2013 Toyota Camry ATF Total Exchange (summer edition)

Important to note:
Date is July 3rd, 2015, Friday. Air temperature is 72 deg-F. Mileage is at 41,792. ATF temperature is 80 deg-F (due to
brief run to pump ATF out via the cooler line). Once the car is started, ATF temperature rises really quickly, it
reaches 113 deg-F (the max temperature for level setting) before the car gets a chance to settle on ~700 rpm
idle). Level set action needs to be taken quickly. For this reason, over fill the ATF before setting the level.

Toyota document indicates that, after the initial steady over flow, it would reduce to a trickle, and then replace
the overflow plug. My observation is that, the flow never reduces to a trickle. After initial steady flow, it then turns
to a heavy, splashy kind of “trickle”. I hesitated at the first time, then have to wait till the ATF temperature drops
back to 95 deg-F. The reason, I believe, is that the temperature is rising quickly, and the ATF level is agitated due
to running transmission. Second time is the charm. Just don’t wait for the never-happen slow trickle that Toyota
tells you. When you are under the car watching the flow, you’ll notice the flow pattern change. Once that
happens, quickly replace the plug. Maybe it’d be a slow trickle in winter temperatures.

Prepare for 9 quarts of ATF-WS. Use 8 quarts for the exchange, and the last quart for the level setting.

Complete procedure:
Step 1: Raise the car and make it level

I used a floor jack to raise front and rear of the car. Place
one floor jack at one corner, and use scissors jack at other three
corners. Scissors jack can be continuous adjusted to make the car
level. Level should be checked against the bottom of the ATF pan.
I have three cars in the family, so the scissors jacks come in handy.
Step 2: Remove the under-carriage splash panel and the wheel well trim piece. There are three screws on the
wheel flow regulator in front of the wheel (no need to take the driver side wheel off, there is enough room once
the suspension relaxes). There are other three screws along the front edge of the splash panel. There are also
three plastic push fasteners. Pry the center up using the small flat screw driver. Use WD-40 to lubricate to avoid
breakage. The wheel well piece has two 10mm screws, and one plastic pin behind the wheel well liner. Push in on
the center to remove the pin.

Step 3: Loosen the refill plug with a 13/16 inch, 6-point

socket (it fits better than 24mm socket), but don’t remove.
Loosen the overflow plug with a 6-mm Allen key. Use a
graduated bucket to catch the ATF. Wait till ATF slows,
then remove the plastic straw piece using the same Allen
key. There are almost 2 quarts of ATF coming out. Then
replace the plug to a finger tight. This is a good time to
replace the soft aluminum crush washer. I planned to do it
later per Toyota document, but at the level adjustment
later, I had to rush, and could not replace the washer.

Step 4: Remove the refill plug, replace the aluminum crush washer on the plug. Pump 2 quarts of fresh ATF (ATF-
WS) via the refill port. I used my MityVac and poured 6 quarts in the pump reservoir.

Step 5: Now work from top of the engine bay,

remove the bumper lip plastic trim piece by
removing all the plastic pins (pry from center). Then
the two screws that hold the air intake duct will be
exposed, remove them, and then lift up the air
duct. With that out of the way, it’s easy to access
the ATF return hose. Now observe the ATF cooler (or
warmer, but I’d call it tuna can), larger diameter
hoses on the side of the tuna can are coolant,
don’t touch those. The smaller diameter hoses are
ATF hoses (on the front face of the tuna can), the
lower one is the outlet hose from the tuna can, and
this is the hose that returns the ATF to the
transmission. I choose to open this hose, not at the
tuna can end but at the transmission end. The
reason is that the ATF nipples on the tuna can look
fragile, and I don’t want to twist and turn the hose
at this nipple. I choose to open the end that
connects to the transmission, which is a much
stronger fitting. Mark the clamp position on both
clamp and hose with a white paint sharpie. This is
needed for reinstalling the clamp back to the
imprint it made on the hose to avoid leaks at the
port. Use a male-to-male fitting (3/8in OD) to
connect the hose to a clear tube (3/8in ID), and
lead the clear tube to a graduated bucket (or
make a direct connection without the fitting with a
3/8-in OD clear tube). Tape the hose and tube to
car frame, bumper, and at the catch jug to avoid spills due to movement of hoses. Cover the open nipple on the
transmission.
Step 6: Have a helper to start the car. While watching the old ATF getting pumped out, pump the fresh ATF
(remaining amount, ~4 quarts) from the MityVac reservoir to the transmission. The MityVac is capable of matching
the transmission flow rate with just a few pumps on the MityVac. When the catch jug reaches 4 quart line, signal
the helper to stop the car. Then, empty the catch jug, replace the clear tube. Refill the MityVac with two quarts
of new ATF. Repeat the pump/dispense motion till 2 quarts ATF is out. You can do it all at once if you have a
larger catch jug.
So at this moment, we have let out total of 8 quarts of old ATF, and pumped back in 8 quarts of fresh, cheery red
ATF. Observe the clear tube, the color was pitch black to begin with, and now is cherry red. Add one last quart of
new ATF in MityVac, pump the ATF to the transmission. This is an intentional over fill. Replace the overflow plug
with a new aluminum crush washer.

