2004 Toyota 4Runner Transmission Fluid and Filter Change (Part 2) -EricTheCarGuy 

A tip for next time: An easier way to fill the transmission is to get yourself a decent length of silicone tubing. Stick one end in the fill hole, then run it along the transmission tunnel and up alongside the firewall. Then attach a funnel to the other end of the tubing. Then you can simply pour your new fluid into the transmission, using gravity instead of a pump. That's how I did mine and it works great!

I used to work at a Valvoline Instant Oil Change, and I can confirm that Max-Life ATF does work in those. It covers many many special OEM fluids. That was the only ATF we stocked (in a giant steel tank) for ATF services, which we did with an in-line fluid exchanger service.

This channel is pretty amazing, not only do you teach us beginners about cars, you teach us how to fix issues and you go into such depth on showing us too, you don't skimp out, you show us how long things take and i respect that, been going through your videos currently have 8 to watch, i'm on the "how to remove pet hair" video. Cheers Eric.

Accidentally drain my transmission fluid from my 04 4Runner thinking I was draining the engine oil. This video was very helpful because I was able to replace the transmission fluid without have to go to a mechanic shop. Bought fluid pump and transmission oil at auto store. Wasn't hard getting it done. Thanks Eric.

Found this on a forum GORDO....great idea!! going to try it! If all that is a little more than you want to tackle, here is an easier way that is probably just about as effective. Take your grease gun loaded with lithum base moly chassis grease and start pumping grease in the slip yoke zerk fitting. At some point you will encounter significant resistance on the grease gun handle and will likely note that the slip yoke is expanding. Slowly add grease at this point. You will likely see the slip yoke expand on each pump of the handle and then slowly contract. Continue adding grease for about 5-10 more strokes unless you see grease coming around the seal, then stop. Now get on the rear bumper and bounce it up and down a few times. This will tend to compress the slip yoke and force more grease along the splines. Now take a wrench and remove the zerk fitting to allow excess grease to escape. Once the zerk is removed, if a tablespoon or so of grease doesn't come out, then gently bounce on the bumper again to give it a little help. Once the excess grease is out, re-install the zerk, clean up the mess, and you are good to go. this was known as the "arkie6 fix" over at Tundrasolutions and it resolved many of the "thump" problems people were experiencing, mine included. I initially used the straight lithum base chassis grease on the slip yoke and I started getting a hint of "thump" after about 5,000 miles. I subsequently put in the lithium base moly (an extreme pressure additive) grease and haven't had any hint of "thump" in 15,000+ miles. My truck (2000 Tundra 4x4) now has 28,000+ miles and is "thump" free. "

Adding exactly what you put in will work if the original level was accurate in the beginning. If you have a transmission fluid leak then check the fluid according to the manual at the end with a scan gauge. These transmissions need to be checked at a certain temp.

One trick I use for dealing with fill plugs in difficult places is to just get a really long flexible clear plastic tube, put one end in the fill hole, and run the tube through the top of a wheel well ( or a plastic trunk drain plug hole for a rear diff ), shove a funnel in the other end, and hold the funnel up at chest height while pouring the fluid slowly into the funnel. Add a few extra ounces to compensate for the fluid left in the tube afterward.

I'm glad I've got a great Lexus-certified master technician that will do this. Its worth it. But when I was a young blood, I did all of this kind of stuff myself. Great video!

I love how you show the problems you come across namely breaking the exhaust bolt!

Eric, this is a great video and very helpful. I'm about to attempt this in college as part of my course, If I am unsure about how to attack a job in college, I always check if you've done it watch the video then attempt it myself. Thanks

Love the squeeze box singing. Fantastic job as usual, man!

Excellent video! Thanks for building my courage to do this to mine. (2003 Lexus GX470, same engine(2uz-fe)/trans(A750F), 135k miles, recently acquired, poorly maintained by previous owner). My blessing is that mine has a trans dip stick, which I believe went away in 2004. 😎 Side note- on my recently sold 2007 Camry that I acquired with 72k miles, the Maxlife trans fluid does great. I had all the trans fluid replaced at 72k miles (by a former Toyota mechanic) and sold the car with 144k miles (72k miles put on the Maxlife fluid). Never had any trans issues, and shifted like new. My big question: With there being ~12qts in the whole A750F transmission, after dropping the pan and replacing the ~4qts that comes out, would it be recommended to drain/fill ~3qts a few times to try to get as much new fluid in there? If so, after how long/how many miles? My GX470 rides and shifts like a dream, no trans issues, but I'm going through everything to so that I can be confident with its reliability as my daily driver. Thanks!

