I didn't want to buy a tool to fill the transmission, so I ran a vinyl hose attached to a small funnel down from the engine compartment. It worked very well. Nice job on the video. Thank you.
Thanks, I appreciate it. If you’re on social media check out out Instagram page instagram.com/aguyagirlandatrail and online at www.aguyagirlandatrail.com the gear and tech section has a few posts about some more technical stuff.
Thank you very much.. I'm getting ready to this for mine.. Reading the instructions almost made me taking it to the dealer.. Now I think I can do this myself.. much appreciated..
Nice video, but spare yourself the grief of filling from underneath with the pump. Fill from the top with a $1.00 funnel and 6 ft. length of 1/2" ID - 5/8" OD vinyl tubing. Run the tubing down to the fill hole - connect funnel at other end and start pouring. Let gravity do the work. Do the same when filling rear diff, just different hose. Yep - do not buy into "the filter never needs to be changed". That metal screen can crud up and trying to get all of that out by rinsing in a cleaner solvent is not going to get it out. You can't see inside to see what's still left.
I do drain and fill every 30k. I also drive the vehicle up the rhino ramp in the front to get as much old fluid out. Add whatever flow out + 1/2 qt. I only drop the pan and change filter at 60k mark. So far it gotten me to 340k miles for my 2011.
You are doing the fluid change WAYYY too early in my opinion...you are basically wasting money on changing out the clean fluid too early in my opinion😅
You got that right about it being a pain working on your back. I just did the front and rear differential and transfer case service on my 2017 Tundra 4x4. I’m getting to old to crawl on my back under my car and truck. The dealer wanted $750 for all 3 so I did it my self for about $150
Almost ditto to your experience Rudolph. I just did my front & rear diffs & transfer case for around $170 total (synthetic gear oil and crush washers). Toyota dealer wanted $180 for each of the 3. First time to change these fluids at 58k miles on my 2015 4Runner Limited. They were pretty dirty (black). Will change them in 30K miles. BTW, same dealer charged me $260 to flush and fill my tranny fluid only, did not drop the pan let alone change the screen. Think I will try Agent_Outside’s service at next interval. Thanks for the vid A_O, liked and subbed!
I love my Motive fluid pump... I called no less than 6 local dealers just to see what their price was for changing fluid and got vastly different answers. from.... we don't do that anymore, we've never done that, you shouldn't do that, we could but don't recommend it as the WS is life time, we only do drain and fill which is about 4l and 200$ and finally one said they do a complete fluid swap with a dialysis type machine but do not change the filter. 😂
I had same experience with a 2011 Lexus. The dealer actually said he had to wait until the car was completely cool before he could remove the filler bolt. I took it home and did it myself and saved $200.
a little extreme doing it every 15000 unless your racing it ,,,after all it is a 4runner I do mine everyday 80000 with no issues at all do my diffs every 30000 and fluid still looks clear coming out ,,I do transfer with the diffs ,,,230000 with zero issues
Agreed, every 30k on the trans, diffs, and xfer case is my usual interval. Some guys like to waste their time and money and overkill everything. You see guys all the time saying they run a high grade extended interval synthetic and change it every 3k just "because".
Your method sounds like a better plan. Changing fluid to often can be just as bad as not changing at all. You need a certain amount of “debris” to remain in the fluid in order for the clutch plates to engage properly. Color is not always an indication of bad fluid as it was in the old days.
I use a Carista dongle with the OBD Fusion iOS app with the $10 Toyota enhanced diagnostics upgrade. All in all it’s like a $35-$40 investment, but you can save another $10 or so with a cheap non-Carista branded ELM 327 ODB dongle.