Reconnect the ATF return hose. I also replaced the hose clamp. Make sure the clamp sit properly on the previous
imprint on the hose.

And now we are ready for the fun part: level adjustment.

Step 7: Get your laptop that has working Toyota Techstream software. Connect your MVCI cable to the laptop,
and the other end goes to the car’s OBDII port. Turn the car on, and connect via Techstream. Go to Engine and
ECT module, and click on Datalist. Towards the end of the list, you’ll find the A/T Oil Temperature 1. The
temperature needs to be below 95 deg-F. Now start the car, and circulate ATF by shifting to P and D, hold each
position for a few seconds to circulate ATF.

My first try started at 80 deg-F, and when I opened the overflow plug, nothing came out. I then rushed to fill
again, which was not needed. I should’ve waited for the temperature to rise. While I was in a rush, oil temperature
rose rather quickly, and oil started to overflow. But I did not recognize that as “slow trickle” per Toyota document.
It was not a slow trickle, it was a heavy trickle with a bit splash. Worried losing too much ATF, I put the plug back
while the oil temperature passed 113 deg-F, which is the max temperature for the level adjustment.

I waited for an hour and half for the oil temperature to drop back to 95 deg-F, and started again. Before I started,
I pumped the remaining ATF into transmission. When I opened the overflow plug with the car running at D position
(this is to drop the RPM to about 700, I can’t wait for the car to step the RPM down in P position, the oil
temperature is surely going to shoot thru 113 deg-F while waiting for RPM to settle). I see the steady stream of ATF
coming out for a few seconds, and then comes the heavy trickle. Now recognizing that, I put back the plug at oil
temperature of 108.5 deg-F. It was just a few seconds under the car, and I forget to replace the washer on the
overflow plug. Perhaps not a big deal, but the washer should be replaced the first time the plug is removed.

Step 8: Tighten the overflow plug to 29 ft-lbf. Replace and tighten the refill plug to 36 ft-lbf. Some recent Toyota
document have misprinted the torque value for the overflow plug. Be aware.

Step 9: Start the car again, check for leaks. When everything is good, shut the car, and button up the under-
carriage splash panel, wheel well trim piece, air intake duct in the engine bay, and the top trim piece. Then lower
the car carefully, walk around the car to make sure everything is clear, and then go for a test drive.

Final note: If you don’t have Techstream and MVCI cable, you can use the alternative procedure by connecting
OBDII terminal pin 4 and 13, and operating the shift lever. See the following Toyota document.
 ATF REMOVAL – REPLACEMENT
U760E AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION / TRANSAXLE

(a) Lift the vehicle. [*1]

NOTICE: Set the vehicle on a lift so that the vehicle is kept level when it is lifted up.
(make sure the tilt angle from the front to rear of the vehicle is within +/- 1°).

(b) Remove the front wheel opening extension pad LH, engine under cover LH and front fender
apron seal LH.

(c) Remove the refill plug and gasket from the automatic transaxle assembly. [*2]

(d) Using a 6 mm hexagon socket wrench, remove the overflow plug and gasket from the
automatic transaxle assembly. [*3]
(e) Using a 6 mm hexagon socket wrench, remove the No. 1 transmission oil filler tube from the
transaxle oil pan sub-assembly and drain the automatic transaxle fluid. [*4]

(f) Measure the amount of fluid drained. [*5]

HINT: Note amount and then add the same amount of fluid in step [*8].

