plug and are wide open like that to access. I really hate when I have to remove crossmembers or exhaust. I don't understand why engineers just can't move that stuff a little bit to make our jobs easier.

[@SouthMainAuto]

kenman1717 True story ^

[@johnferguson7235]

The main job for the engineer is to make it CHEAP, as cheap as possible.

[@harveysmith100]

The Japanese cars tend to be a bit more friendly. The drain plug on an Auto pan is very Toyota. It saves all that mess when dropping the pan. It also means you can do quick extra oil changes between filter service intervals which can only be good for the vehicle.

[@dougherbert7899]

If an engine is designed for a specific chassis / platform, it tends to work out pretty well. When parts bin cars get designed that reuse existing pieces in different ways, that’s when the mechanic nightmares seem to start.

[@freddyflintstoned913]

With the fluid at room temperature measure the volume and replace the same amount of fluid. Simple as that.

[@silasspencer9858]

Very informative. My car needs this and I’m going to give it a go this weekend. It will be my first , hopefully I get it done as well as you’ve made me feel confident. Really appreciate all your help man!

[@silasspencer9858]

Still a bit nervous lol always second guess myself

[@nuttsackofd00m48]

Hey did you ever drop the pan completely and change the filter as he did? If so how was getting the bolts out that are under the thick piece of metal under the car?

[@cgrscott]

Very good video. I was hoping you would provide torque specs for tightening the drain pan screws, like you did for the transmission filter screws.

[@davidhammett1323]

I enjoy your videos very much thanks for doing them. You are the best.

[@FredTheLutinoCocatiel]

I'm glad somebody showed what to use besides Toyota Factory transmission fluid I'm wondering if Castrol makes transmission fluid also that would be suitable

[@bigpappahemi4263]

Good info. I might need to service my mom's Camry soon; it's shifting kinda wonky.

[@dwoodog]

LOL!!! These older videos are so serious. Not one joke was cracked.

[@dang2443]

Great video. Clear, concise, very helpful.

[@josecolon3020]

Thank for your good explain to change transmission oil and filter.

[@antoniogatjens6092]

Hi from Costa Rica. I am learning a lot with this video. Mine is an Hyundai Accent 01 and fortunaly it has the drain bolt. The pan bolts are pretty reachable so I hope to do well on this task. Filter change with fluid refill.

[@Mitchues]

Great Videos I can' t stop watching them I have been up for three days . Keep them coming maybe you could do a Nissan Titan rear Diff seals video their seems to be a problem with them. Thanks again

[@donnierobertson3088]

Great job again like always

[@peachesandoreo]

That is the thinnest trans pan I have ever seen. More manufacturers, talking to you Dodge, should spend the extra 10 cents and put a drain plug on the pan like that Toyota. Eric, what are your thoughts on pulling the trans fluid return line and pumping out a few more quarts of old fluid during the change? Do you ever do that, is worth it since during a regular drain service only a fraction of the old fluid is being changed? I'm debating if I should go that extra step next time..... EDIT never mind I just watched your more recent trans fluid change video and heard you got a lotta grief on . You are a fantastic technician, clever wit, entertaining, and seem like a great guy. Thanks for all the videos!

[@donaldp7520]

well done young man , I like your two cents

[@condor5635]

I’ve used other fluids in my Toyota without an issue. But I do wonder if the Valvoline maxlife is good for Type IV and World Standard - WS- then why does Toyota have two separate products for those two types? Great video the only thing I wouldn’t have done is get that spray inside the pan. Use a little cardboard to keep it on the surface you’re spraying. Who knows what hot transmission fluid does over time when it interacts with that overspray. Gunky particles potentially. Just not worth it. Great job thanks for posting!

[@erict4883]

Great video!! Next time you have a customer in for a power steering flush and fill you should record it. You will probably get a lot of views. Unless i missed that video you did.

[@chadhouse1375]

Straightforward and simple 👍🏻 Keep up the good work!!

[@markbiteler]

Excellent video. Right to the point. Many thanks.

[@mikechiodetti6737]

Great detailed presentation!

[@ngcabd]

what a workshop?! awesome!!

