I already changed my ATF and didn't realize at the time that I should probably do a how-to. Regardless, I took some pics just now to help you out for a basic fluid swap. It's fairly easy... actually easier than changing the manual tranny fluid.

Anyhow, I used Eneos ATF which meets and exceeds the Toyota Type-IV for our automatic trannys.


1. Drain the old tranny fluid via the plug at the bottom of the tranny pan, the same procedure as if you were changing your engine oil. Re-tighten when drained.




2. Now that the tranny fluid is drained, we will need to refill it. The advantage for us auto guys is that we have a tranny fluid dipstick... this is where we will be refilling our ATF through. Remove the auto transmission dip stick (red circle), do not get it confused with the engine oil dip stick (green circle).



3. Place a thin tipped funnel inside the mouth where the dipstick enters and pour selected ATF. You'll need about 4 quarts/bottles. Replace the dipstick.


4. Make sure everything is tightened up and secure, then start your engine. Let it warm up to the regular running temperature and then check your tranny fluid level via the dipstick. And you're DONE.

Overall, the car runs a lot smoother and is just as easy as changing your motor oil. For me, I went the route of changing the filter as well, which requires dropping the pan. I would recommend doing that for anyone who hasn't changed their auto tranny fluid and has over 45k+ miles.

As always, be sure to use jack stands when working under the car.

I am not responsible if you screw your car up somehow.

Any questions, just ask.

 

Thanks for the DIY

 

eneos FTW!

 

Good write up sir.

 

Very nice write up. What are other good brands for ATF fluid?

 

Wow I didn't know it'd be that easy. Anyone know exactly how many quarts of ATF we use? Props to KINGxOFxSKA for the write-up. I might do this tomorrow.

 

i think i used 4qts when i changed mine. i didn't drop the pan though

 

thanx! I was wondering about this since now I have decided to do all the maintenance instead of taking it to the dealer

 

btw, can you get Eneos from any local auto parts store?

 

Good write up.

 

Hey thanks for the DIY, quick question though...where'd you get rid off the old tranny fliud?

 

nice writeup

 

You can take your old fluid to NAPA or most other auto parts store.

 

I think Super Autobachs sells Eneos... or you can purchase it online.

http://www.tweakedice.com/eneosatf.html

 

For our Toyota engine, it's a little harder to find other auto tranny fluids since we are only specifically supposed to use the Toyota Type IV ATF. The good thing about the Eneos Synthetic fluid is that it meets the Type IV standards and more.

 

Oh alright. Thanks. I might change the oil at 20k miles.

 

If you did want to change the tranny filter in the pan, how would you go about doing that? Are the bolts that are on the tranny pan easy to remove? Also, what type of filter would you recommend and could you get the filter at any old auto parts store? Thanks!

 

x2

 

i like your engine bay...very clean...and the black heatshield nice touch...is that an hc1800 kinetik?

 

The tranny pan drops like the oil pan. You'll need a new gasket and a new filter which you can purchase from any auto parts store or dealership.



Thank you. That is a Kinetik HC1800