Changing the oil in a Toyota Rav 4 automatic transmission, what oil to fill and when

There is nothing complicated about changing the oil in an automatic transmission on your own with a RAV4 manufactured by Toyota. Many crossover car owners do this work themselves. This allows you to significantly save money on car service costs and gain invaluable personal experience in car maintenance. The only exception may be crossovers that are under warranty. In this situation, there is no point in carrying out such manipulations on your own, since this is required to be done by certified technicians at official Toyota service stations. If the warranty period has expired and the oil in the automatic transmission needs to be replaced, then it is important to learn how to choose the right composition and change it in the automatic transmission.

The correct choice of oil will increase the stability of the gearbox.

Why change the oil

The Rav4 is equipped with automatic machines from the Japanese manufacturer Asin. The company is known in the automotive industry as a reliable brand. These gearboxes are capable of operating throughout the entire service life of the machine.

Crossovers of the 3rd, 4th and 5th generations are equipped with maintenance-free gearboxes. According to the regulations, cars purchased in 2006, 2007 and later are equipped with gearboxes in which transmission fluid is filled “for life.” In fact, such boxes also require maintenance.

During operation, the oil is exposed to physical and chemical attack. This leads to a change in the composition of the lubricant. Air oxygen radicals react with some components of the mixture and oxidize them.

Temperature changes have a destructive effect. The viscosity of the composition is regulated by polymer macromolecules. At temperatures below 0°C, the helix of the macromolecule curls into a ball. This reduces the viscosity of the lubricant, which has increased due to the onset of crystallization of higher paraffins.

During heating, the reverse process occurs. Higher paraffins change their state of aggregation and enter the liquid phase. Macromolecules unfold from the ball and increase the viscosity of the composition.

Constant cycles of folding and unfolding destroy the structure of the molecule. Over time, the performance properties of the lubricant deteriorate.

Moving parts in the box of the 2010 Toyota Rav4 and other model years rub against each other. The result is metal shavings. It also reduces the performance of the mixture.

These factors deteriorate the quality of the oil. Lubricating properties are reduced. The risk of scoring and scratches on the surface of the moving elements of the box increases.

Materials for changing engine fluid

Before you start changing the oil in Toyota Rav 4 vehicle , you need to prepare the materials and tools that will be required to successfully drain and fill the used fluid.

• oil 0W20, for more northern latitudes 5W30 is used. The latter can remain liquid at 30 degrees below zero. This means that in northern latitudes, in winter, there will be no need to push start the car;
• oil filter with Toyota catalog number 04152-YZZA-1. Any other may not fit in thread and size;
• gaskets for threads and on the oil filter cover;
• seal for drain plug;
• socket wrenches, preferably a set;
• oil filter puller diameter 64 mm;
• container for draining used liquid;
• torque wrench.

Having prepared all these tools and materials, you can start changing the fluid in the car.

When do you need to change the oil in a Toyota Rav 4 automatic transmission?

The oil in the 2008 Toyota Rav 4 automatic transmission (as well as earlier and later versions) needs to be changed only at a certain mileage. This is typical for early and later versions of the car. There are 2 types of replacement:

• full;
• partial.

In the 2021 Toyota Rav 4 automatic transmission, a partial oil change is carried out after 25-30 thousand kilometers. A complete change of lubricant must be performed after 60 thousand kilometers. If the driver did not carry out a partial replacement, then the indicated figure is reduced by 20 thousand. As soon as the mileage is 40 thousand (the permissible deviation is plus 5 thousand km), it is recommended to completely change the oil. There are no exceptions.

A complete oil change in the automatic transmission of a Toyota Rav 4 (2008, 2009 and subsequent years of production) must be carried out after purchasing the car second-hand. The driver does not know how the car was used by the previous owner. Pouring new lubricant into the box will prevent breakdown and the need for subsequent repairs.

Step-by-step instruction

The procedure for changing transmission oil in an automatic transmission on a 2008 Toyota RAV4 is no different from working with cars of older or newer models. Therefore, the instructions are almost the same. The main thing here is to choose the appropriate composition and try to drain the old lubricant from the crankcase as completely as possible. We suggest you change the oil according to the standard procedure. There is nothing complicated in the intermediate replacement, but it will be much less useful.

