Toyota Rav4 Transmission Fluid – A Comprehensive Guide


Updated: 31 May 2024

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Maintaining your Toyota RAV4 in top condition includes focusing on a few essential parts, one of which is the transmission liquid. Transmission liquid is only good and provides smooth execution when it is at the proper level and of the right quality.

It greases the transmission system so the gear shifts move and operate properly. Regularly checking the transmission fluid can prevent issues like slipping gears, wheels overheating, and transmission failure, which can be costly to fix.

Understanding when and how to check, add, and replace transmission fluid is critical to maintaining your RAV4 in perfect condition. Below, we have a detailed guide explaining everything about transmission fluid, including how it works, its importance, and some other related info, so let’s get to it.

Toyota Rav4 Transmission Fluid
Toyota Rav4 Transmission Fluid

What is Transmission Fluid / Liquid?

Transmission liquid is a grease-like substance that is used as a lubricant to protect the transmission’s interior parts from wear and tear. It also works as the hydraulic fluid that is used in the automatic transmission.

There are various types of liquid transmission, and each works according to its specific transmission, whether manual or automatic. In automatic, we have Automatic transmission liquid (ATF), which is used in high intensity and heat. In the manual, we have manual transmission fluid oil, which is intended for manual gearboxes.

If you take care of your car, your car will take care of you.Mehmet Murat Ildan

Importance of Transmission Fluid:

Maintaining appropriate transmission liquid levels and quality is very important for multiple reasons. The first and most important one is that it guarantees that all moving parts inside the transmission are very well-greased, decreasing wear and tear.

Secondly, it keeps the proper cool and prevents extra heat from all the rubbing friction. Lastly, clean transmission liquid can prevent the development of debris and sludge, which can harm the transmission parts. Regular check-ups can save you from costly fixes down the line.

When to Check the Transmission Liquid:

Constantly checking your transmission liquid is crucial for the maintenance and safety of your RAV4’s transmission system. Toyota suggests checking the transmission liquid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending upon your driving condition, which means if you have warm weather, you should do it after 30,000 miles, but if you live in a cold weather area, you can check it after 60,000. But if you notice any side effects like slipping cog wheels, uncommon noise, or a bad smell, then it’s best to check the liquid sooner than expected.

How to Check the Transmission Fluid:

Checking the transmission liquid in your Toyota RAV4 is a clear and simple method if you have an older version of the RAV4. The latest version of Rav4 doesn’t have a dipstick, so you can’t check it on your own, so you have to contact a professional mechanic. Other than that, we have a bit-by-bit guide for checking transmission fluid:

Transmission Fluid Dipstick
Transmission Fluid Dipstick
  • Start your vehicle and let it run until it reaches a typical working temperature. This will bring the transmission liquid to the right level.
  • Make sure your vehicle is on a smooth, flat surface, and place it in Park (P) mode with the engine running.
  • Open the hood and find the transmission fluid dipstick. It is regularly set apart with a splendid handle, which might be red or yellow.
  • Please take out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a clean fabric.
  • Insert the dipstick back into the cylinder completely and then remove it again to check the liquid level.
  • The dipstick will have markings indicating the liquid level. If the liquid inside is at the required level, it should be clean and reddish. But it could be the ideal opportunity to change it if it smells bad.

Also, check the video below for more information about the above process.

How to Add or Replace Transmission Liquid:

Adding Transmission Liquid:

  • First, read the car’s manual to find the recommended liquid for your RAV4.
  • Find the dipstick tube and place the bottom funnel into the dipstick tube.
  • Pour in the liquid a little at a time, checking the level regularly to prevent overfilling.
  • After adding enough liquid, recheck the level with the dipstick.
  • If it’s complete, it’s done; put the dipstick back in place.

Replacing Transmission Liquid:

  • Use a jack to lift the vehicle and support it properly.
  • Find the transmission liquid channel plug under the car.
  • Place a drain pan under its fitting plug, remove its plug, and let the old liquid drain out completely.
  • Once it drains out completely, then replace the plug properly.
  • Find the fill plug on top of the transmission, remove it, and use a channel to refill it with the new transmission liquid.
  • After properly refilling, bring the vehicle back, and then you can start the engine; after that, you can check the level of transmission liquid; if it has some, you can add more.