[@MrRealtorJim]

Great video. Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@rigweldernomad932]

Man you did an amazing job 💪🙌

[@musk-eteer9898]

i struggle with gasket and you got it the first time👍

[@tdatilma]

I am forever grateful that I came across your video. It is very informative. Thanks a lot. Let me ask you a quick question. I have a 2003 Toyota Camry automatic transmission since 2012. I have never changed the transmission oil. Now, the oil is really black and smells like something burnt. When the car hits 55 mph and up, it does not shift. It's making that sound like i's going up a mountain. Do you think if I change the oil and filter at this point there may be any improvement? I do not want to cause more damage than what I feel is already there. Your answer is very well appreciated. Once again, great work! Thanks

[@52170dogsday]

50 50 shot it will help at this point , perhaps it will help , if you dont do anything its only going to get worse and there will be no chance of saving it

[@tdatilma]

@@52170dogsday thank you!

[@frankg6578]

I'm reading your question 3 years later and wondering if you were succesful?

[@cgrscott]

My son has a 2001 Camry LE and it's easy to access all the screws to get the transmission drain pan off. My daughter has a 2002 Camry LE and accessing all the transmission drain pan screws can be a challenge and sometimes you feel like you have to unmount the engine to access all the screws. But, I have seen some KZbin videos where the DIY mechanic was able to use displaced 10 mm hand wrenches to access the difficult screws without un-mounting the engine.

[@charlesmiller5078]

Thanks for taking the time to help us understand , you explain things very well. Learned a lot. Charles, Fla

[@SouthMainAuto]

Your welcome! Thanks for watching Charles Miller

[@EvendimataE]

thought of changing the filter in my 1999 camry...but when i saw that is just a screen i decided to just clean it....the original looks better quality than the aftermarket

[@edbo10]

OE filters are still available but expect the OE/dealership price tag too. Amayama sells it for cheaper than what Toyota actually gets them for, if only by a few cents. Don't expect fast delivery though, it usually takes two weeks or longer to arrive.

[@sglenn6]

Outstanding Video. Thanks

[@edik.7235]

Thanks really good video and explanation!

[@caryk2779]

Wowwwww! Your videos sure have come a long ways from these days man! Keep up the good work man. Pleasure knowing ya' (sort of hahahha!).

[@ShadyTreeRepair]

I was always told to check fluid with car in neutral at warm engine temp

[@carledb51]

I found your video helpful; my son came home last night and left his 2007 4 cyl le camry with a note that read; got stuck in the mud and snow by time he was able to drive the car out he noticed fluid leaking from the engine on the snow and later when he drove it it slipped out of gear and RPM took off and then engaged the gear causing the car to lurch forward in 1-2 of the ATF gears before operating properly in the higher gears at cruising speed (this occurred every time he stopped and resumed speed on the car. This morning I checked the tran fluid cold and it smelt burnt and was a darker red than the red fluid of my other car which did not smell at all. I suspect that in getting his car unstuck from the mud and snow after numerous reverse and gear 1 attempts to rock it he overheated the transmission and the ATF fluid. The fluid level cold is high in the hot region which confuses me since he told me that there was a line of fluid leading up the gas station where he got gas and a puddle of fluid before he left under the car engine area. When I looked at the car in the morning though I could see no fluid under the car and no evidence of leakage although I do not have a lift. I believe the Tran is screwed but I thought about doing the changeout like your video ; Do you think that is a waste and should I just have it towed to a transmission shop; appreciate your thoughts

[@SouthMainAuto]

carledb51 Well it can't hurt, but might not help either.

[@StationaryNomad361]

This is a great video! Thank you!

[@erickimmy1493]

I just did mine today, my heart sunk when u said something about the strainer bolts being different sizes... crap. I was on my back and didn't even look at them on the ground just put them back in... seems to be just fine drove home no worries but now I'm curious..😒🤔 might go back in there just to be sure

[@600lwp]

We had parts cleaning stations by Kleen at the plant I worked at. I brought a carb in and a can of carb cleaner in and cleaned it in the parts cleaner then finish by cleaning it in the parts cleaner with carb cleaner. well it contaminated the parts cleaner and it cost my company over a 1000.00 to get rid of the contaminated cleaner solution. I'm just glad they never figured out who contaminated it

[@philtrottier4442]

Well done my friend!