Torque : 0.8 Nm (8 kgf-cm, 7 in-lbf)

(g) Using a 6 mm hexagon socket wrench, reinstall the No. 1 transmission oil filler tube to the
transaxle oil pan sub-assembly. [*6]
(h) Install new gasket 90430-12008 and the overflow plug. [*7]

Torque : 40 Nm (408 kgf-cm, 29 ft-lbf)

HINT: Reuse the old gasket if you are doing the full fluid adjust procedure
as the plug will be removed again.

(i) Add fluid to the refill hole using the same amount of fluid drained in step [*5]. [*8]
HINT: If doing the formal fluid adjustment procedure following this removal-
replacement, add 8oz. additional ATF on final replacement, this will be drained
by the overflow method fluid adjust.

NOTICE: Use Toyota Genuine ATF WS.

(j) Install new gasket 90430-18008 and refill plug to avoid fluid spillage. [*9]

Torque : 49 Nm (500 kgf-cm, 36 ft-lbf)

HINT: Reuse old gasket if you are doing the formal fluid adjust procedure as the plug will be removed again.

(k) Lower the vehicle. [*10]

(l) Start the engine. [*11]
(m) Slowly move the shift lever from P to D, then back to P (keep the shift lever in each position
for approximately 3 seconds). [*12]

HINT: Slowly move the shift lever to circulate the fluid through each part of the automatic transaxle assembly.

(n) Allow the engine to idle for 30 seconds to check for leaks. [*13]
(o) Turn the ignition switch off. [*14]

(p) Install the front wheel opening extension pad LH, engine under covers LH and front fender
apron seal LH. Then job is Complete.
(q) Repeat steps [*1] to [*9]. Optional. To achieve a higher percentage of total new fluid.
 ATF LEVEL ADJUSTMENT
NOTICE:

* The U760E automatic transaxle does not have an oil filler tube and oil dipstick. When adding fluid, add
fluid through the refill hole on the transaxle case. The fluid level can be adjusted by draining excess fluid
(allowing excess fluid to overflow) through the No. 1 transmission oil filler tube of the oil pan.
* If the transaxle is hot (then the ATF temperature is high), wait until the fluid temperature becomes the
same as the ambient temperature before starting the following procedure.
[Recommended starting ATF temperature: around 20°C (68°F)]

ADJUST FLUID TEMPERATURE - USING TECHSTREAM SOFTWARE

(a) Connect the Techstream to the DLC3 with the ignition switch off.
(b) Turn the ignition switch to ON and turn the Techstream on.

NOTICE:
To reduce load, make sure that all electrical systems, such as the air conditioning, lighting system,
electric fan and audio system, are off.

(c) Enter the following menus: Powertrain / Engine / Active Test / Connect the TC and TE1
(d) Select the Data List menu: A/T Oil Temperature 1
(e) Select the Active Test menu: Connect the TC and TE1 / ON
(f) Check the ATF temperature.

NOTICE: If the fluid temperature is below 45°C (113°F), proceed to the next step. [Recommended
ATF temperature: 35°C (95°F) or less]

If the fluid temperature is 45°C (113°F) or more, turn the ignition switch off and wait until the fluid
temperature drops below 45°C (113°F).

(g) Depress and hold the brake pedal.

(h) Start the engine.

(i) Slowly move the shift lever from P to D, then back to P (keep the shift lever in each position for
approximately 3 seconds).
(j) While observing the D shift indicator on the combination meter, move the shift lever back and
forth between N and D at an interval of less than 1.5 seconds for 6 seconds or more.

NOTICE: Do not pause for

more than 1.5 seconds.

HINT: Performing this

operation will cause the
vehicle to enter fluid
temperature detection
mode.

(k) Check that the D shift indicator comes on for 2 seconds.

HINT : When fluid temperature detection mode is activated, the D shift indicator on the
combination meter comes on for 2 seconds. If the D shift indicator does not come on for
2 seconds, return to the first step and perform the procedure again.

(l) Move the shift lever from N to P.

(m) Release the brake pedal.

(n) Select the Active Test menu: Connect the TC and TE1 / OFF

NOTICE: Be sure that terminals TC and TE1 are off. If the terminals are on, the fluid level cannot
be precisely adjusted due to fluctuations in engine speed.

HINT: Disconnecting terminals TC and TE1 activates engine idle speed control mode.

In engine idle speed control mode, engine idle speed control starts when the fluid temperature
becomes 35°C (95°F) or more and then engine speed is maintained at approximately 800 rpm.

Even after terminals TC and TE1 are disconnected, fluid temperature detection mode is active
until the ignition switch is turned off.
(o) Warm up the engine with the engine idling until the fluid temperature reaches the
fluid level adjustment temperature [35 to 45°C (95 to 113°F)].