Happy 42nd birthday Eric! All the best to you and your family!

I've done this job BUT I did a full flush instead of just a drain and fill. I also used Valvoline MaxLife ATF which is a good fluid rated for this trans BUT I was unsure how well it did or didn't mix with the Toyota WS ATF that was in there so I just really wanted to make sure as much as possible that all the old fluid was flushed out so I wasn't mixing the old and new together. A full flush starts just like this by first draining, removing the exhaust in the way & dropping the pan and cleaning it and the magnet, replace the filter & pan and then adding back the ~4 Qts or so I took out and re-installed the drain plug with a new crush washer, all pretty much just as you did in this video, but then... I disconnected the hose from the trans return line up near the cooler (it's the lower hose, and mine has an A/T cooler because it's a V8 w/ towing package, others I believe attach to the lower part of the radiator, but it's still the same thing and the return is the lower hose) and slipped 3/8 clear tubing onto the metal return pipe that I just removed the hose from and routed it to a 1 Gal container. Then I started the 4runner and let idle for about 20 secs until it mostly fills the container without overflowing before shutting it off (seriously, it pumps a qt in about 6 or 7 seconds so you really got to watch it and be prepared to shut it off, so best to have a trusted helper or in my case, I used my remote start to turn it on and off), then dumping the drain container in a waste oil bin and refilling the trans with the same amount I just pumped out with fresh, and repeat a second time, and in my case part of a 3rd time until the fluid changed color from old dark to new red, and then reconnected my trans return line and again, roughly replaced what I took out and just a tad more than that for the next step... Lastly, the most important part IMHO, is make SURE it is filled to the proper fill level, so with the 4runner on level ground as it already was I started it and let it idle until the trans fluid hit the manufacturer rec'd operating check temp of 97F to 115F which I accomplished by using a ~$25 IR thermometer gun pointed at the pan from just a few inches away while it idled until it hit that lower-end 97F (Of course it's better if you have toyota's techstream computer or perhaps a premium scan tool that can check the AT's oil temp data PID exactly while it warms up BUT they're too rich for the girls I go out with. Just know that doing it with an IR temp gun the pan temp will run 2-5 deg lower than the AT fluid as it is heating up) and shut it down and with a catch pan under it crack the level-check/overflow plug - it's the same size as the drain plug on the bottom of the pan but it sits a bit more forward and recessed up into the pan. When you remove the check plug it should start to drain and when the flow starts to taper off, before it completely stops flowing, put that plug (w/ a new crush washer) back in and torque it. All in all to do a full flush I used about 11 qts. I had bought 3 gallons of the Valvoline MaxLife ATF and had what I guesstimate was about a qt 1/2 leftover.

Thanks Eric, Very helpful video. I have a 2007 V8 4WD and the exhaust was not in the way of the pan. Very easy to do. However, I needed ~5.6 qts to do a proper refill. I did replace the filter as well. I also managed to strip the drain plug by following the 15 ft-lb spec from the manual. I think I only went about 5-6 ft-lb. I needed to carefully drill out the strip bolt to still use the pan. could have been a $180 pan replacement or a ~$5 bolt replacement :). There is a procedure to warm up the transmission fluid between 115F-130F to accurately check the fill level. Great vid.

The 03-04 4runners have transmission dipsticks which you could pour the oil through. it also specifies TIV toyota fluid which I believe the max life bottle specifies as a replacement for. The 2005 however do not have dip sticks so it is a different process but they require the toyota ws which max life does not specify. I would definitely go with the OEM fluid for the 2005+

Thanks Eric! A blast from the past eh?! This is a very helpful video as I prepare to do a trans fluid and filter change on my ‘07 4Runner v8. Much appreciated

Thanks for this. I just got a 4Runner with rusty transmission lines I have to replace and I’m willing to be that ATF is a lil low already.

