2010-2015 Toyota Prius Transmission drain and refill 

Thank you for all your Prius repair videos. Ours hit 100k last year and is now around 115k. I’ve been putting off changing both coolants, transaxle fluid, and spark plugs, but your videos make it look so easy. Will probably do all one of these weekends.

Thanks for the tutorial!! I just did a major service on my 2014 with 126k miles. The dealership was asking almost $1k for changing the radiator, inverter, and transmission fluids and also engine filter and cabin filter! After watching your video and a few others it looked fairly easy to do it all. Went onto Amazon and ordered everything that I needed, spent almost $150 for all parts and did the job myself in about 4 hours! I'm an IT guy so not really a mechanic but this was pretty simple to do! I must say though, I was a bit concerned that I was only able to removed 2.5qt's of transmission fluid but was able to put almost 4qt's of fresh fluid in there. I confirmed I didn't have any sort of transmission leak. All in all, I was very excited I was able to do all of this on my own. Next job, replace the spark plugs and fuel filter, havent had a chance to watch those videos yet, hoping its as simple as it was to do this other work.

Well, thank you for the great video! I performed the transmission fluid service after 144K miles on our 2010 Prius... Needless to say, the fluid was deep purple in color, almost black. Prius owners need to be made more aware of having this service performed! Thanks again!

I cannot thank you enough for your work. Great calm and kind of funny delivery with good info. You totally rock dude.

Thanks for the VERY useful video! Watching it gave me the encouragement to do the trans. fluid change myself on a new-to-me 2015 Prius with 60k miles that I must have in service for daily use. The two dealerships I called about trans. fluid changes said that the Prius trans is a "sealed unit" and does not need fluid changes. However, that's NOT what I've heard from two other Pruis owners nor what I've read online. It IS important to change the transmission fluid to keep a Prius on the road for the many thousands of miles one expects from a Toyota - just like any other car with an automatic or manual transmission. It was also helpful to read that there is no trans. fluid filter to change and reassuring to know that this is a gearbox oil change much like the 6-speed manual or differentials on a truck. Drain, refill, drive. People should consider writing down the date and mileage of the change so there's a record of when it was done. I ordered 4 quarts of the WS Toyota fluid and some OEM crush washers online. Found 30 ft/lb torque specs for the drain and fill bolts in the comments below and had a 10mm allen socket and torque wrench in my toolbox. Drove the front of the car onto a set of ramps and leveled it with a floor jack under the center, rear jacking point. (Set up some jack stands for safety.) Then I removed the plastic belly pan in under 5 minutes. (Some small bolts and a bunch of push-in, plastic pins around the circumference.) After loosening the upper "Fill" bolt, I removed the lower "Drain" bolt and emptied the fluid into my engine oil catch container. (Both bolts opened easily with the allen socket on a 1/2" ratchet. No need to worry about stripping the allen heads as they are neither torqued heavily or lock-tited at the factory.) At 60k miles, the drained fluid was a dark red. Having reinstalled and torqued the Drain bolt with a new crush washer, I inserted the end of a 4-foot length of 1/2" O.D. generic vinyl tubing into the Fill bolt hole and pushed the bottom part of an old kitchen baster into the upper end of the tubing from above the engine. (There's room in the Fill bolt hole for slightly larger tubing if a person already has some on hand.) It was an easy task to gravity-fill the transmission from a standing position above the engine using the vinyl tubing and baster "funnel". A dealership told me that 3.6 quarts is the factory capacity and the fluid began to come out of the Fill hole as I reached the bottom half of the 4th quart bottle. Prius drives normally after the change. People can save a couple hundred bucks and eliminate the chance that an unethical mechanic does a "wall job" on the car. ("Wall Job" = Park the car by the wall inside the shop, don't do any work on it whatsoever because they know that there's no way a customer can tell whether or not it has new transmission fluid installed - but bill as though the work was actually done.) Friends: be encouraged to go for it in your own garage! This project was easy, fast, and satisfying. Worst case scenario is that - instead of using your money to pay a mechanic and learning zero about your Prius in the process - you get to acquire a couple of new tools to put into action on your next maintenance job and can have the remaining $$ stay in your piggy bank. Best wishes!

Thanks for the very helpful video. Well done. I modified what you did a bit for my situation. Since I only have one jack and couldn't get the car level raised up, I lowered my jack then raised it a couple of times to completely drain and get the fluid level after filling it. I didn't use a pump, just dropped the fluid in using clear tubing from above. (I stuck a small funnel in the top end of the tubing.) Also I didn't remove the bottom plastic cover all the way, just bent it back after removing enough plastic pins. (Didn't seem to damage the plastic cover by bending it.) I changed my fluid at 90K. It was brown but not real gunky.

This a tip for almost any type of transmission... Never start with the Drain Plug... Always start with the Fill Plug.