1. Start the engine. It needs to be warmed up to operating temperatures. Also warm up the automatic transmission. You can drive for several kilometers, switching to different transmission modes. This will give the oil a thinner consistency, making it easier to drain from the crankcase.
2. Now you should place the car on a flat surface. You don't need to do anything in the engine compartment. Therefore, immediately move under the bottom. If there is a crankcase protection installed there, it will have to be removed. Simply unscrew a few fasteners using the appropriate keys.
3. There is a drain plug located on the oil sump or automatic transmission pan. It can be unscrewed with a hex key. Be sure to prepare an empty container and keep it near you. As soon as you remove the plug, immediately place a container under the drain. If you act carefully, transmission lubricant should not get on the floor or on your skin.
4. Wait until the oil stops flowing through the hole. As soon as periodic drops begin to appear, we move on to the next stage. Now we remove the pallet itself.

   
   To do this, unscrew all the fastening bolts that are located around the perimeter of the crankcase. A flat-head screwdriver will help pry the crankcase and tear the pan off the surface of the car's bottom. Do not make sudden or strong movements, otherwise you risk damaging the pan, which will cause the seal to break and other problems to arise.

5. The pan will also contain some old transmission lube. Therefore, do not remove the waste container far away.
6. The oil filter of your automatic transmission is also located under the crankcase. We dismantle it and remove any remaining oil from it.

7. It is recommended to wipe the pan itself with a rag, treat it with carburetor wash or regular gasoline. This will get rid of all dirt, deposits and possible sediment in the form of metal shavings. If you notice metal shavings, it makes sense to add a high-quality additive when filling in new lubricant.
8. Install a new filter. Make sure you have not lost the sealing gasket from the filter element. If everything is in place, tighten the filter and return the pan to its place.
9. The pallet is an important component when replacing. It has special magnets that collect metal shavings. Thorough cleaning will allow the new oil to perform its functions effectively and for a long time.
10. Reinstall the cleaned pan by replacing the old gasket and treating it with a small amount of sealant. This way the element will fit into place as tightly as possible, and unwanted leaks will be avoided.
11. Tighten the transmission sump mounting bolts and replace the drain plug. It is recommended to change it along with the gasket. Although some people get by only by replacing the seal on the drain plug.
12. Now that the entire structure has been assembled in reverse order, you can fill in new oil for the automatic transmission of your RAV4 crossover. An important point here is the use of containers for draining waste. It is advisable to take a container that has some marks for identification. This will allow you to calculate how much composition was drained. You will take the appropriate amount from containers with new oil.
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13. After filling in the required amount of lubricant, start the engine. Depress the brake pedal and at the same time begin to switch the automatic transmission knob to all modes. Stop at each position for 5 – 10 seconds. In this case, you cannot release your foot from the brake pedal.
14. Turn off the engine. Using the dipstick, check how much lubricant is in the automatic transmission crankcase. You have done everything correctly if the dipstick shows the level between o and “Min”.

Now you have one more unused can of transmission compound at your disposal, don’t worry. Everything is provided in advance. To achieve the best possible cleaning in a garage environment, you will need to drain and refill the oil after 500 to 1,000 kilometers. Only this time you don’t need to remove the pan and change the filter. Unfortunately for many car owners, a complete oil change in an automatic transmission is only possible if they go to a service station or have special, expensive equipment. If you are only servicing your car, and there is no place other than RAV4 to change the oil, then there is no point in buying a stand. In practice, a standard replacement followed by an intermediate oil change in the automatic transmission is sufficient for reliable and trouble-free operation of the automatic transmission on the Rav4 crossover manufactured by the Japanese company Toyota.

Selection of transmission fluid

The official regulations indicate that it is best to use original oils from the manufacturer for replacement.

They were created taking into account the features of the Toyota Rav 4: they provide the best lubricity and protect the moving parts of the automatic transmission from friction.

Oil can be bought at any car store or on the Internet (on the Emex website or others). It is more convenient to search by article number.