I have a 2022 TRD off-road premium now the Dealer's telling me they don't offer a service like this they told me the only thing they do with the 4Runner Transmissions is at 50 or 60,000 miles they hook it up to a machine and it drains the fluid out and put new fluid in it apparently and I personally asked them what do you mean it like cleans the fluid and puts it back there so yeah cleans it and put new fluid in as well which doesn't make any sense what's your opinion on this and what do you think I should do as far as my service for my transmission when time comes
The Toyota service advisors told me these are lifetime fluid and is not to be changed. I’m with you and want to do it. How do we know when to do this or at what distance?
First off, thank you for such a good video. Secondly, do you do any towing? If so, what temps are you seeing? I'm maxing out at around 205F and I'm kicking around the idea of adding an external cooler (thermostatically controlled at 165F), or upgrading the factory radiator (with integrated ATF cooler) to a CSF aftermarket radiator.
For reference of other visitors, under no load in Southern California driving, my transmission's two sensors run around 156-169 degrees Farenheit. (2014 SR5 2WD)
If your just doing a drain and fill would there be anything wrong with just measuring how much you drained out and then putting the same amount back in?
Question about cleaning the pan... I've heard some have used brake cleaner, but the pan had a painted coating that mucked up the transmission. Did you strictly use lint-free towels?
My Warranty and Maintenance Guide does not recommend replacing the strainer. I’m wondering if the large surface area of the screen is sufficient to hold all of the particles shed over the life of the clutch pack and still allow sufficient fluid flow through the strainer.
You’re correct, they recommend a fluid change at 60,000 miles if you meet certain criteria for how you use the vehicle. It’s ultimately up to you to decide what you want to do. I’m not gentle on the vehicle and I want it to last very long term, for me it’s an easy choice to spend a few dollars swapping the strainer from time to time when already there doing fluid.
Im about to do this, do you happen to know if the same crush washer for the engine oil pan work on the fill and check plugs? I have a big bag of those sitting around.
What's that smart phone setup you have... Can you share info on that? Pretty cool. Additionally, do you do anything to change the fluid in the converter?
Thank you for this excellent video Two questions First ones do you know the torque specs for the pan bolts I'm seeing maybe seven to nine foot pounds The second question On my RAV4 and Camry it says 104 to 113° on temperature is it less for the 4Runner? Doing my buddies 4Runner tomorrow
I’m at 32k miles on my 2017. My check engine light trac off and multi terrain light are on. The car doesn’t show the gear it is in. And sometimes when driving it slips into neutral. Low trans oil or the cable from shifter to tranny?
Great video! You think I’m ok doing a few drain and fills with Amsoil full synthetic? Part of me is worried not using WS, but the other part of me knows Amsoil is better
What about Amsoil makes you KNOW it's better? What are you trying to gain from not using OEM WS? WS is a very specific fluid and it's been proven effective over decades of use by millions of vehicles, I don't see any valid reason to even consider using anything but Toyota WS.
@@aguyagirlandatrail I don’t think there’s anything wrong with WS, but I’ve seen lab comparisons of both. Amsoil is by far a superior oil than WS. So at that point, it’s not what I think, it’s basically proof. I’ll probably just do WS anyway cause I already have some
That"s how you set the fluid level. During the service, you slightly overfill it, get the fluid up to temp, then remove that plug and let the excess drain out. If there's nothing that drips out while at the proper temp the fluid level is too low.
Hello sir. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Have a question for you. I just did this EXACT transmission service on my 2019 4Runner TRD off-road 76K miles; drain, pan drop, filter and gasket replaced - used all oem parts and fluid with all bolts torqued to spec. Temp monitored through OBD scan tool. #1 Barely 4 qts of fluid drained out , I replaced with 5 qts and drained at temp. Which maybe gave me back 1/3 qt out of the check plug. #2 almost immediately the transmission was making a creaking sound when switching between park, drive, reverse. Not grinding, but creaking like an old spring. I took it out for a drive at highway speed and it resolved the issue. Now it happens very rarely after the car is parked for a day or more. In your opinion, should I top off the fluid off a bit (like add 1/4 more?) At this time everything sounds fine and smooth. Thank you.