ALWAYS TAKE OUT THE FILL FIRST . IF SOMETHING HAPPENS YOU CANT GET THE FILL PLUG OUT YOU ALREADY DRAINED THE FLUID YOU CANT MOVE THE CAR TO GET HELP.

Thanks so much for the video I feel much more confident that I can do this now. Gen 3 Prius 151,000 miles.

i got myself a 2010 prius (3rd gen). thanks for this awesome video. i plan on doing my transmission fluid in a few weeks, and i will be reviewing this video again. its greatly shot, edited, and very informative. thanks.

Thanks for another great video. Did it on my Prius after 150K today. Came out real well. You saved me $00’s now but probably $000’s later. Thank you.

7:03 it would not make a mess, friend. The level is usually lower, unless someone magically filled it past that point, which is pretty much impossible. It is advisable to remove the fill plug BEFORE the drain plug because if you drain your fluid and end up having issues with the fill plug you are in the world of trouble.

Your video is extremely helpful to weekend wrench warriors ! This is a very simple drain and fill once the covers are removed. For under $50 there is no way I am going to find out if this is forever fluid. Way too easy, inexpensive and too risky not to do it every 60k miles. My recently acquired 2013 gen 3 fluid was dark my not have had the drain and fill, it was dark and needed to be changed. Make life easy, use a long hose and from the engine bay routed to the trans fill and pour in from above. Just under 4 quarts (~3.75?) got the dribble of oil over flow. Exactly what I expected.

Very clear & complete. I just bought a used 2014, and I'm going to get the trans changed in the next few weeks. Many thanks for this video.

3/8” hose fits the fill hole. Clear is a good option.

Thanks for the video. I followed your instructions and I finally did it. The fluid was so black compare to the new one which is red. I used almost 4 quarts.

I watched this video a few times before my brother and I did this and it was super easy. DIY TIP: if you have help when filling with the orange hand pump rest the bottom on the floor and grasp the body of the pump. It makes pumping easier on your arms for a no cramp guarantee

very informative. Hope you guys could post a video about anti-freeze/coolant drain/flush/replace for this prius generation. Thanks.

Great videos. They’ve been a terrific resource for me in servicing my 2012 Prius and my daughters 2010 Civic. Thanks!

Thank you, your video could also be used for the Prius V (3rd gen). Very informative and to the point!

Great vid...like to see careful and thoughtful working on a car. No rushing etc. Thanks

I didn't watch with the sound so maybe you mentioned this but I was always taught that you should ALWAYS pull a FILL plug before a DRAIN plug. Because if you take off the drain plug and drain the transmission and then go to fill it and strip the bolt or can't get it off you won't be able to take the car anywhere. Just a thought to anyone watching! thanks for the video!

Thanks a bunch for the great video. I just bought a '13 Prius with 67K and all the service records. Oil changes were done on time and it says "transmission checked" a few times but no report of a fluid change.

Thanks! Your videos are great - perfect amount of detail. Very helpful!

much appreciation on the breakdown of tools needed and stuff. it really does help

I have a 2012 Camry Hybrid is the location of the drain plugs the same because I lifted up my car and im seeing three drain plugs two on the side and one of the bottom I consulted with a mechanic and he stated that the 2 side ones are differential is this true ? as if the bottom one is the drain plug where is the filler plug ?

Did this today on my 2016 Prius @ 110K miles. The drain plug was in a slightly different position on the bottom of the trans, otherwise everything is the same. Based on some comments I was expecting the old fluid to look bad but it was still quite clear and left no fine metal debris in bottom of drain pan. Please don't use 3/8 hex as sub for 10mm--both plugs took LOTS of torque to crack free and I think the special washers act "grippy" in this regard. Taking any risk of rounding out a plug should be avoided at all costs. Thanks for posting this very useful vid!

This is an excellent video. However I hope everyone who owns a Prius reads my post here. It is not mentioned in this video but it is on some places online. The two bolts that require a hex 10 to remove may be on so tight that it is not possible to remove them without stripping the bolt. Assuming my car has never had its transmission fluid changed it’s a 2010 with 114k on it, the bolts were so tight that I couldn’t get them off, even tried a breaker bar. I stripped the drain plug so I’m rather screwed unless I take it to a shop or something. Please keep this in mind if you are not the original owner of your car.

Great video. What is the brand of that cordless right angle driver you used to remove the bolts? Thanks!

Great video. For differential fluid changes on my SUV, I have had to fill with fluid, drive around and then fill again to top it off. Thoughts on if that is required for this job too? I assume not since it wasn't in this video.

My 2015 Toyota Corolla S cvt sometimes 'shifts' from idle to 'first' with a jump, not smooth acceleration. Dealer ran diagnostic and said no codes so no problem. May I ask for your opinion, please?