When changing the oil in an automatic transmission of Toyota Rav 4 of 2007, 2008 and subsequent years of production, you need to purchase a composition with catalog number 08886-02305 (088868-1015, 088868-1016). Name - Toyota ATF WS. For earlier versions of cars, lubricants with article number 05553-00405 (Toyota ATF T-IV) are suitable.

You can clarify the required type of lubricant using the VIN code of the machine. On many automotive websites, the required automatic transmission oil is selected using a 17-digit number.

Sometimes drivers do not buy original trains, but look for an alternative. This happens due to 2 reasons:

• high price;
• counterfeit

Automatic transmission lubricants from Toyota are more expensive than those of competitors. Such compounds are often counterfeited. These factors force people to look for other mixtures.

You can't do that. Saving on gearbox lubricant will lead to premature car breakdown. Repairs will cost more.

The value of automatic transmission oil

The gearbox is one of the extremely complex structures in any car. This is especially true for automatic transmissions. The design has many moving parts that require lubrication. In order for the automatic transmission to last as long as possible without unexpected breakdowns, the oil should be changed on time.

Many drivers underestimate the importance of transmission oil. This is a big mistake, since it plays a vital role in automatic transmissions. Oil performs a number of key functions:

• Transmission of torque in a torque converter (the main difference from a manual gearbox).
• Lubrication of teeth of moving components.
• Heat dissipation.
• Ensuring correct and smooth operation of the box.

In the design of automatic transmissions, it is strictly forbidden to use conventional manual transmission oil. In such models, ATF is used (an abbreviation for the English words Automatic Transmission Fluid). The liquid is a mineral or synthetic composition that contains a variety of additives, antioxidants, passivators and corrosion inhibitors. Additives directly protect the oil itself and metal parts from oxidation.

The complexity of the composition leads to the fact that during active use or heavy loads on the box, it “ages” very quickly and loses its properties. Then a mandatory oil change in the Toyota automatic transmission is necessary. By neglecting this procedure, you risk damaging the complex structure of the automatic transmission. Repairing an automatic transmission costs much more than repairing a manual transmission.

What is needed to change the oil in a Rav 4 automatic transmission

Changing the oil in the automatic transmission of a Toyota Rav 4 of 2013, 2014 and subsequent years does not differ from the identical procedure in earlier models. Required materials and tools:

• collection for working out;
• rubbing;
• gloves;
• new lubricant and filter;
• a set of keys for unscrewing the pan and plug;
• carbcleaner;
• pan gasket;
• sealant.

The procedure itself is carried out on an overpass, a lift or in an inspection pit. Using a measuring container for testing, the driver will be able to determine the amount of lubricant used and fill in the required amount of new one.

You will need from 4 (for partial) to 10 (for complete replacement) liters of liquid. The automatic transmission of a Toyota Rav 4 2013 and newer can hold approximately 7 liters of oil in total. A certain amount will be spent on washing parts.

A partial oil change in a Rav 4 automatic transmission younger than 2013 takes no more than 4-5 liters.

Checking the oil level

Checking the transmission level in this model also varies depending on the type of transmission. A special control plug is installed in the variator, which, if the production level critically decreases, will signal the driver by changing the marks and parameters. However, to prevent and check this value, it is necessary to place the car on a lift, since the plug is located at the bottom of the body.

In the classic version, there is a special dipstick, which is located in the engine compartment. On this part there are special marks that indicate the level of value that the manufacturer allows when pouring the standard substance into the crankcase. In this case, the owner can check the level completely independently - simply remove the dipstick from the crankcase and determine its level based on the existing risks.

Progress of work on changing the oil in the Toyota RAV 4 automatic transmission

To warm up the lubricant and increase its fluidity, you need to drive for 10 minutes. If the replacement is carried out outdoors in winter, then you need to ride for at least half an hour first.

Before starting work, it is important to level the car horizontally. The machine must not be parked on a slope. Otherwise, some of the old fluid will remain in the box. The performance characteristics of the new lubricant will be reduced.