You can do it two ways. One using an app that syncs with your vehicles computer to read the temp. This is the most accurate method. Or Use a temperature gun to read the pan of the transmission. This method is about 4-6 degrees off but you’ll be good if the reading is 113 degrees.
Now I see why it doesn't make sense to install an fill tube and dip stick to check the transmission fluid......if they make transmissions filled for life why don't they make engines filled for life.
The transmission isn’t filled for life, in fact the owners manual shows to replace transmission fluid every 60K if you tow, use a car too carrier, or have the vehicle heavily loaded. But for the last part of your question, a transmission is just directing and redirecting fluid. A engine is creating combustion, it’s sucking in air, mixing it with fuel, compressing it, blowing it up, and pushing out exhaust. Metals expand and contract with temp, cold engines get fuel that washes past the piston rings and into the oil, blow by is always going to be present in some amount, same goes for oil consumption, exhaust gases get recirculated back into the engine, etc. simply put an engine is a very dirty environment and a transmission is not.
All of you that are still going to a dealership, stop... Just stop. The excuse that you can't find a reputable shop doesn't work... The dealer is NOT reputable!!
I didn't want to buy a tool to fill the transmission, so I ran a vinyl hose attached to a small funnel down from the engine compartment. It worked very well. Nice job on the video. Thank you.
I just wanted to come back and say this is the best video on UA-cam on how to do a trans. service on this vehicle, excellent thank you
Thanks, I appreciate it. If you’re on social media check out out Instagram page instagram.com/aguyagirlandatrail and online at www.aguyagirlandatrail.com the gear and tech section has a few posts about some more technical stuff.
Great video! One comment, Toyota maintenance manual says the temp range is 104-113*F for fluid level check.
I just wanted to sincerely thank you for this video! i followed it step by step. I bought a 2011 Toyota 4runner limited. this video saved me!!
"Until a trickle comes out"
That sets my OCD off try to determine what the appropriate trickle is haha ty for the vid
If it was that sensitive to fluid level the transmission would be failing left and right, you want it to pour out the excess, once its slows, cap it.
Thank you very much.. I'm getting ready to this for mine.. Reading the instructions almost made me taking it to the dealer.. Now I think I can do this myself.. much appreciated..
Did you do it? If so I hope it came out great
Nice video, but spare yourself the grief of filling from underneath with the pump. Fill from the top with a $1.00 funnel and 6 ft. length of 1/2" ID - 5/8" OD vinyl tubing. Run the tubing down to the fill hole - connect funnel at other end and start pouring. Let gravity do the work. Do the same when filling rear diff, just different hose.
Yep - do not buy into "the filter never needs to be changed". That metal screen can crud up and trying to get all of that out by rinsing in a cleaner solvent is not going to get it out. You can't see inside to see what's still left.
That is a great idea about using the Tube/Funnel method of filling. I was going to buy an expensive pump or hand pump. Saved me $$
That’s what I do…
Spare myself the grief of doing it the easy and clean way...
I do drain and fill every 30k. I also drive the vehicle up the rhino ramp in the front to get as much old fluid out. Add whatever flow out + 1/2 qt. I only drop the pan and change filter at 60k mark. So far it gotten me to 340k miles for my 2011.
Servicing the rear end is super easy with the Valvoline gear lube in the new bags,Grab 3 of them
Thanks so much for this! This info is so hard to find for some reason.
Glad it was helpful!
I wish you would have shown how exactly the O rings fit onto the filter. Nice job thanks for the video
I was trying to do this on my 21 trd but i can’t since i don’t have a kid. Gotta go find me a random one onnthe street lol
You are doing the fluid change WAYYY too early in my opinion...you are basically wasting money on changing out the clean fluid too early in my opinion😅
If I recall correctly the temp should be between 104 and 113 degrees, good video.