Hi Eric, First of all i really appreciate that you share all that knowledge,love your videos. So i have Toyota 4 runner V8 2005. I recently took it to a transmission specialist to get the fluid replaced and after it was done my transmission start acting out and upon acceleration won't move various times and then again will start moving while i am on the road driving, any tips will be appreciated?

Thanks Eric, I learned a lot watching this video..I own a 2005 four runner v8 and love it..best vehicle I ever bought..I think I`m gonna grease the u joints and replace differential fluid..but wait a little while on the transmission service..man the darn exhaust..take care..Thanks Again

I was surprised you didnt use the special plug that goes to the fill level tube in the pan , if you have a no touch heat sensor you get the fluid warmed to 45 celsius open the tube plug and it should just drip out of this plug when its at the right level. engine off of course . Im having a issue with 5 th gear lock up , I have a shudder at low speed in over drive same trans as yours in this video. I bought some [ Dr Tranny instant shudder fix } and it just about went away. Im wondering if I should add another 2 oz. bottle to see if it cures it all the way. Im in a 07 FJC only has 39.000 miles. It sat around a lot during the past 10 years now I started using it much more and this problem started. One thing to mention too FJ's are real gas eaters and I found that by removing the secondary air filter and using a K N free low air filter as my primary filter I nearly doubled my gas millage But any way s back to my shudder, The dealer wants 2400 dolls to drop it and fix the torque converter. He says no oil change will help it. If thats the case how come DR Tranny has nearly fixed it ? I wish you were near me Im in Pa allentown area. I would rather you work it than the dealer.

I changed my transmission fluid on my 2000 Mk4 Astra and I was supprised that it took only 1.6 litres ( thankfully my manual told me this as I couldnt get to the fill level plug) Even though the manufacturer doesnt include it in the service schedule, after 130,000 miles im glad its done now :-)...damned messy job with one base plate needing a gasket replacement Thanks Eric!

Eric, I looked after the oil. Here are the stats: Capacity: 11.1 litre (dry fill) or 3 litre (service fill) For normal use: check every 30000 miles/24 months For severe use: check every 30000 miles/24 months and change every 60000 miles/48 months And if you choose Valvoline, than MaxLife ATF is the only available option. I use Valvoline lubricats in my car. (engine, trnsmission, powersteering, brake) My car likes Valvoline and it's pretty well priced in my country.

Eric, good video as usual thanks for bring us along. I have a late model Tacoma that I have done the same transmission service on. Its transmission is a different model 5sp with OD but the transmission is similar without the dipstick and sealed up. Had the same exhaust crossovers to deal with. I just wanted to comment about the transmission fluid. Toyota WS probably the recommended fluid for that 4Runner is about $5-7/quart at most Toyota dealer parts counters, I paid $5.75/qt and used 4 quarts.

dear eric thanks for all the youtube, it's been great help. but I notice there is no video of changing transmission filter change for honda civic 2007 anywhere. Most will just show draining the pan and refilling it for about every 30,000 mile. Is that good enough? my civic just hit 100,000miles and I just refilled it after draining it. thanks.

Thanks Eric I love your video. Although I did run into a issue with my 4runner. I accidentally drained the transmission fluid thinking it was the motor fluid and was not aware at the moment so I drove it for 2 miles without fluid unit I found out it was the wrong fluid since she started shifting hard. Finally filled her back up and now when I brake hard the transmission feels like it slips. Do you think a complete transmission flush will work? Currently has 205k miles. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

Thanks Eric for this video, it is great, as usual :) pt2

Finally! Someone pouring a quart bottle the correct side up! Thank you!

Toyota used their T-IV transmission fluid up through 2004 in the 4Runner transmissions. The exact chemically-equivalent ATF is Mobil 3309. I’ve used this in my ‘03 4Runner V6 Limited with excellent results for 14 years now, at 200,000 miles. I’m certain that Mobil actually makes the T-IV for Toyota.

would I also need to open the overfill plug on the pan next to drain plug after I fill to drain any excess fluid out? or no thanks

Thank You for another Good Video and some Good old Who music ! I was wondering if you think that the MAX LIFE transmission fluid will mix with the Toyota factory transmission fluid? ( Since there is still a lot of Factory fluid left in the Torque Converter ) I guess that is why I would use the OEM fluid . I was also surprised that you sat inside the Truck right after working under it , since your shirt was covered with oil and crap .

