Manufacturers supply cars with different types of gearboxes. They all have both advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, you need to know which transmission the Toyota RAV 4 is equipped with: automatic or CVT, how to determine the type of gearbox, what is better to choose. Automatic, manual and continuously variable units are similar in appearance, which simplifies the process of interaction between the driver and the car.
Before purchasing a Toyota RAV 4, it is better to find out what transmission the car is equipped with.
General information about automatic transmission on Toyota RAV4
Older cars of this model are equipped with 2 types of automatic transmissions - U760E and U660E, which have similar designs and interchangeable parts. Recently released cars are equipped with an 8-speed DirectShift-8AT automatic transmission. It is characterized by an extended power range and fast gear changes.
The manufacturer has introduced a new gear machining technology and clutch linings specially designed for a specific transmission.
Design and principle of operation
The classic automatic transmission is a torque converter, invented at the beginning of the 20th century. The design consists of 3 main units that perform the following functions:
- Fluid couplings working with a special fluid. The unit is responsible for transmitting torque from the power unit to the gearbox. The fluid coupling is located on the flywheel of the motor.
- Hydraulic control mechanism. The unit maintains the normal functioning of the planetary gearbox.
- Switch box. It is the main part of the automatic transmission, responsible for changing speeds. This element is often called a planetary box.
Automatic transmission works like this:
- When the engine starts, liquid is supplied to the hydraulic transformer and the pressure increases. The pump blades begin to move. The wheels and turbine remain stationary.
- When you switch the lever and press the accelerator pedal, the speed of rotation of the blades increases. The oil enters the reactor and then returns to the turbine. The efficiency of the latter increases.
- Torque is transmitted to the wheels. The car begins to move at the desired speed.
- When the car moves uphill, the reactor stops rotating, and the torque is transferred to the centrifugal pump. When the desired speed is reached, the gears in the planetary gearbox change.
- When the car brakes, the fluid pressure drops. The speed gradually decreases. After stopping the engine, the pressure reaches 0, starting the car from a push becomes impossible.
The operating principle of an automatic transmission.
Automatic transmission repair Toyota RAV-4 and U 140
The “one hundred and fortieth” series of Toyota automatic transmissions is rightfully considered a classic. All mechanical and hydraulic parts of these boxes are very reliable. But sometimes electronics suffer. A typical “disease” of U 140 on the Toyota RAV 4 is precisely the failure of the electronic control unit. Moreover, electronics do not “die” completely. The result is incorrect signals to the hydraulic units, which leads to serious mechanical and hydraulic problems. High-quality automatic transmission repairs for Toyota RAv 4, Corolla, Camry, Land Cruzer with a guarantee. The method of treatment is automatic transmission repair and replacement of the electronic unit. At the same time, the same U140 box installed on the Lexus RX300 has completely different “sores” - there are almost no problems with electronics. The reason is simple - despite the identical mechanical part, boxes with the same U140 index are radically different in electronics, which are designed for each individual car.
| Type of repair | Price |
| Automatic transmission repair | from 10,000 rub. |
| Torque converter | from 3,500 rub. |
| CVT (CVT) | from 15,000 rub. |
| DSG 7 and DSG 6 | from 11,000 rub. |
| Robot | from 10,000 rub. |
| Easytronic | from 6,000 rub. |
| S-tronic | from 15,000 rub. |
| DSG 7 mechatronics repair | from 5000 rub |
| SMG | from 30,000 rub. |
| You will find detailed prices on the repair cost page. | You will be told the exact cost specifically for your car by phone: +7 (495) 778-81-17 |
Features of the variator
Toyota RAV 4 is equipped with all- and front-wheel drive continuously variable transmissions - K111F and K 111. They are compatible with engines up to 2 liters. The variator operates under the control of a hydraulic unit with 5 solenoids. The design of the gearbox includes:
- metal chain or timing belt;
- hydraulic unit with rotating and driven shafts;
- filter.
Speeds switch smoothly, without steps. This is achieved by disconnecting and connecting the pulleys and the drive belt. When the engine starts, the gear mechanism is activated.
Subsequently, control is transferred to the belt drive. Speeds change like this:
- When you press the accelerator pedal, the number of revolutions of the engine and drive shaft increases. Torque is transmitted to the belt, which sets in motion.