You got that right about it being a pain working on your back. I just did the front and rear differential and transfer case service on my 2017 Tundra 4x4. I’m getting to old to crawl on my back under my car and truck. The dealer wanted $750 for all 3 so I did it my self for about $150
Almost ditto to your experience Rudolph. I just did my front & rear diffs & transfer case for around $170 total (synthetic gear oil and crush washers). Toyota dealer wanted $180 for each of the 3. First time to change these fluids at 58k miles on my 2015 4Runner Limited. They were pretty dirty (black). Will change them in 30K miles. BTW, same dealer charged me $260 to flush and fill my tranny fluid only, did not drop the pan let alone change the screen. Think I will try Agent_Outside’s service at next interval. Thanks for the vid A_O, liked and subbed!
Nice, thanks
Excellent video!!! Going to be don't this soon.
Excellent thanks for sharing! Please post more on anything you do...outstanding
Great video, thanks for creating this!
Thank you this was very helpful
I love my Motive fluid pump...
I called no less than 6 local dealers just to see what their price was for changing fluid and got vastly different answers.
from.... we don't do that anymore, we've never done that, you shouldn't do that, we could but don't recommend it as the WS is life time, we only do drain and fill which is about 4l and 200$ and finally one said they do a complete fluid swap with a dialysis type machine but do not change the filter.
😂
I had same experience with a 2011 Lexus. The dealer actually said he had to wait until the car was completely cool before he could remove the filler bolt. I took it home and did it myself and saved $200.
What size Motive 1 Gallon Capacity?
Awesome video. Thanks for making it
Thank you for a descriptive video
Just did mine. 72k and the fluid was filthy. How on Earth Toyota can recommend a long interval is beyond me.
Thanks for posting man.
a little extreme doing it every 15000 unless your racing it ,,,after all it is a 4runner I do mine everyday 80000 with no issues at all do my diffs every 30000 and fluid still looks clear coming out ,,I do transfer with the diffs ,,,230000 with zero issues
80k for all should be good. if its clear i suppose ur over doing it.
Agreed, every 30k on the trans, diffs, and xfer case is my usual interval. Some guys like to waste their time and money and overkill everything. You see guys all the time saying they run a high grade extended interval synthetic and change it every 3k just "because".
Your method sounds like a better plan. Changing fluid to often can be just as bad as not changing at all. You need a certain amount of “debris” to remain in the fluid in order for the clutch plates to engage properly. Color is not always an indication of bad fluid as it was in the old days.
Nice Video, Thank you for making and sharing.
Amazing video, thanks!!!
Great video, just a ? How do U get the Trans Temp. to show on ur IPhone? What app, or what plugin module do U use? Thank you
this was a very helpful video mah brah! peace ✌🏿 from SoCal
What is the diagnostic tool and app you use? Thanks. I thought only scangauge works but apparently not.
I use a Carista dongle with the OBD Fusion iOS app with the $10 Toyota enhanced diagnostics upgrade. All in all it’s like a $35-$40 investment, but you can save another $10 or so with a cheap non-Carista branded ELM 327 ODB dongle.
This type video is what UA-cam should be about.
@@aguyagirlandatrail do they have advanced Toyota diagnostic available for every year of the 4Runner?
Awesome video! How many quarts of AT fluid did you pump in the transmission? 12:05
I have a 2022 TRD off-road premium now the Dealer's telling me they don't offer a service like this they told me the only thing they do with the 4Runner Transmissions is at 50 or 60,000 miles they hook it up to a machine and it drains the fluid out and put new fluid in it apparently and I personally asked them what do you mean it like cleans the fluid and puts it back there so yeah cleans it and put new fluid in as well which doesn't make any sense what's your opinion on this and what do you think I should do as far as my service for my transmission when time comes
The Toyota service advisors told me these are lifetime fluid and is not to be changed. I’m with you and want to do it. How do we know when to do this or at what distance?