Models Fluid Capacity:

Please note that before filling with the new transmission liquid, check the fluid capacity of your Rav4 model, and do not take the risk of our filling on yourself. That is why I have listed all the models with their fluid capacity limit, which I noted with the Toyota Rav4 service manual. Source

Model YearRAV4 GasRAV4 HybridRAV4 Prime
20247.8 qt.4.1 qt.4.6 qt.
20237.8 qt.4.1 qt.4.6 qt.
20227.8 qt.4.1 qt.4.6 qt.
20217.8 qt.4.1 qt._
20207.8 qt.4.1 qt._
20197.8 qt.4.1 qt._
20186.9 qt.Front: 4.0 qt.
Rear: 1.9 qt.
_
20176.9 qt.
Front: 4.0 qt.
Rear: 1.9 qt.
_
20166.9 qt.
Front: 4.0 qt.
Rear: 1.9 qt.
_
20156.9 qt.__
20146.9 qt.__
20136.9 qt.__
20124-speed: 8.6 qt.
5-speed: 9.3 qt.
__
20114-speed: 8.6 qt.
5-speed: 9.3 qt.
__
20104-speed: 8.6 qt.
5-speed: 9.3 qt.
__
20094-speed: 8.6 qt.
5-speed: 9.3 qt.
__
20083.5 qt.__
20073.5 qt.__
20063.5 qt.__
2005Manual 2WD: 2.5 qt.
Manual 4WD: 3.4 qt.
Automatic: 3.5 qt.
__
2004Manual 2WD: 2.5 qt.
Manual 4WD: 3.4 qt.
Automatic: 3.5 qt.
__
2003Manual 2WD: 2.5 qt.
Manual 4WD: 3.4 qt.
Automatic: 3.5 qt.
__
2002Manual 2WD: 2.5 qt.
Manual 4WD: 3.4 qt.
Automatic 2WD: 3.3 qt.
Automatic 4WD: 3.9 qt.
__
2001Manual 2WD: 2.5 qt.
Manual 4WD: 3.4 qt.
Automatic 2WD: 3.3 qt.
Automatic 4WD: 3.9 qt.
__
2000Manual 2WD: 3.9 qt.
Manual 4WD: 5.0 qt.
Automatic: 3.3 qt.
__
1999Manual 2WD: 3.9 qt.
Manual 4WD: 5.0 qt.
Automatic: 3.3 qt.
__
1998Manual 2WD: 3.9 qt.
Manual 4WD: 5.0 qt.
Automatic: 3.3 qt.
__
1997Manual 2WD: 3.9 qt.
Manual 4WD: 5.0 qt.
Automatic 2WD: 3.3 qt.
Automatic 4WD: 7.0 qt.
__
1996Manual 2WD: 3.9 qt.
Manual 4WD: 5.0 qt.
Automatic: 3.3 qt.
__
19953.49 qt.*__
19943.49 qt.*__

Note: Please confirm the above-listed data from your Rav4 Car’s Manual.

Picking the Right Transmission Liquid for Your RAV4:

Choosing the suitable transmission liquid is important to your vehicle’s performance. For the Toyota RAV4, Toyota commonly suggests a particular ATF (automatic transmission liquid), such as Toyota genuine ATF WS. Using the suggested liquid guarantees ideal execution.

While OEM (original equipment manufacturer) liquids are great, you can also consider them. Whenever you want to change or replace the transmission fluid, make sure to get it according to your car’s requirements.

Conclusion:

Keeping up the right transmission fluid level and quality in your Toyota4 is very important for smooth driving and also for the life span of your Rav4. The fluid level should be changed when the Rav4 gives you problems. There are different types of transmission fluid in the market right now, but you should choose one according to your car’s requirements.

So, it was all about the transmission fluid of the Rav4 car. By the way, if you are interested to read more about the Toyota Rav4 car and its specifications and maintenance tips, please check the related articles on this site. You can also visit the home page, where you will find more categories to read about.


Abubakar

Abubakar

Hi, Abu Bakar here, the mastermind behind Rav4advisor. Because of my love of fascinating cars, particularly the Toyota Rav4, I created an established information website where my team and I spend long hours writing about the Rav4's external information such as tire designs, exterior colors beautiful lights, as well as internal information such as the seats' design, headlight sensors, and excellent dashboard.

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