NOTICE: If the fluid temperature is within the fluid level adjustment temperature range,
immediately proceed to the "Adjust Fluid Level" procedure.
If the fluid temperature is 45°C (113°F) or more, stop the engine and wait until the fluid
temperature drops to 35°C (95°F) or less. Then perform the "Adjust Fluid
Temperature" procedure again from the beginning.
 ADJUST FLUID TEMPERATURE – NOT USING TECHSTREAM

(a) Using SST 09843-18040 jumper, connect terminals 13 (TC) and 4 (CG) of the DLC3 with the
ignition switch off.

(b) Depress and hold the brake pedal.

(c) Start the engine.

NOTICE: To reduce load, make sure that all electrical systems, such as the air conditioning,
lighting system, electric fan and audio system, are off.

HINT: The indicator lights on the combination meter blink to indicate the DTC output when
terminals TC and CG are connected.

(d) Slowly move the shift lever from P to D, then back to P.

(e) While observing the D shift indicator on the combination meter, move the shift lever back and
forth between N and D at an interval of less than 1.5 seconds for 6 seconds or more.

NOTICE: Do not pause for

more than 1.5 seconds.

HINT: Performing this

operation will cause the
vehicle to enter fluid
temperature detection
mode.

(f) Check that the D shift indicator comes on for 2 seconds.

HINT: When fluid temperature detection mode is activated, the D shift indicator
on the combination meter comes on for 2 seconds. If the D shift indicator does not
come on for 2 seconds, return to the first step and perform the procedure again.

(g) Move the shift lever from N to P.

(h) Release the brake pedal.
(i) Remove SST from terminals 13 (TC) and 4 (CG).

NOTICE: Be sure that terminals TC and CG are not connected. If the terminals are connected,
the fluid level cannot be precisely adjusted due to fluctuations in engine speed.

HINT : Disconnecting terminals TC and CG activates engine idle speed control mode.

In engine idle speed control mode, engine idle speed control starts when the fluid temperature
becomes 35°C (95°F) or more and then engine speed is maintained at approximately 800 rpm.

Even after terminals TC and CG are disconnected, fluid temperature detection mode is active
until the ignition switch is turned off.

(j) Allow the engine to idle until the D shift indicator comes on again.

NOTICE: If the fluid temperature is within the fluid level adjustment temperature range,
immediately proceed to the "Adjust Fluid Level" procedure.
If the fluid temperature is 45°C (113°F) or more, stop the engine and wait until the fluid
temperature drops to 35°C (95°F) or less. Then perform the "Adjust Fluid
Temperature" procedure again from the beginning.
 ADJUST FLUID LEVEL

(a) Lift the vehicle.

NOTICE: Set the vehicle on a lift so that the vehicle is kept level when it is lifted up.
(make sure the tilt angle from the front to rear of the vehicle is within +/- 1°).

(b) Using a 6 mm hexagon socket wrench, remove the overflow plug and gasket.

(c) Check the amount of fluid that comes out of the overflow plug hole.

NOTICE: If only a small amount of fluid (approximately 1 cc) comes out of the overflow
plug hole, then only fluid remaining in the No. 1 transmission oil filler tube has come out.
This condition is not considered as overflow, so it is necessary to add fluid.

(d) If the fluid overflows

(1) Remove the refill plug and gasket.
(2) Wait until the fluid flow slows and only drips come out.

(e) If the fluid does not overflow

(1) Remove the refill plug and gasket.

(2) Add ATF through the refill hole until fluid comes out of the overflow plug hole.
 (3) Wait until the fluid flow slows and only drips come out.

(f) Install new gasket 90430-12008 and the overflow plug.

Torque : 40 Nm (408 kgf-cm, 29 ft-lbf)

(g) Install new gasket 90430-18008 and refill plug.

Torque : 49 Nm (500 kgf-cm, 36 ft-lbf)

(h) Lower the vehicle.

(i) Turn the ignition switch off.

HINT: Turning the ignition switch off exits fluid temperature detection mode.
(j) Remove the Techstream from the DLC3 (when using the Techstream).

REBUILD WORK

(a) Lift the vehicle.

(b) Clean each part.
(c) Check for fluid leaks.
(d) Install the front wheel opening extension pad LH, engine under covers LH and front fender
apron seal LH.
(e) Lower the vehicle.