Wouldn’t have a drain and fill plug if it shouldn’t be changed if you ask me.
thats a lie... i would change it 100%
Those advisors are dumb ass😂😅. Maybe those advisers want to sell you a whole transmission in the future😂😅
First off, thank you for such a good video.
Secondly, do you do any towing? If so, what temps are you seeing? I'm maxing out at around 205F and I'm kicking around the idea of adding an external cooler (thermostatically controlled at 165F), or upgrading the factory radiator (with integrated ATF cooler) to a CSF aftermarket radiator.
I don’t tow anymore, I did occasionally tow a RZR XP1000 on an open utility trailer but we sold that. Cooling is never a bad thing.
For reference of other visitors, under no load in Southern California driving, my transmission's two sensors run around 156-169 degrees Farenheit. (2014 SR5 2WD)
If your just doing a drain and fill would there be anything wrong with just measuring how much you drained out and then putting the same amount back in?
Well done video! Thanks
Glad you liked it
Thanks for the tip
Question about cleaning the pan... I've heard some have used brake cleaner, but the pan had a painted coating that mucked up the transmission. Did you strictly use lint-free towels?
Lint-free only, you don't want fibers floating around in the trans
Great video 👍
My Warranty and Maintenance Guide does not recommend replacing the strainer. I’m wondering if the large surface area of the screen is sufficient to hold all of the particles shed over the life of the clutch pack and still allow sufficient fluid flow through the strainer.
You’re correct, they recommend a fluid change at 60,000 miles if you meet certain criteria for how you use the vehicle. It’s ultimately up to you to decide what you want to do. I’m not gentle on the vehicle and I want it to last very long term, for me it’s an easy choice to spend a few dollars swapping the strainer from time to time when already there doing fluid.
I personally wouldn't go past 45 k on a service with a filter every other service
Thank you
Dealer out here won't even change the filter. Said pan bolts tend to rust and break off. Mine are rusted for sure. Any suggestions?
Curious what you used to clean the pan, im guessing not soap and water.
Thanks for the great video.
Brake clean
Im about to do this, do you happen to know if the same crush washer for the engine oil pan work on the fill and check plugs? I have a big bag of those sitting around.
Do you pay carista monthly subscription ? I noticed official website need to pay. Thanks
What's that smart phone setup you have... Can you share info on that? Pretty cool. Additionally, do you do anything to change the fluid in the converter?
Did you happen to use a particular bolt sequence when torquing the 20 bolts on the pan?
Very few people do transmission services. I do mine every 30 k and only use ws . What your milage?
Thank you for this excellent video
Two questions
First ones do you know the torque specs for the pan bolts I'm seeing maybe seven to nine foot pounds
The second question
On my RAV4 and Camry it says 104 to 113° on temperature is it less for the 4Runner?
Doing my buddies 4Runner tomorrow
Check the video description
@@aguyagirlandatrail thanks much yes that gave me my answers I sure appreciate your videos, excellent demonstration
I’m at 32k miles on my 2017. My check engine light trac off and multi terrain light are on. The car doesn’t show the gear it is in. And sometimes when driving it slips into neutral.
Low trans oil or the cable from shifter to tranny?
Great video! You think I’m ok doing a few drain and fills with Amsoil full synthetic? Part of me is worried not using WS, but the other part of me knows Amsoil is better
What about Amsoil makes you KNOW it's better? What are you trying to gain from not using OEM WS? WS is a very specific fluid and it's been proven effective over decades of use by millions of vehicles, I don't see any valid reason to even consider using anything but Toyota WS.
@@aguyagirlandatrail I don’t think there’s anything wrong with WS, but I’ve seen lab comparisons of both. Amsoil is by far a superior oil than WS. So at that point, it’s not what I think, it’s basically proof. I’ll probably just do WS anyway cause I already have some
How many quarts did you use overall? I only ordered 4 i hope thats enough
Great video! Does a 2011 4Runner have a transmission dipstick? or sealed?
