If you want to keep your transmission running smoothly, you should regularly change the transmission fluid. The timing of this service varies by vehicle and manufacturer, so it’s important to check your owner’s manual for a recommended maintenance schedule.
The first step is to check the level of transmission fluid with a dipstick or a transmission check plug. Once you know how much fluid is needed, add it slowly using a funnel.
Check the Fluid Level
Your owner’s manual will tell you when to change your transmission fluid. For most Toyota cars, it’s about every 30,000 miles.
It’s a simple maintenance procedure that keeps your transmission running smoothly and extends its life. A dirty transmission can be very expensive to repair.
Changing your transmission fluid should be done as part of routine maintenance, just like changing engine oil and filters.
A low level of transmission fluid is a huge warning sign that you need to get your vehicle in for service. It can lead to a variety of problems.
To check the level, you can simply turn the car on and look at the dipstick located to the right of the oil dipstick. The fluid should be clear with a pink hue. If it’s dirty or has a burning smell, it’s time for transmission fluid replacement.
👀Look at this: Transmission Fluid Capacity for the 2011 Toyota Corolla
Drain the Old Fluid
If your transmission does not have a drain plug, you will need to drain the fluid in a catch pan. This will not be a clean process, but it is necessary to remove all the old fluid and to inspect the pan for signs of leaks.
In addition, you will want to examine the fluid that drains out of the pan for metal shavings. These are normal and represent the wear and tear of the transmission gears.
The dripping fluid will be quite dirty and may contain road salt, mud, dirt, or other debris that needs to be cleaned up before you drive the car.
A third of the fluid will remain in the torque converter, so you must flush the entire transmission system to ensure that all of the old fluid has been drained out. For best results, do this procedure three times at one-week intervals to replace nearly all of the old fluid with fresh fluid.
Add New Fluid
Changing your transmission fluid is an important maintenance task that should be performed regularly. This can help your car’s automatic transmission stay lubricated and functioning at its best.
If you’re unsure about how often to change your transmission fluid, check the owner’s manual for a maintenance schedule. Most manufacturers recommend changing the fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, though factors like driving style, climate, and vehicle age can affect this.
In most cases, you’ll be able to drain the transmission fluid by removing a drain plug in the center of the transmission pan. However, on some models you may need to remove the entire pan.
Before you can add new fluid, you need to replace the filter. The transmission filter contains a metal plate with a fiber material that catches pollutants and helps keep your Corolla’s automatic transmission clean.
Replace the Filter
Your transmission uses a fluid called transmission oil to help lubricate and transfer power from your engine to the various components of your vehicle’s transmission. Over time, however, the transmission fluid can deteriorate and get dirty and clogged with debris.
The good news is that your transmission has a filter that helps keep the system clean and working properly. Unfortunately, if you don’t change the filter regularly, it will eventually get clogged up with dirt, metal shavings, and other contaminants.
A clogged filter can lead to transmission problems including slipping, sluggishness, and poor performance. If you’re not sure whether or not your filter needs to be changed, check the owner’s manual or talk to a professional mechanic.