[@18888888888888888886]

im looking for that "Hater Comment" hahaha

[@davids8956]

Me too.

[@SouthMainAuto]

K, He got embarrassed and deleted it must be...

[@SouthMainAuto]

***** It was here yesterday but people were blowing it up lol

[@davids8956]

That's a shame, I really wanted to read that. :)

[@SouthMainAuto]

He was pretty pissed haha

[@Strongman2474]

Dr. O.. Another awesome video... Thanks again man..

[@jcaleca60]

When you're used to tack adhesive I think you should cover the inside of the transmission Pan you don't want that floating around In your transmission I myself use contact cement got it on Amazon And I make sure I don't get it On the inside of the Pan I put newspapers inside the transmission pan

[@Badbri2A]

Great and thorough video,thanks..

[@Foodie_888]

Thank you! Subbed! I need to do this to my 2015 Camry soon.

[@Lilcool813ralph]

Great Machanic cut from different sleeve

[@Leaptab]

Is it really OK to spray brake cleaner all over the valve body like that? Won't it degrade some of the plastic cable sleeves and stuff? Just asking as I need to clean the same area and my thought was to use ATF in a sprayer bottle and even possibly agitate with a brush. Any ideas, thanks.

[@phelanpawly2507]

So you don’t worry about the Diff oil?

[@michaelpeck3844]

Great video. Can you tell us where you got a drip pan that big I have looked everywhere Thanks

[@SouthMainAuto]

NAPA part # 8211177 www.napaonline.com

[@Singtothetrees]

I appreciate you brother!

[@RR-tq4sn]

Hi. Thank you very much for this video... I am a diy since I was a kid cause my father was a mechanic but I'm always learning and this video give me some new ideas. did a drain and refill 50,000 miles ago to my 2005 4 cylinders Toyota Camry. I'll do it again and I'm planning to use Valvoline Maxlife full synthetic. I would like to change the filter but I know some Toyotas has a screen and not a filter. Some mechanics says that there's no need to change the screen. Two questions: Does my 2005 4 cylinders Camry has filter or screen?; And if so, is really not necessary to change the screen??? I'll appreciate some information. Thanks very very much

[@endeavorrv]

So the high tack doesn't contaminate the fluid at all?

[@jomowatts]

Sure it does but he doesn't say it and he could have just sprayed it on the gasket. Transmission over $2,000.00 he containments the system with three layers of tack spray before he even tops off the fluids. This why I do all my own work! He also uses a metal scraper to scrape the pan and the mating surface, that's a no, no platic scraper are better because they won't scrape or gouge the metal and cause uneven scraping which leads to leaks!

[@jomowatts]

Spacecoastz The tack spray turns into solids that could clog and contaminate the system along with any other debris, but the break clean spray is alcohol base and evaporates after hitting it's target. If you spray the tack on a service that your not going cover with an object, the spray is now a thin layer of polymer and if it breaks from it's surface because it's not sandwiched it will just flow in the system with the transmission fluid. Tack spray should only be put on a surface that's going to be mated. But every individual will have his or her own opinion.

[@freddyflintstoned913]

Every service manual I have read says no sealants on the trans pan. I do mine and never, never put any sealers on the gasket or the pan. Never.

[@jomowatts]

Mister Berzins Great point! The tack is used to hold the gasket in place for ease of installation.

[@jomowatts]

Mister Berzins but most Toyotas use sealant along with a gasket, some use no gasket and just a sealant. So by vehicle and manufacturer it will vary

[@ocumon1]

Thanks for that.I have a Sienna and was wondering if it had an actual transmission filter. Now I know. But is it necessary to change the screen for this type of job?

[@PanamaSticks]

Thank you very much. But I have to ask...what does all that gasket sealant do to the inside of the transmission? You sprayed it on the pan you just cleaned. . I think you should've just sprayed it on the gasket. If you have to spray it on the lip of the pan, why not at least mask the rest of the pan off?

[@bloneyo1]

Great Info and Video, Thank You

[@mikevonkleist6767]

Bullet proof trans. You can either do a drain and fill more frequently on a Toyota or you could go more miles and replace the pan gasket and filter. The other option is to do a complete fluid replacement using an exchange machine. The last one's the best.