The small button to the left of the steering column on the dash (looks like a drive train with an "X" in the middle) will turn off the "VSC". But I think it also locks up the drive train. Mine acts like it has lockers when I push that button and try to drive on dry or just wet pavement, should probably only be used in dirt or snow. "VSC" Vehicle Stability Control, or traction control system.

I use valvoline max life in my Toyota tercel automatic transmission and have used it to change the fluid in my old Honda civics that I owned in the past. It seems to work pretty well. I think I need to change the filter in my tercel. I only changed the fluid and I think it needs the filter changed also.

There is a Trac off button. Don't recall where on this gen 4runner but it's either on the left panel or on the roof like the 5th gens.

Thank you for these video, Eric

The traction control can be turned off via the 2nd button on the left of the steering wheel. The picture on it looks like 4 wheels with front 2 wheels tilted and an X on the drive shaft. You'll see VSC Off on the Speedometer side of the cluster.

ERIC YOU BRING UP A LOT OF GOOD POINTS.THANKS

Hi Eric, Love your videos! It's great how you give the viewer's the confidence to tackle difficult jobs. One thing that buggs me in your videos is the fact that you sit down in your client's cars with greasy clothes! Imagine the lady comes and picks up her suv and has a big oil stain on her jacket after. Maybe you can get a drop cloth for the seats?

Eric what about coming up with after market pip stick & tube that would go into the drain plug or cut a hole in the side of the pan for Toyotas w/o dip tubes. What you went through was a lot of extra work. Is this due to auto manufactures just being hard to work with???????????

12:22 Hey Eric! To turn off the Traction Control.....See those 4 rectangular black buttons on the dash to the left of the steering wheel? I can't see the letters on them from the video, but if there is one with a picture of a car skidding, press and hold it down for about 5-10 seconds while the car is idling in park. It may or may not chime but "Trac Off" and "VSC Off" should pop up on the dash! Press it once to turn it back on! Hope this helps!

Go with 15/16th if indeed it fits. Slightly smaller at 23.8mm. Great video Eric

Thanks for the video. Not sure if im ballsy enough to mess with the filter and seal... but the fluid is better than nothing.

always read good things about maxlife, worked fine in a 1998 accord, and going to try it soon in a 2003 hyundai elantra.

Just realized that I live 10 minutes from your garage watching the end of this video!

Eric thanks so much for this instruct video, I own a 2005 Toyota 4runner with 147000 miles.I be the only owner of this vehicle,don't have any trasmission problem work perfect, I don't have any engine problems,don't have any lick on oil,trasmission or fluid. Hallway want my car be in the best shape possible. My question to you Sr? Do I need to start thinking on trasmission fluid flush or not. Hallways love to work on my vehicle.

Don't know if this helps, but in my 04' Camry,the Max Life Valvoline Transmission fluid works Fine, But the Toyota Type IV only smooths it out between shifting. Never had a problem with the Valvoline .

Valvoline Max Life ATF!!! Heh i just used the same fluid with my Corolla just yesterday plus changed filter, cleaned pan + magnets and double flush. Its the only other fluid i could find that mentioned the Toyota T4 (T-IV) spec and wasnt dear as poison.

I just registered on the website but wanted to know the common symptoms when you know its time to change the transmission filter / fluid. I have an SR5 2004 and it seems like it doesn't want to shift into 4th gear and stay there. The RPMs are well below 2K (doesn't throttle high) but seems I'm running only in 3rd gear. I assume a full filter change / fluid change would be a good start. Thanks

Hi Erick ! I’m from Costa Rica and my 4runner is 2004 v8 too ,what about the check close to the drain plug, I saw other videos about if you change the oil need to drain oil from this plug ! Thx

hello eric …I need your help and advice I have 2003 4th gen 4runner V8 / 4.7 transmission fluid color like new… and dipstick level is normal too…. ( Unfortunately I do not know when the previous owner changed this fluid ) my problem is that when I shift between R and D gears…my car shakes.... and has some Hard switch noice from lower part of the car Should I use greasing materials in shafts or change transmission fluid ?

Thank you for making these helpful videos man.

The 1GR-FE manual (04 SR5 V6) says drain and refill transmission. Dont' really see ATF filter is required. Please advise.

Hi there I have a 2004 4 runner and my 4 low is not working what can I do? Can I drive it like that ? And for how long ? Would interfere with 2 and 4 high ?