Thank you very much for your instruction series

Done! Thanks man! I used a funnel duct taped in place under my hood and some vinyl tubing to refill my fluid and it worked great. I don't have that pump.

Great video! Is there another hole to fill from the top or is that the only fill hole? Also, what is that filling tube called that you are using? Thanks!

THANK YOU MR NUTZ ....I HAVE 2014 PRIUS SALVAGE FROM CALIFORNIA ODO IS 45000 MILE CAN YOU TELL ME WHEN TO CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION FLIUD ?

Are the drain and fill bolts in the same place on the 2013 camry hybrid tranny? I can't seem to find any information about the 13 camry hybrid. Thanks!

did you do a video on tightening nuts and bolts on chassis and body?

Excellent video and thanks for the breakdown of tools / parts and links in video comments... much appreciated.

Thanks for this video - It made this very easy! I ended up using a funnel and some tubing instead of the oil pump (from walmart) though. It worked, but was a bit more tedious than the pump would have been,

Where did you get your jack stand coz it fits well on the pinch well

Excellent video! Great job.

Is there an aftermarket fluid available, or is the Toyota stuff recommended?

Two things: I used a Home Depot 1 gallon garden sprayer filled with the ATF fluid. You pump the sprayer and use the trigger on the sprayer wand to control the flow. Also, always open the fill plug.

Can you use the same plastic clips to put the plastic cover back on?

Thanks watched your video , great instructions. You save me a bunch.

You did a great video and most helpful. Thank you for doing it.

At 60k, black fluid? I need to do this on my Avalon Hybrid. Have 42k on it now. Used the same technique in filling ATF on VW/BMW and also on BMW differential.

Thanks for putting out the content! After the transmission is filled with the new fluid, is that all you need to do? Do you need to reset any settings?

I stripped the fill plug trying to take it off. Thing was too damn tight. Any suggestions on how I can take it out?

can anyone confirm, if this video helps with the PRIUS V (2012) too?

It is always good practice to open the fill hole first of this type of drain and fill. Just in case the bolt on the fill hole get really stuck, or it get stripped from previous service etc.. In this case since the car is relatively new, it doesn't matter much.

I just did this job. Made a little mess on the draining so I could not measure exactly what came out. However, I added almost 4.5 qt. and it still was not running out of the fill (top) hole so I stopped because it was under the impression it should take something less than 4 qt. Car is a 2012 Prius V, and was level during the procedure. Anyone know why it took almost 4.5 qt. and still not full? (I would define full as at the top of or running out of the fill hole) The method used was two person - one on the bottom at the hole and the other up top pouring the fluid in funnel with a 5/8" vinyl tube going into the hole.

Thanks for the instructions! I was able to change my transmission fluid for the first time in any vehicle that I've owned. It was easy after watching your informative video a few times. Thanks again!!

Did you have to torque the drain plug? Not sure if maybe I missed that part.

Thank you! Appreciate your time. Saved me $240!

In this video, you point out that there is a "coolant plug" further back from the two transmission plugs. However, in your other video on changing the Prius engine coolant, it appears you only drained from the coolant bleeder valve. When changing the engine coolant, would there be an advantage to opening both the bleeder valve and the coolant plug mentioned in this transmission drain video?

Do you need a Torque wrench to screw back on? I heard in another video that this is essential? Thanks

Bismillah....thanks this video has allowed me to understand what needs to be done on my toyota.. I have alao sent this video to my mechanic to watch......just to refresh his knowledge....before he works on my car....once again thanks....

My car drives fine and even at high-speed's it does not vibrate but whenever I hit a bump there's a lot of harshness and loud noise and vibration what could it be are my shocks bad most likely you think?

Good stuff! Thanks for sharing!

Great video. Probably saved $150 to $200. I needed a breaker bar to loosen the two allen bolts-- He did a good job explaining where the two bolts are---being sure not to drain a coolant plug that IS NEAR BY. Valvoline and Walmart market a substiture for Toyota WS fluid. I used Walmart's--seems to do fine.

I didn’t read all 458 comments, so here is my comment: 1. it is best to remove the fill plug first in case it cannot be removed, then you won’t be stuck needing to have it towed to a garage. 2. The washers do not need to be replaced every time, always use your best judgement. 3. Run a hose through the engine bay from the top to the fill hole and let gravity do what gravity does best. 4. For those with ocd, Jack up the rear of the car to level the car when you fill the transmission back up. You will notice that it only needs about 3.9 quarts to fill it back off.

How can I check, coolant thermostat proper operation? Is the engine in proper operating temp? Tks for answering.

thanks for the video. it's really gana help me when I do this! !

What are the symptoms of low transimision fluid in this 2010 prius. My 2012 prius does not show energy distribution when driving. It only display my tyres moving in energy monitor screen. How the energy is distributed is not shown. Could it be low transmission fluid?

