Toyota RAV4 Transmission Fluid (Guide)
Toyota RAV4 transmission fluid is very important for maintenance, but normally it is not done regularly to put it often; it is listed in the recommended guide by the owner. So what does it actually mean?
Before doing anything, you must understand what transmission fluid is and how to proceed with it.
In this further guide, I will explain how TF (transmission fluid) is used, how we can check the RAV4 transmission fluid with different models, and other useful information as well, so stay with us.
Toyota RAV4 Transmission Fluid What is that
Toyota RAV4 transmission fluidIt is the same as oil but works differently. It is the special oil that helps your vehicle transmission system work very smoothly; you can say that it’s the blood of the car. It helps to lubricate very easily the moving parts inside the transmission, which is very helpful to reduce friction and wear.
It also puts away the heat generated by the operation and cools down the transmission.
It is very important to keep your car’s transmission working properly and smoothly.
How to Check Your Fluid
This is a very common question among every driver about how to check car fluid. It depends on the model of the Toyota RAV4 you are driving. Here are some guidelines you need to know:
2013 to 2024 Toyota RAV4
There is no possible way to check transmission fluid on the newer and latest models of the RAV4 on your own; they do not have a dipstick. If you have problems with TF, you need to contact your Toyota dealer or local mechanic directly.
Maybe this is the way you are reading this article because you can’t find a way to check transmission fluid or won’t find a dipstick. In most situations, you need to replace the transmission fluid anyway.
1994–2012 Toyota RAV4
In the older model, you can check the transmission fluid with a dipstick. Here is the image below.
These steps can help you check your transmission fluid.
- First, you need to warm up your engine.
- Cycle through the gears.
- Then you need to find the location of the dipstick.
- Then you need to remove the dipstick and check the color. If it’s clear and amber, then it’s fine. If it’s black and dirty, you should change it.
- Then clean the dipstick with some towels.
- Then put the dipstick back in the tube.
- Then remove it and check its level.
If the level is low, add some more.
Signs of low or dirty oil
Toyota RAV4 transmission fluid Since it is impossible to check it manually. Here are some things you can do to diagnose or look for low or dirty transmission oil.
- Noises: If there is noise when shifting gears, it means something is wrong with TF.
- Burning Smell: Dirty or low-transmission fluid can cause friction, which can create a strong friction that can cause a burning smell and excessive wear and tear.
- Transmission Leakage: You will notice if there is a leak. Dark red fluid will leak from the vehicle.
- Shifting Issues: When you speed up or slow down, your car shifts through different gears. If you feel like it’s slipping or taking a while to switch gears, you might need to change or add more transmission fluid.
- Check Engine Light: Check engine light can cause multiple issues along with transmission oil issues.
How Often You Can Change
In normal circumstances, Toyota recommends that you not change your transmission fluid while driving. But in case you are using a tow and carrying a heavy load on your RAV4, you may need to change your TF every 60000 miles (about 96560.64 km) or 72 months (about 6 years).
Every 30000 miles (about 48280.32 km), check the transmission fluid, cooler, and connection as per Toyota’s recommendation. And checking the leaks is very important to fix that issue right away.
In most cases, Toyota does not recommend changing your transmission fluid. But for your peace of mind, you can check with your mechanic every 60000 to 100000 miles (about 160934.4 km).
Cost to Change
Toyota RAV4 transmission fluid Exactly how much does it cost? Every owner of an RAV4 has this question on their mind. But don’t worry, the maintenance cost isn’t that high. This is particularly important because neglecting these checks could lead to expensive repairs for a new transmission.
According to AutoZone, changing transmission fluid usually costs between $100.00 and $300.00, depending on the type of fluid your vehicle needs. The price is mostly influenced by the quality, brand, and amount of fluid required, rather than the labor involved.
If you have experience and basic tools, you can change the transmission fluid by performing Toyota RAV4 maintenance.
Compatible Fluid Types
Toyota needs a special and compatible type of oil to run the transmission fluid. There are many kinds of automatic transmission fluid (ATF), and purchasing and using the wrong one can lead to damage.
The most common TF used these days is multi-vehicle synthetic, or Dexron/Mercon. (Valvoline). But brands like Toyota recommend genuine formulations only provided by automakers.
Here are the various transmission fluid types for all years and configurations of the Toyota RAV4.
Thank you for providing the detailed breakdown. Below is the information in a tabular format as you’ve presented:
| Year | Gas RAV4 | RAV4 Hybrid | RAV4 Prime |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2023 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2022 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2021 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2020 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — |
| 2019 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — |
| 2018 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — |
| 2017 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — |
| 2016 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — |
| 2015 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — | — |
| 2014 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — | — |
| 2013 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — | — |
| 2012 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — | — |
| 2011 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — | — |
| 2010 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — | — |
| 2009 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — | — |
| 2008 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — | — |
| 2007 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — | — |
| 2006 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — | — |
| 2005 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV | — | — |
| 2004 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV | — | — |
| 2003 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV | — | — |
| 2002 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: ATF Type T-IV | — | — |
| 2001 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: ATF Type T-IV | — | — |
| 2000 | Manual 2WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Manual 4WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 Automatic 2WD: ATF D-11 or DEXRON III (DEXRON II) Automatic 4WD: Toyota ATF Type T or T-IV or equivalent | — | — |
| 1999 | Manual 2WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Manual 4WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 Automatic 2WD: ATF D-11 or DEXRON III (DEXRON II) Automatic 4WD: Toyota ATF Type T or equivalent | — | — |
This table provides a clear overview of the compatible fluid types for each system in various Toyota RAV4 models across different model years.