- Changing the shape of the pulleys helps increase speed. As the speed decreases, the shafts diverge and the belt tension weakens.
Reliability and service life of the continuously variable transmission
The drive belt needs to be replaced every 90 thousand km. With an aggressive driving style, pulleys and other consumables wear out within 60-80 thousand kilometers. With proper care, a CVT transmission can last at least 15 years.
Checking the level
I recommend checking the oil level in the Toyota Rav4 automatic transmission every 10,000 kilometers. If operating conditions are extreme, then reduce the difference to 5000 kilometers.
The verification procedure is carried out as follows:
- Warm up the automatic transmission to 70 degrees.
- Press the brake pedal and move the selector through all gears.
- Place the Toyota Rav4 on a flat surface or hole.
- Turn off the engine and open the hood.
- Unscrew the dipstick and wipe the tip with a lint-free cloth.
- Place the dipstick back into the hole and turn it 180 degrees.
- Pull it out and look at the marks.
- If the oil is at the “Max” level, then leave everything as is. If not, then add about 1 liter.
- Then check the level again.
Read
Automatic transmission oil ATF SP3: analogues, characteristics and application
Don't forget to look at the rag. If you see that the lubricant remaining on the rag is black and has metallic inclusions, then the transmission fluid should be replaced.
Possible breakdowns with automatic and CVT gearboxes
When operating a CVT transmission, the following problems may arise:
- Damage to the side plates due to oil contamination;
- filter clogging, which contributes to a decrease in operating pressure in the unit, uncoordinated rotation of shafts, belt rupture, and slippage;
- moisture ingress during washing;
- overheating, leading to destruction of the belt and pulleys.
On a car with a CVT transmission, the owner may encounter problems with moisture ingress.
The automatic transmission works properly up to 1 million km. During aggressive driving, the planetary gear is damaged after 400 thousand km. Increased loads contribute to the occurrence of such malfunctions:
- destruction of the axes of adjacent gears, leading to a reduction in the contact spot;
- damage to the pump by large abrasive particles;
- oil leakage caused by wear of gaskets and seals;
- breakdown of the pump bushing resulting from driving with contaminated oil;
- clogging of solenoids with torque converter destruction products;
- bearing failures.
Materials for a comprehensive oil change in a Toyota Rav4 automatic transmission
Materials needed to change the oil in a Toyota Rav4 automatic transmission:
- original oil. It will depend on the year the box was produced. Therefore, see the instruction manual;
- box oil filter;
- gaskets and seals. The filter and gaskets for different types of boxes are different from each other, both externally and by catalog number. Therefore, look in the operating book for the number;
- wrenches, flathead screwdriver, ratchet and sockets;
- gloves;
- carbocleaner;
- funnel;
- hose and fittings;
- five liter bottle;
- container for draining lubricant.
After all materials have been prepared, proceed to replacing the lubricant. I will describe the procedure below.
The main differences between an automatic transmission and a variator, their advantages and disadvantages
Automatic transmission and CVT differ:
- fuel consumption (for cars with automatic transmission it is 10-15% higher);
- weight (variator design is more compact and lighter);
- frequency of oil changes (when driving a car with CVT, the procedure is performed more often and more expensive working fluids are used);
- the cost of repairs (restoring an automatic transmission is cheaper);
- reliability (variator is more sensitive to load).
The main advantages of automatic transmissions are reliability, increased service life, and maintainability. The variator ensures smooth gear shifting, acceleration without jerking, and lower fuel consumption. The disadvantages of CVT are:
- high cost of repairs;
- impossibility of use for extreme driving;
- limited resource.
Why should you contact us when deciding to do repairs?
- Our specialists with over 20 years of experience
- We will provide a free tow truck
- Initial inspection out of turn
- Diagnostics within 20 minutes (free in case of repair)
- Warranty 1 year or 30,000 km.
- Urgent repairs in just 1-2 days
- You choose - original spare parts or analogues
- We repair, replace and service all types of transmissions.
- Because we carry out professional repairs of DSG CVT automatic transmissions.
