Gearbox Oil Change

[purple61]

I am about to change the gearbox oil of my Camry 2003 2.4 Auto. I am pretty sure someone in this forum has done this before and would appreciate any advice/pointers. By the way, does the plug need a washer?

[purple61]

I am about to change the gearbox oil of my Camry 2003 2.4 Auto. I am pretty sure someone in this forum has done this before and would appreciate any advice/pointers. By the way, does the plug need a washer?

I did the oil change today. The following are pointers:-

1) gearbox sump plug is polygonal and recessed size 10mm. Make sure you get the right tool.

2) you'll drain off approximately 3 litres of oil. Make sure you have at least 3 litres of fresh oil.

3) sump plug has a metal washer that is reuseable.

4) you need to pour in via the spout where the dipstick is plunged into. Make sure you get the right sized funnel. You can avoid the guesswork by buying a set of 4 from supercheap. If you get the usual 4 litre pack gearoil from Toyota, use a small plastic decanter as the flow rate is quite slow.

5) use a standard oil pan from any of the accessory shops as it will indicate how much oil is drained out.

6) take the car for a short drive before you measure the level of oil.

[Ozzcaddy]

Just a question Purple 61, has the pan ever been taken off and new gasket fitted, also the strainer/filter cleaned?

The reason I ask, is that I only bought the '99 Camry that I have a month ago and the auto transmission fluid was pretty dark, not burnt. When I had it serviced by Central Automatic Transmission Services, they told me that it still had the original pan gasket, and that the filter was very dirty with build up. It has only 111,000 K's. They told me that it is pretty common, for DIY servicing to drain and refill the fluid with 3-3.5 litres.

[peregrine]

Just a question Purple 61, has the pan ever been taken off and new gasket fitted, also the strainer/filter cleaned?

The reason I ask, is that I only bought the '99 Camry that I have a month ago and the auto transmission fluid was pretty dark, not burnt. When I had it serviced by Central Automatic Transmission Services, they told me that it still had the original pan gasket, and that the filter was very dirty with build up. It has only 111,000 K's. They told me that it is pretty common, for DIY servicing to drain and refill the fluid with 3-3.5 litres.

I have noticed that nowhere in the service manual on my 1999 Vienta does it suggest that the auto trans: filter be checked or cleaned. Which to me sounds crazy. The filter is a s/s filter that is cleaned and reused over and over.

[Ozzcaddy]

Just a question Purple 61, has the pan ever been taken off and new gasket fitted, also the strainer/filter cleaned?

The reason I ask, is that I only bought the '99 Camry that I have a month ago and the auto transmission fluid was pretty dark, not burnt. When I had it serviced by Central Automatic Transmission Services, they told me that it still had the original pan gasket, and that the filter was very dirty with build up. It has only 111,000 K's. They told me that it is pretty common, for DIY servicing to drain and refill the fluid with 3-3.5 litres.

I have noticed that nowhere in the service manual on my 1999 Vienta does it suggest that the auto trans: filter be checked or cleaned. Which to me sounds crazy. The filter is a s/s filter that is cleaned and reused over and over.

The service manual was not with the car, only the car manual when I bought it. But I'm old school, and have it done by the specialist people. I have the Gregory's #276 Service & Repair manual, and they have a small note in the section of Automatic transaxle fluid change:

Note: Although the manufacturer doesn't specify it, it is a good idea to clean the transaxle fluid strainer periodically to remove accumulated dirty and metal particles.

[purple61]

Just a question Purple 61, has the pan ever been taken off and new gasket fitted, also the strainer/filter cleaned?

The reason I ask, is that I only bought the '99 Camry that I have a month ago and the auto transmission fluid was pretty dark, not burnt. When I had it serviced by Central Automatic Transmission Services, they told me that it still had the original pan gasket, and that the filter was very dirty with build up. It has only 111,000 K's. They told me that it is pretty common, for DIY servicing to drain and refill the fluid with 3-3.5 litres.

Interesting point coz I checked with the Autobarn guy and he told me that I do not need to change the filter. I thought I am being fussy changing the gearbox oil at 90k as there is a small piece of notice on the dipstick handle which says that the ATF need not be replaced if the car is used under normal conditions.

[Ozzcaddy]

Just a question Purple 61, has the pan ever been taken off and new gasket fitted, also the strainer/filter cleaned?

The reason I ask, is that I only bought the '99 Camry that I have a month ago and the auto transmission fluid was pretty dark, not burnt. When I had it serviced by Central Automatic Transmission Services, they told me that it still had the original pan gasket, and that the filter was very dirty with build up. It has only 111,000 K's. They told me that it is pretty common, for DIY servicing to drain and refill the fluid with 3-3.5 litres.

Interesting point coz I checked with the Autobarn guy and he told me that I do not need to change the filter. I thought I am being fussy changing the gearbox oil at 90k as there is a small piece of notice on the dipstick handle which says that the ATF need not be replaced if the car is used under normal conditions.