Yep knew that stud was gonna break. I thought the first one was gonna for sure seeing how long you were impacting it on. If the studs are fairly rusty I will use a chase and clean up the threads and I always use new nuts and gaskets from toyota. They are a lock nut and the old ones tend to break studs especially if you don't chase them. Sucks you had to do that extra work but now you know, chase the threads and new nuts. Even a regular nut with a lock washer is better then using the old nuts. I also wouldn't use any fluid but the Toyota WS stuff.

Thanks for this great video. Very helpful. 👍

I have a 1998 Ford F-150, my transfer case is trying to go into 4 wheel drive on it's own. My 4 wheel drive light comes on . I put a used transfer case in, I also put in a new switch. I'm still having the same problem, my 4 wheel drive light comes on and tries to go into 4 wheel drive, it's a manual shift. I need help. Thanks.

the traction control switch was right in front of you man. left of the steering wheel on the dash. Nice video!

I dont get if there is a measurement for the fluid level from the fill plug like on a manual or diff?.. I would think the Toyota stuff is a full synthetic with extended life additives, I ran into this with CAT, John Deere and JI Case trans fluid. (thanks for the great info on this video)

I own a 4runner 2004 SR5 and it does have a deep stick for transmission fluid. Do I still need to replace the filter???

This guy is my hero ...!!! Awesome stuff very helpful. Thanks

great vid! love the squeezebox song!

I want to do a flush on 07 toyota FJ 4wd. Should I do that or just drain and fill. The FJ has 153k on it now.

Before putting the exhaust back into place, you can run the nuts up the studs by hand [ratchet] and could tell if they will give you trouble. I have a tap and die set for just those instances. I can breathe easier knowing that I have prepped it because the rust has a propensity to act as grit interfering with the nut to stud clearance. I use a copper based anti-sieze lube to lube the studs instead of the oil. An ounce of prevention.

you got that right!!!!! my 93 civic with over 300k never even had a check light come on . I use to work on Honda and what I mostly worked on where newer civic's .had a battery light come on last week and one of the two brushes in the alt. was low . could have tapped it ever once in a while and got another 100k out of it but I replaced it.

Everyone has their own way of doing this, but personally, I'd spend the money on the Toyota transmission fluid. Why? Well, I don't want to experiment with my vehicle. The only fluid that I know for sure will work 100% problem-free is the Toyota fluid that has been in my transmission all along. I'll leave the experimenting for someone else. That's just my way of thinking, yours may differ.

Thanks for the vid. If I have not changed my transmission fluid in over 50,000 in a 2003 ford taurus, should I change it, or just leave it alone? I have heard both, what is everyone's opinion here?

He makes awesome video's without a lift and he does it "because not everyone has a lift at home." He explains this in his etcg1 videos might go take a look at them. Implus not everyone has 2k to dish out on a lift and i find a cardboard box so much "cooler."

That looked like one serious PITA job.

I use Maxlife ATF in our 05 Honda Odyssey and have been for 40k miles. Honda says Z-1 or now DW-1 fluid only and Maxlife has worked great. I do a dump and fill on its trans every other oil change since transmissions in Odyssey's are...questionable at best. Either way, Maxlife ATF is a great product.

Sorry man, I laughed when that exhaust bolt twisted off. I always expect exhaust bolts to twist off when I crank on one, and I know that sweet, sweet emotion that floods one's heart when its the last bolt that has to be tightened and that's the one which snaps :)

I used this stuff in my corolla and it works perfect.

Ok, so I replaced the tranny fluid and filter on a 2006 4runner today. I opened the hood and got more light down into the tranny area. I grabbed a run of the mill plastic transmission funnel and attached a piece of clear tubing(roughly 1/2" I d.) to the end. I fed the other end down to the transmission. Went under and put the other end in the fill hole. Worked perfect. I added my tranny fluid without spilling any and it was pretty fast. Just sharing a tip.