Thank you. Great information. Well presented. I heard the transmission can be refilled by snaking a tube down from the top of the engine.

Thanks for video buddy. I'm going to do it myself

Hello mate. Just needed some advice. I have the same vehicle and it has a gearbox leak due to worn seal on near side drive shaft. It is 2011 Prius with 148,000 on the clock. Should I replace the seal and the oil?

how many miles should you change it?

Is it ok injecting free air into the transmission tank?

I read somewhere transmission fluid expands when hot and the level needs to be set between a certain temp range or too much fluid can be drained. I know volvo and bmw require this. Any thoughts?

Very good video, sped up the tedious parts, no bs.

After taking old ATF WS fluid out, is there any transmission cleaner I can put in. Run the car, drain the cleaner and then put new ATF WS fluid in

two questions: 1. Does the car need to be at a certain temperature to change the transmission fluid? 2. If the is fairly level but not perfect, is it better to have the car front side lower (for topping off purposes)?

How can you figure out exactly how much oil you have to put in? Is there any checking stuff or "window"?

Hi, do you think I'll be able to do this with only one set of Jack stands? Or will I definitely need the second set for the back so that the car is level when I refill? Thanks

Great videos! So glad I found your channel. I've got pretty limited experience working on cars, but I changed my spark plugs using your video and the tutorial on a website and it went pretty well. That was about 6 months ago and it's still running great. I think I'm getting the confidence to try the inverter coolant and the engine coolant next, and thought I might swap the transmission fluid while I have the cover off. I bought my car used at about 93k miles, and it's about 120k now. I don't know if the transmission fluid has been maintenanced at all yet, would you still recommend changing it now and then at regular intervals from here on out?

can you tell how much quarts it takes exactly for 2010-2015 model.,

What is the fluid interval on this one, according to the owner manual? How do you know the fluid level is 100% where it needs to be, as not all of it comes out when you are draining it…? Im assuming there is a trans dip stick that tells you how to check it, which would be written in the owners manual.. Correct me if im wrong. Also is there an easier way to top off? Maybe a fill hole in the engine compartment?

I didn’t fill in the same amount as I drained out. I drained out a third of a cup more. The car was pretty much leveled, and as I was finishing to fill 1 gallon, oil started to flow from fill-up plug.

would you say that fluid is pretty dirty for 60k? I am wondering if I should change it earlier... thanks.

Noice! Seems super easy! Will be doing this for my ct200h!

Can you tell us what camera your using?

PLEASE do a video on 2012-2016 CAMRY sealed transmission fluid change,im going crazy trying to find an easy drain and fill

Hi, how many litres oil will it take?

I just did this on a 2012, the hardest part was the damn cover. Thank you very much, I've never done that before. I did the oil after watching that video too.

Thanks so much for this. Where did you get your cordless screwdriver? Looks like the perfect size for working under a vehicle. Thanks again.

God bless brother!

Does this tran-e have a filter in it ??

ATF fluid should be filled enough in filler plug, till it starts coming out - nothing more? Is there anyway to overfill, if filler plug is open?

Hello, so the transmission oil level is checked with the engine off right? Because some cars you have to check them while the engine is running.

the procedure should be the same for the 2012 Lexus CT200h I assume? thanks.

Ok, on 7.11.17 I attempted to do this fluid change but I could not get the drain plug loose. I was using a 3/8 hex socket instead of a 10mm. I'm waiting for that 10mm to come from sears on a 1/2 drive so I can use my breaker bar to get that plug loose. Now my question is, i see you have 5 quarts of fluid. I read it uses 4 quarts, did you use all 5 quarts?

Are the transaxle drain/fill plugs accessible without removing the under cover (ie via the oil change door)?

Great video.. Thanks for posting it. Thinking about a 2010+ Prius in the future. Have you had any issues with yours? One small tip, that goes for any car. Always pull the FILL plug out first. then the drain plug. Couple reasons. It can often help the fluid drain out better.. but most importantly. What if after you drain it. You then cant get the fill plug out? You pretty much screwed. Not likely on such a new vehicle.. But I have had it happen on older cars.. also if its been serviced by quicky lube places.. they LOVE to over torque stuff... and can strip a bolt.. then it may not come out, or wont go back in. Again thanks for the video

Is there a recommendation fill ankuny6 or just until it leaks out?

This is awesome, thanks for sharing 👍

how often should the cvt transmission fluid filter be changed?

Thanks for the video. Did this today. My jack can only get the tires barely off the ground, but the jack stands still hold up the car a little big - enough to do this job. The hardest part was getting off the fill bolt. I did so eventually with PB Blaster, and a long torque wrench (which I know you're not supposed to do - I probably need a longer breaker bar). You have to use your left hand. Everything else is more or less straight forward.

Good video for those who want to change the ATF. Especially with the jacking points. I am going with the manual and not change the ATF.