You've raised an interesting point as well with long kilometers between oil/fluid changes. Do they want the owner to stuff the transmission so you need either a new one or have it reconditioned. What is normal driving conditions these days. If you live in the city such as Sydney or Melbourne, is stop starting classified as normal driving.

[purple61]

Just a question Purple 61, has the pan ever been taken off and new gasket fitted, also the strainer/filter cleaned?

The reason I ask, is that I only bought the '99 Camry that I have a month ago and the auto transmission fluid was pretty dark, not burnt. When I had it serviced by Central Automatic Transmission Services, they told me that it still had the original pan gasket, and that the filter was very dirty with build up. It has only 111,000 K's. They told me that it is pretty common, for DIY servicing to drain and refill the fluid with 3-3.5 litres.

Interesting point coz I checked with the Autobarn guy and he told me that I do not need to change the filter. I thought I am being fussy changing the gearbox oil at 90k as there is a small piece of notice on the dipstick handle which says that the ATF need not be replaced if the car is used under normal conditions.

You've raised an interesting point as well with long kilometers between oil/fluid changes. Do they want the owner to stuff the transmission so you need either a new one or have it reconditioned. What is normal driving conditions these days. If you live in the city such as Sydney or Melbourne, is stop starting classified as normal driving.

I wish to invite Camry users to share their experience/views on gearbox oil change. I've used other marques such as Volvo, Nissan, Renault and they have all recommended gearbox oil change at 80,000km. Toyota says - no need to change if it is not subject to strenuous usage such as racing or heaving towing.

[redracer]

I just changed the fluid on my 96 vienta @ 180000kms with no probs. I can't see why they wouldnt recommend you changing the fluid, probably to drum up extra business when ur gearbox packs it in.

[Ozzcaddy]

Just a question Purple 61, has the pan ever been taken off and new gasket fitted, also the strainer/filter cleaned?

The reason I ask, is that I only bought the '99 Camry that I have a month ago and the auto transmission fluid was pretty dark, not burnt. When I had it serviced by Central Automatic Transmission Services, they told me that it still had the original pan gasket, and that the filter was very dirty with build up. It has only 111,000 K's. They told me that it is pretty common, for DIY servicing to drain and refill the fluid with 3-3.5 litres.

Interesting point coz I checked with the Autobarn guy and he told me that I do not need to change the filter. I thought I am being fussy changing the gearbox oil at 90k as there is a small piece of notice on the dipstick handle which says that the ATF need not be replaced if the car is used under normal conditions.

You've raised an interesting point as well with long kilometers between oil/fluid changes. Do they want the owner to stuff the transmission so you need either a new one or have it reconditioned. What is normal driving conditions these days. If you live in the city such as Sydney or Melbourne, is stop starting classified as normal driving.

I wish to invite Camry users to share their experience/views on gearbox oil change. I've used other marques such as Volvo, Nissan, Renault and they have all recommended gearbox oil change at 80,000km. Toyota says - no need to change if it is not subject to strenuous usage such as racing or heaving towing.

Manufacturers also don't like adding oil coolers in their vehicles as standard. It's only when the motorist starts towing and next thing the warning light comes on or you've overheated the oil and inturn stuffed the transmission. Owners who do a lot of towing should fit a oil cooler if one is not fitted. Cheaper to do that then recondition the transmission.

I believe any car that has a 2 litre engine or greater, the oil cooler should come as standard, whether the driver intends to tow or not. Reading various motorist towing adventures in Smithys Column - Friday Daily Telegraph is proof enough.

[Applegarth]

Just a question Purple 61, has the pan ever been taken off and new gasket fitted, also the strainer/filter cleaned?

The reason I ask, is that I only bought the '99 Camry that I have a month ago and the auto transmission fluid was pretty dark, not burnt. When I had it serviced by Central Automatic Transmission Services, they told me that it still had the original pan gasket, and that the filter was very dirty with build up. It has only 111,000 K's. They told me that it is pretty common, for DIY servicing to drain and refill the fluid with 3-3.5 litres.

Interesting point coz I checked with the Autobarn guy and he told me that I do not need to change the filter. I thought I am being fussy changing the gearbox oil at 90k as there is a small piece of notice on the dipstick handle which says that the ATF need not be replaced if the car is used under normal conditions.

Booked my '07 Altise in for a auto transmission service next week, fluid is a little darkened at 80,000 KM

I ignored the little sign on the dipstick, I suspect this may be on Australian vehicles only !

I'll report any comments from the service people next week, stay tuned !

[Applegarth]

The oil used in the auto gearbox of my model Camry '07 is a synthetic

This oil tends to look a little dusky from new, so there is no need to panic !

You need to establish if your Camry has synthetic oil too

Even so the auto gearbox mechanic who did mine recommends changing the oil, filter and gasket every twelve months despite Toyota's claim that it never needs changing

This bloke has an excellent reputation around the area and I don't doubt that his advice is sound

Have a look at the Valvoline, Castrol etc books in Automart, Supercheap etc to find what oil they recommend for your gearbox

Some of the staff may be able to check it out for you

I've found Supercheap to be very helpful and anything they don't have in stock they will get in for you in a couple of days !