Fluid Capacity
You don’t want to miss how much fluid the system can hold. You don’t want to fill over or reduce the transmission. Look at the table below.
Here’s the table with fluid capacities for various systems in Toyota RAV4 models:
| Year | Gas RAV4 Fluid Capacities | RAV4 Hybrid Fluid Capacities | RAV4 Prime Fluid Capacities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 7.8 qt. | 4.1 qt. | 4.6 qt. |
| 2022 | 7.8 qt. | 4.1 qt. | 4.6 qt. |
| 2021 | 7.8 qt. | 4.1 qt. | 4.6 qt. |
| 2020 | 7.8 qt. | 4.1 qt. | — |
| 2019 | 7.8 qt. | 4.1 qt. | — |
| 2018 | 6.9 qt. (Engine Oil) Front Differential: 4.0 qt. Rear Differential: 1.9 qt. | 4.0 qt. (Front Differential) | — |
| 2017 | 6.9 qt. (Engine Oil) Front Differential: 4.0 qt. Rear Differential: 1.9 qt. | 4.0 qt. (Front Differential) | — |
| 2016 | 6.9 qt. (Engine Oil) Front Differential: 4.0 qt. Rear Differential: 1.9 qt. | 4.0 qt. (Front Differential) | — |
| 2015 | 6.9 qt. (Engine Oil) | — | — |
| 2014 | 6.9 qt. (Engine Oil) | — | — |
| 2013 | 6.9 qt. (Engine Oil) | — | — |
| 2012 | 4-speed: 8.6 qt. 5-speed: 9.3 qt. (Engine Oil) | — | — |
| 2011 | 4-speed: 8.6 qt. 5-speed: 9.3 qt. (Engine Oil) | — | — |
| 2010 | 4-speed: 8.6 qt. 5-speed: 9.3 qt. (Engine Oil) | — | — |
| 2009 | 4-speed: 8.6 qt. 5-speed: 9.3 qt. (Engine Oil) | — | — |
| 2008 | 3.5 qt. (Engine Oil) | — | — |
| 2007 | 3.5 qt. (Engine Oil) | — | — |
| 2006 | 3.5 qt. (Engine Oil) | — | — |
| 2005 | Manual 2WD: 2.5 qt. Manual 4WD: 3.4 qt. Automatic: 3.5 qt. (Engine Oil) | — | — |
| 2004 | Manual 2WD: 2.5 qt. Manual 4WD: 3.4 qt. Automatic: 3.5 qt. (Engine Oil) | — | — |
| 2003 | Manual 2WD: 2.5 qt. Manual 4WD: 3.4 qt. Automatic: 3.5 qt. (Engine Oil) | — | — |
| 2002 | Manual 2WD: 2.5 qt. Manual 4WD: 3.4 qt. Automatic 2WD: 3.3 qt. Automatic 4WD: 3.9 qt. (Engine Oil) | — | — |
| 2001 | Manual 2WD: 2.5 qt. Manual 4WD: 3.4 qt. Automatic 2WD: 3.3 qt. Automatic 4WD: 3.9 qt. (Engine Oil) | — | — |
| 2000 | Manual 2WD: 3.9 qt. Manual 4WD: 5.0 qt. Automatic: 3.3 qt. (Engine Oil) | — | — |
| 1999 | Manual 2WD: 3.9 qt. Manual 4WD: 5.0 qt. Automatic: 3.3 qt. (Engine Oil) | — | — |
| 1998 | Manual 2WD: 3.9 qt. Manual 4WD: 5.0 qt. Automatic: 3.3 qt. (Engine Oil) | — | — |
| 1997 | Manual 2WD: 3.9 qt. Manual 4WD: 5.0 qt. Automatic 2WD: 3.3 qt. Automatic 4WD: 7.0 qt. (Engine Oil) | — | — |
| 1996 | Manual 2WD: 3.9 qt. Manual 4WD: 5.0 qt. Automatic: 3.3 qt. (Engine Oil) | — | — |
| 1995 | 3.49 qt.* (Engine Oil) | — | — |
| 1994 | 3.49 qt.* (Engine Oil) | — | — |
*Note: The fluid capacities mentioned here are approximate and may vary depending on specific models and configurations. Always refer to the owner’s manual or consult with a certified mechanic for accurate fluid capacities and specifications.
Maintenance Benefits
Here are some benefits if you are maintaining your Toyota RAV4 transmission fluid
- Increased lifespan of transmission
- It will help you to avoid costly repairs.
- It will improve its performance.
- It will improve fuel economy.
- It will provide smoother shifting.
Conclusion
Toyota RAV4 transmission fluid is one of the main and essential parts of a vehicle. Toyota does not recommend changing its normal driving style. But in case you are towing and carrying a heavy load on your RAV4, then every 60000 miles (about 96560.64 km) or 72 months (about 6 years) you should change it.
You should provide proper maintenance to transmission fluid because it is a very important and essential component. Neglect can lead to expensive repairs.
FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)
How do you know you need transmission fluid?
It will hint to you just like loud noises during gear shifting oil leakage burning smell
What happens when your transmission fluid is low?
If transmission fluid oil is low there will be unnecessary fiction and wear and overheating of the engine
What happens if you put too much transmission fluid in your car?
It may cause many problems like blowing up the transmission fluid and leakage
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