Joined Oct 30, 2006
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92 Posts
Discussion Starter · #1 · Oct 31, 2006
Just joined this terrific site. Will take delivery of a V6 SE in November. This will be my first Toyota so I am not familiar with the engineering. I checked the engine bay and could not find a dipstick for the ATF of the V6. The dealership tech told me that they recently switched to sealed units which require a "diagnostic tool" to check or add ATF. Can you
tell me why Toyota decided to make a change in trans design, what the claimed benefits are etc? And do they use synthetic ATF now? I did a search here but could not find anything. Your help is appreciated.
Joined May 12, 2006
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277 Posts
you dont check it. ATF WS is used to reduce the resistance of the ATF and improve the fuel economy by reducing its viscosity ATF WS and other types of ATF (ATF Type T-IV, D-II.) are not interchangeable. ATF FILLING PROCEDURES The ATF filling procedure is changed in order to improve the accuracy of the ATF level when the transaxle
in the practical operating temperature range. At higher fluid temperatures, the viscosity is the same as that
of ATF Type T-IV, which ensures the
durability of the automatic transaxle.
is being
repaired or replaced. As a result, the oil filler tube and the oil level gauge used for a conventional
automatic transaxle are discontinued, eliminating the need to inspect the fluid level as a part of routine
maintenance.
This filling procedure employs a refill plug, overflow plug, ATF temperature sensor, and shift indicator
light “D”. After the transaxle is refilled with ATF,
remove the overflow plug and drain the extra ATF at
the proper ATF temperature. Thus, the appropriate ATF level can be obtained. For details about the ATF
filling procedure, refer to the Service Tip on the next page.
OIL STRAINER
A felt type oil strainer is used because it is lightweight, provides excellent filtering ability, is more reliable
and free from maintenance.
levier de vitesse image by Danielle Bonardelle from Fotolia.com
Checking the transmission fluid in your Toyota Camry should only take a few minutes. The Camry is Toyota's midsize sedan. Its transmission fluid should be checked as frequently as you change the motor oil. When checking the fluid, you will need to observe if the fluid is a red color. In the case the fluid is not red, you may need to have the transmission inspected by either a respected mechanic or the Toyota dealer.
Step 1
Start the car to let it warm up. Allow the car to run for five minutes. Shift the car through all the gears. Allow the car to shift into each gear before moving to the next gear. Move back to "Park" and turn the car off.
Step 2
Open the hood to access the engine compartment. Locate the transmission dipstick toward the side of the motor.
Step 3
Pull the dipstick out of the tube. Ensure you have the transmission dipstick and not the motor oil dipstick, which would have brown oil rather than red. Wipe the transmission dipstick clean with a clean towel. Insert the dipstick back in to the tube. Ensure that it is seated fully.
Step 4
Pull the dipstick out of the tube and check the level of the fluid against the markings on the dipstick. The dipstick will indicate if the level is full or if it needs fluid added.
Step 5
Place a funnel in the mouth of the transmission dipstick tube. Pour transmission fluid in half-quart intervals. Check the fluid level each time. Continue to fill until the level indicates full.
References
- Aa1car: Checking your automatic transmission fluid
- "Toyota Camry Haynes Repair Manual covering all 2002 thru 2006 models of Camry, Avalon, Solara and Lexus ES 300/330"; John Haynes; 2006
Tips
- Consult your owner's manual for the correct type of automatic transmission fluid. The recommended type is Dexron II.
Things You'll Need
- Clean towel
- Dexron II automatic transmission fluid
Writer Bio
Gregory Crews has been in the film industry for three years and has appeared in more than 38 major motion pictures and 16 television shows. He also writes detailed automotive tutorials. His expertise in the automotive industry has given him the skills to write detailed technical instructional articles.