It’s sealed, it just has a check fluid “funnel” so there is no dipstick
My steering wheel looks the same way... Why can't they make a wheel that doesn't look like crap after a few yrs?
The fluid pump you use what is the name and where get it
On a different note what kind of engine oil do you use and weight 0-20 seems to light of a oil. Just got a 2023 TRD premium thanks
0-20 for the past 170K of hard use
How many miles ?
Why did you let that amount of fluid out of the check plug at the end? Did you refill after?
That"s how you set the fluid level. During the service, you slightly overfill it, get the fluid up to temp, then remove that plug and let the excess drain out. If there's nothing that drips out while at the proper temp the fluid level is too low.
@@aguyagirlandatrail So excess overflows into a chamber that drains at the check so only excess will come out? Makes sense, but just want to be sure.
@@someguy5035 It looked like the check valve was about an inch tall inside the pan, like a built in transmission "fill to" line.
Can i use amsoil atf signature series atf fluid for my 2020 trd orp?
I wouldn't toyota transmissions don't like other fluids
How much are you suppose to fill?
Hello sir. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Have a question for you.
I just did this EXACT transmission service on my 2019 4Runner TRD off-road 76K miles; drain, pan drop, filter and gasket replaced - used all oem parts and fluid with all bolts torqued to spec. Temp monitored through OBD scan tool.
#1 Barely 4 qts of fluid drained out , I replaced with 5 qts and drained at temp. Which maybe gave me back 1/3 qt out of the check plug.
#2 almost immediately the transmission was making a creaking sound when switching between park, drive, reverse. Not grinding, but creaking like an old spring.
I took it out for a drive at highway speed and it resolved the issue. Now it happens very rarely after the car is parked for a day or more.
In your opinion, should I top off the fluid off a bit (like add 1/4 more?)
At this time everything sounds fine and smooth.
Thank you.
Check your fluid level at level surface at 104F degree...that should give you the correct level...
How many quarts did you buy?
Hi, how did you get the transmission temperature again? Thank you
You can do it two ways. One using an app that syncs with your vehicles computer to read the temp. This is the most accurate method.
Or
Use a temperature gun to read the pan of the transmission. This method is about 4-6 degrees off but you’ll be good if the reading is 113 degrees.
How many quarts did you wind up putting back in
It’s usually 7 quarts total.
What Capacity Fluid Fill is that 1 Gallon?
Yes 4 to 5 quarts...for drain and refill...
Ever 15k is a bit Excessive I normally do 30 to 60 k
What were the torque specs for everything?
It’s all in the description
Now I see why it doesn't make sense to install an fill tube and dip stick to check the transmission fluid......if they make transmissions filled for life why don't they make engines filled for life.
The transmission isn’t filled for life, in fact the owners manual shows to replace transmission fluid every 60K if you tow, use a car too carrier, or have the vehicle heavily loaded.
But for the last part of your question, a transmission is just directing and redirecting fluid. A engine is creating combustion, it’s sucking in air, mixing it with fuel, compressing it, blowing it up, and pushing out exhaust. Metals expand and contract with temp, cold engines get fuel that washes past the piston rings and into the oil, blow by is always going to be present in some amount, same goes for oil consumption, exhaust gases get recirculated back into the engine, etc. simply put an engine is a very dirty environment and a transmission is not.
Torque spec plz
Read the description
@@aguyagirlandatrail tanks
All of you that are still going to a dealership, stop... Just stop. The excuse that you can't find a reputable shop doesn't work... The dealer is NOT reputable!!
How many miles on this vehicle?
13X,000 I drain and fill every 15K when doing the diffs but this was the first time the pan has been off and filter replaced.
@@aguyagirlandatrail 130k miles with that being the first time the filter had been swapped? That really wasn’t that dirty at all!
This is overkill.
transmission with no dipstick... what a STUPID design