Toyota cars have earned trust and great consumer demand among Russians thanks to:
- constant improvement of the mechanical part of the car,
- electronic equipment,
- cabin comfort,
- relatively inexpensive repairs and maintenance,
- design,
- excellent cross-country ability (applies to RAV4)
Reviews from Toyota RAV4 owners
Evgeniy, 35 years old, Krasnodar
“Classic automatic transmissions are easier to repair than CVT ones. Most craftsmen are already familiar with them; there are no problems ordering parts. The variator is sensitive to loads and can easily overheat when driving over rough terrain. Toyota SUVs are equipped with classic automatic transmissions, problems with which rarely arise. It’s easier to sell a car like this than with a CVT.”
Sergey, 44 years old, Novosibirsk
“When using cars in urban conditions, the difference is not felt. However, the CVT requires more complex and expensive maintenance. Additionally, the CVT may spontaneously fail. It can only be restored through expensive repairs. An automatic transmission is considered more reliable.”
Complete replacement of transmission fluid in automatic transmission
The complete procedure for changing transmission fluid in a Toyota Rav4 automatic transmission is no different from the partial procedure if you do it without a high-pressure apparatus.
- Repeat all the steps that I described in the previous block.
- Just stop before starting the engine and warming up the automatic transmission. Remove the hose from the cooling system return. If necessary, extend it using an adapter and clamps.
- Insert the free end into the neck of a five-liter bottle.
- Call your partner and ask them to start the engine.
- Black liquid will flow into the container. Drain about a liter and turn off the engine.
- Top up and repeat the procedure.
- Repeat the process of draining and filling the automatic transmission oil until the oil runs clear.
After completing the procedure, warm up the automatic transmission and drive the car so that the oil penetrates into all hard-to-reach components of the machine. Check the lubricant level.
Cost of work when repairing a TOYOTA RAV4 gearbox:
| car entry diagnostics | for free |
| removal and installation | 5,000 rub. |
| disassembly and assembly | 5,000 rub. |
| Replacing the clutch at the request of the car owner | 2,000 rub. |
| filling the gearbox with transmission oil | for free |
A range of repair services for a TOYOTA RAV4 manual gearbox:
- consultation with a repairman /by phone free of charge/
- delivery of the car for repair /within Moscow RUB 3,000. From the Moscow region and other regions of the Russian Federation - by agreement/
- comprehensive vehicle diagnostics / determination of the presence of a malfunction in the engine, manual transmission, ABS, brake system; checking the vehicle's electrical circuits for corrosion, checking the kinematic damage of the unit, checking the transmission oil level, checking the functionality of the clutch hydraulic system/ - free of charge during repairs
- visual inspection, body integrity check
- checking the transmission oil content for the presence of steel, aluminum or bronze chips
- opening the pallet /if necessary/
- removal from the car
- disassembly, washing of parts and assemblies
- defect detection /presence of the car owner is mandatory/
- agreement with the car owner on the cost of complete repairs and the completion date of the repairs
- receipt from the spare parts/repairs warehouse. kit, consumables, components/
- repair / argon welding / gearbox housing if necessary
- assembly
- clutch replacement /at the request of the car owner/
- car installation
- refilling with transmission oil
- output diagnostics and test drive of the car
Warranty from 3 to 24 months or 60,000 km. mileage
| Phone number of the repairman: | Artem 8 /965/ 126 13 83 Vadim 8 /925/ 675 78 75 |
| Tow truck assistance /24/7/, dispatcher: | 8 /926/ 167 15 40 8 /985/ 888 68 14 |
We have a stock of restored transmissions TOYOTA RAV4 CA40 XA30 CA20 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.5 3.5 /see article replacement/. If the car owner wishes, we can replace the faulty one with one taken from the exchange stock, which is often more economically feasible.
When to get diagnosed?
To extend the service life of the gearbox, we recommend that you undergo timely diagnostics of the transmission unit. Our workshop in Moscow has the necessary equipment and instruments to inspect the condition of the transmission unit and identify faulty elements.
Sometimes there are situations when the car owner, for some reason, cannot visit the salon on time to undergo maintenance. Then it is recommended to contact the workshop if you notice the following symptoms of malfunctioning box:
- the occurrence of extraneous noises and sounds;
- difficult gear shifting;
- detecting oil leaks from the system.
It is worth noting that during operation, consumables may also wear out and require replacement. In any case, there is no need to hope that the problem will disappear. Ignoring the malfunction of the transmission unit can lead to more serious breakdowns and increased cost of transmission repairs
.
If the unit is completely out of order, then you can buy a
used or new type gearbox from us, and also order a replacement device.