Procedure for partial replacement:

1. Put the automatic transmission into parking mode.
2. Remove the crankcase protection (if equipped).
3. Place a container for processing under the nut.
4. Unscrew the nut and wait until all the oil drains out.
5. Tighten the nut (not all the way).
6. Remove the pan by unscrewing all the bolts around the perimeter (some of the oil may remain inside, so you need to remove the pan carefully).
7. Unscrew the filter fasteners and drain the oil in the filtration system into a waste container.
8. Install a new filter.
9. Remove dirt from the pan with carb cleaner, remove the gasket and put a new one in its place.
10. Secure it with sealant.
11. Place the pan in place and tighten the drain nut until it stops.
12. Pour new compound into the automatic transmission through the hole for the dipstick.

This completes the partial replacement. The driver just has to start the engine and periodically change the available control modes.

When completely replacing, you need to remove the grease from the radiator. To do this, simply disconnect the fixing hose and direct it into the waste container. All procedures are simple. Even an inexperienced driver can do them with his own hands.

Partial

The car is driven onto an overpass or placed over an inspection hole; it is important that the surface is level. The automatic transmission is set to the parking position, after which:

• the crankcase protection, if any, is removed;
• the drain plug nut is found on the pallet;
• a previously prepared container is placed under it;
• the nut is unscrewed, the plug is removed, and the old oil begins to flow into the vessel;

The transmission fluid will gradually drain. When the oil flow stops, you should tighten the plug by hand (not with a key, not all the way), and remove the automatic transmission pan by unscrewing the bolts around its perimeter. There is still old oil in the pan, so unscrew it carefully. When the nuts are loosened, you can pry the pan with a flat object (for example, a screwdriver) on one side and drain the remaining ATF.

You can put the pan aside for now and work on the box filter. It is attached to three bolts, which are unscrewed, after which the filter simply pulls down. It is advisable not to remove the waste container yet, since the box filter still contains a little oil, which must be collected in a common container. Next, a new filter is put in place and secured with bolts. Appearance of the box with the new filter:

After finishing work on the filter, you need to clean and put the pan back

Remains of old oil and dirt should be removed from it, paying special attention to the magnets placed in the tray, which collect metal dust and shavings from the elements of the box. Carb cleaner or WD-40 work well for cleaning.

After the pan is cleaned, you need to remove the remains of the old gasket from the pan and the seat on the automatic transmission. Then a new gasket is installed; for reliability, you can coat it a little with sealant.

Once the gasket is in place, you can return the pan to its place by tightening all the bolts. The drain plug is also put back and screwed in completely. You can, if desired and/or necessary, replace its O-ring and washer.

The second stage of the procedure is filling in fresh transmission oil. To do this, you will need a funnel, the narrow end of which is inserted into the hole in the box probe

New oil is simply carefully poured inside, pouring the same amount as was poured out at the previous stage: this is why it is important to have a graduated container

This completes the partial oil change. You should remove the funnel, check the oil level in the Rav 4 automatic transmission with a dipstick, start the engine, “drive” the automatic transmission modes one by one, holding each for about 2-3 seconds, turn off the engine again and check the oil level in the Rav 4 automatic transmission. If necessary, add oil. . Next, a small test drive and control measurement are made.

After this, the partial oil change in the Rav 4 automatic transmission can be considered complete.

Transmission oil for automatic transmission Rav4 2003

In 2003, the 2nd generation Toyota Rav4 CA20W line was awaited by a planned restyling, but it did not bring any changes in terms of transmission. Since the Japanese automaker also installed the automatic transmission modifications U140F and U241E described above on the restyled models of this series. Accordingly, Toyota Rav4 2003 automatic transmission oil is also selected according to the Toyota ATF Type T-IV specification. This can be either the original Toyota ATF Type T-IV oil or its substitutes Liqui Moly Top Tec ATF 1200, GToil GT ATF Type IV.

Toyota ATF Type T-IV	4 liters Article: 08886-01705 Average price: 3000 rubles 1 liter Article: 00279-000T4-01 Average price: 1200 rubles
Liqui Moly Top Tec ATF 1200	1 liter Article: 7502 Average price: 1000 rubles
GToil GT ATF Type IV	4 liters Article: 8809059407912 Average price: 2500 rubles 1 liter Article: 880 9059407905 Average price: 700 rubles

Oil change process

The gearbox in cars is one of the most complex structures. This is especially true for the automatic transmission in the Toyota Rav 4. Many parts interact in such a mechanism. For efficient operation of automatic transmission components, a special lubricant is required - ATF oil.