On my Mercedes there isn't a dipstick.But it still has the tube for a transmission level tool (dipstick). I use a oil extractor to get out the ATF and to pour in ATF. The transmission level tool (this is what Mercedes calls it) isn't meant to be left in the tube. The tube is sealed again with a cover and a locking piece. Mercedes calls it their sealed for life transmission. Which is a joke. When I pulled out some of the fluid the first time it was just starting to change color. So I drain and flush it every couple of years. I do it a few times and the ATF in the transmission will eventually end up that ruby red color after mixing with the fluids in the torque converter. It's been working out for me. Transmission still feels very smooth and has quick downshifts.

would the process still be the same for the v6 model? great video btw

Nice Vid Eric.

Thanks for training videos and very common skill.

Hey Eric I have the same exact 4runner. I was wondering if in NJ? I need a good mechanic...

Could you use a fuel siphon to get the transmission fluid in to the vehicle?

Eric, you said that you put oil on the threads of the exhaust studs to make the nuts go on easier. Isn't that like the opposite of using Loctite, possibly making the nuts come off easier? Or does the oil burn off anyways as it is in an hot area?

Yep, the only problem with using dex6 in an older truck, is that it's slightly thinner than dex3, and a synthetic, if you don't have any trans issues, I would put it in, but if you have a little bit of slip, i'd try to find some dex3.

Did you try to drop it with out disconnecting the exhaust system before

very nice video thanks eric

I have a 2000 4 Runner ( Made in JAPAN, baby). it just crossed200,00miles. I drive it 500 miles a week, I have for 6 months now.. My Brother is an ASC Certified mechanice ( named ERIC, too, but he goes by his middle name)! All I do is change the timing belt and water pump every 90 K miles, changed oil often, and she runs great. waxes up pretty

I’m getting ready to do this service. So the max life trans fluid you used worked out well? I’m looking for a more affordable fluid because the toyota fluid is a bit pricey

Eric , Im curious how you cover time replacing those exhaust bolts. Now if you know their is that posibility being you know your having to unbolt exhaust ..... I am taking it you throwing that in the flat rated to cover the possibility. Possibly half cost in flat rate to cover it over multi jobs being more often I would hope the bolts would survice. Just currious how you do it being I know I would take an average so I'm not sticking them full bore for worst case senerio. Hate doing that.

Hi Eric - Not all 04 Forerunners DO NOT have a dipstick. I have an 04’ V6 Limited manufactured prior to April 04 and mine has a dipstick. Great video though. Assuming your video does not replace all the transmission fluid and is only a drain and fill b/c I believe the vehicle holds at least 10 qts.

What should you do when Toyota Avalon has an error p0741???

You're the best, Eric!

do you advise against changing trans fluid on a high milage vehicle that hasn't had the fluid changed in a long time?

How would a large syringe with some hose attached to it work on fill plugs like this?

id love to see you do a transmission service on a 2008 jeep liberty. i have one and im at 127+ .. yes i drive alot.

How do you change transmission fluid, and install head gaskets on a lexus ls 400.

Have that SAME Valvoline ATF transmission fluid,have that fluid held up well?

I just had to do this on a ford laser (mazda 1.8 bp motor) but I didn't have one of those pumps and I didn't feel like running out to buy one. So what I did was grab an old oil bottle, clean it out then drill a hole in the cap big enough to stuff a length of hose into with a snug fit. Then I inserted the other end of the hose in the tranny fill hole and turned the bottle upside down, with a hand drill i drilled a small air hole in the base of the bottle then used my air compressor to push.

A problem with this type of oil/filter change is that you are only changing about half of the fluid. All of the old fluid in the torque mixes with the new fluid in the pan, So its not really a full fluid change. I recommend changing the oil a few times and then change the oil and filter.

Do they fill and drain plug carry CRUSH washer to change out?

hey eric i love your videos man. i got a question for you, can you answer it if you dont mind? i've got a '99 corolla 1.3. when i step off the gas car shakes backward and forward 5-6 times and when i step on it again, car accelerates very fast, making the ride is very uncomfortable. i have to use clutch every time i step on or off the gas to prevent that. it does that especially in first 3 gears. what do you think the problem is? if i change the transmission fluid can i fix that? thanks..

nice video i love all your videos

This past summer I replaced the fluid in my mom's 02 Camry. I bought a case of Mobil 1 3309 online. They say that Toyota t-iv is 3309 relabeled.

I know this is super old video, but do you have the part number for those exhaust gaskets? I am preparing to do the ATF exchange on my 2005 4Runner, and I am thinking I will have to change the gaskets on the exhaust when I drop it