Automatic transmission oil performs a number of important functions:

1. Provides rotation of torque in the torque converter. Thus, the gears shift smoothly from one to another;
2. Lubricates the surface of mechanisms, preventing their friction and premature wear;
3. Removes excess heat and distributes temperature evenly throughout the ATF system;
4. Ensures smooth operation of the automatic transmission.

In an automatic design, it is strictly forbidden to use ordinary liquid that is poured into the MTF. Such a mechanism requires a special process oil, a mineral or synthetic composition, which contains a variety of additives, antioxidants, passivators and corrosion inhibitors. These substances protect the mechanism from premature wear.

However, over time, additives interact with each other and lose their effect. In this case, the oil begins to precipitate and become dark and thick. Such a solution is not able to fully perform the functions assigned to it, and therefore requires replacement.

According to the maintenance regulations from Toyota Rav 4 car manufacturers, ATF fluid must be replaced every 50 - 70 thousand kilometers. However, the mileage can be changed up or down, depending on the intensity of use of the vehicle, the driver’s driving style, the serviceability of the automatic transmission itself, as well as the quality of the source fluid. Mineral oil is replaced with new oil after 30 thousand kilometers. Synthetic will last longer.

By neglecting the recommendations for timely replacement of ATF oil from the Toyota Rav 4 car manufacturer, the driver risks damaging the complex structure of the automatic transmission. Repairing the box will be expensive.

Factors influencing premature wear of the working fluid in an automatic transmission:

• overweight of the vehicle and frequent transportation of heavy loads;
• trailer towing;
• bad roads;
• hot climate;
• frequent stays in traffic jams where gears are actively changed.

New Honda Rav 4 car models require changing the ATF fluid after 80-120 thousand kilometers. In vehicles older than 3 years, replacement must be done more often, i.e. after every 30-40 thousand km.

The driver can change the fluid in an automatic transmission on his own, following the simple instructions that will be described below. However, you first need to decide on the choice of a suitable liquid. For Honda cars, it is recommended to use only original oil from the manufacturer, marked T, T-III, T-IV and WS.

Hello everyone. I'm going to change the oil in the automatic transmission in the first Rava '98. Several questions arose: 1. What kind of oil is poured there and how much (if a complete replacement) They say only one special oil is suitable there. 2. Is there a filter or a mesh that needs to be cleaned? 3. Estimated cost of consumables for replacement.

1. Look at the oil type stamped on the dipstick, most likely ATF-III (dexron III). 2. There is a filter, non-separable, it looks something like this https://toyota-club.net/files/faq/04-07-02_at-filter.htm 3. Replacing the filter involves removing the automatic transmission pan + filter + pan gasket. FAQ on automatic transmission is here https://toyota-club.net/files/02_st-expl.htm All your equipment can be selected from the catalog https://toyota.japancats.ru/ for your own replacement, if there are conditions. And so you get on the phone and call the service station to see if consumables are available, the cost of the work mainly depends on the cost of the standard hour and the volume of oil to be replaced (full or partial). Well, another link on the topic of automatic transmission to determine the type and other spare parts in the box https://www.abtomat.ru/ I changed the oil + filter in my automatic transmission last year here as I was passing by https://toyota.nova-auto .ru/map.html I called, made an appointment, consumables and oil are available (in normal packaging, it doesn’t seem to be too bad). I think this operation can also be performed in Veshnyaki :) I wouldn’t https://japauto.ru/content/view/16/54/ here, the service tried to convince me that ATF and ATF-IV are the same oil and they can be mixed.

The A540 box works great on a regular Dexron-2 or Dexron-3. For example Mobil-ATF. Mesh filter.

Toyota automatics work perfectly even with MGP-10/12 shock absorber oil :) RAV is prescribed Type T, although, according to the latest service bill (1999), Type T-IV replaces both Type T and all dextrons. Type T is thinner than ordinary dextrons.

Tray with magnets:

Filter (just wash it):

When replacing the fluid, you will have to open the automatic transmission cooling circuit. You should pull off the right tube (in the photo) from the fitting of the box (this is the drain line):

8 liters is enough for a complete replacement and a little washing.

Well, just photos of the box:

And there is nothing to add after Severchanin and papik97. I fill in what is written on the dipstick. I believe Severchanin that Type T-IV replaces dextrons and Type T :)

Toyota RAV-4 2004

The most valuable thing is not what we have, but those who we have ©

Guys, thanks for the advice! They also told me that there is only one oil, type 4.

Then Severchanin: Is it possible to wash the filter? (What is it made of inside)

sorry for intruding. wash the mesh mona simple carbonclea I did this on 4 cars without any problems

My iron filters were like fine honeycomb and you just wash them, dry them and put them back. I don’t know what they’re made of))

Indeed, carburetor cleaner is quite enough. No carbon deposits form on the mesh, only soft, easily soluble deposits of oil and wear products.

But will you have to disassemble it for cleaning, or is the mesh so accessible?

The topic is already overused. My IMHO and not without reason. 1 Change the filter, exactly change it, every 100 thousand. Because It will not be possible to wash it efficiently without disassembling it. At best, the part of the mesh that you see through the entrance and exit windows will be washed. Mesh with very good fine mesh nylon or propylene. If you flare the filter housing for washing, you will not be able to assemble it properly (without special tools). 2. Because for a complete replacement, on the advice of Severchanin, the displacement method is used (in my opinion, the best way is to drain and fill, drive around, drain and fill again.) then mixing of ATF is inevitable anyway (Automatic Transmission Fluid - who doesn’t know), and therefore use ATF Toyota Type-T. DO NOT mix Type-T

with other types including Type-T IV. Somewhere else it was stated in official sources that replacement is allowed, BUT not mixing. And for a very long time replacement was not allowed (which has changed since then.) TYP-T is designed specifically for automatic transmissions of all-wheel drive SUVs (read loaded). In those old days, other Toyota transmissions still used Dexron. 3. To replace by displacement, at least 2 cans of 4 liters are required. It will take about 4 liters from the pan (with removal). It’s better to run a little more (for greater purity) - then 10 liters will be enough. I've had enough. 4. Severchanin - ? Is your box still alive? The hedgehog is painfully ugly, the steel parts are wearing out, however.

Replacement interval

The frequency of replacing the fluid in the gearbox housing of the Japanese crossover “RAV4” depends on what generation of the car you are dealing with. The official regulations indicate that the 3rd and 4th generations of the crossover, which have a body with the index A30 and A40, respectively, do not require changing the transmission fluid in the automatic transmission during the entire operational period. But in fact, these recommendations do not correspond to reality, and an oil change is needed. Any working fluid gradually loses its properties. The more severe the operating conditions of the car, the faster the oil will deteriorate and lose its properties and characteristics. Therefore, the optimal solution would be a mandatory check of the condition of the oil in the automatic transmission every 30 - 40 thousand kilometers. If you notice signs of grease wear, then be sure to change it.

The frequency of changing an automatic transmission to a RAV4 of earlier models, that is, 1st and 2nd generations, is the standard 30 - 40 thousand kilometers. If you delay replacing the lubricant, this may negatively affect the condition of the gearbox and engine. Therefore, it is better not to risk your crossover, but to service it in a timely manner. An automatic transmission has a slightly shorter lifespan than its mechanical counterparts. Many components and electronics make these boxes vulnerable. Although there are no particular complaints about the design, reliability and durability of the machines installed on the RAV4. Time always negatively affects the condition of any mechanisms, therefore no one is protected from natural wear and tear.

Practice shows that on cars dating back to the 2000s, the automatic transmission operates stably and efficiently when using appropriate transmission lubricants. Therefore, the average frequency of their replacement is 50–60 thousand kilometers. You need to start not from the manufacturer’s recommendations, since they are designed for almost ideal operating conditions, but from the specific situations of each car owner. After all, some have to change the composition after 30 thousand kilometers, while others can withstand all 80 - 100 thousand without problems. With an impressive mileage, the oil is changed at least once every 60 thousand kilometers. This will avoid unwanted breakdowns and excessive wear of the rubbing surfaces inside the automatic transmission.