Flushing Transmission 1999 CAMRY

[Luke Home]

Hello,

I would like to know how I can flush my transmission fluid without taking it in to be done.

Typically I would remove one line from the radiator and run the car for 10-15 seconds and let it pump the fluid into a bucket. Then I would put 1-2 quarts of new fluid into the transmission fill spout and repeat the process until I get clean red fluid pumping into the bucket.

Now I have used this process on the Bonneville and now I have a Camry with 105,000 miles on it, that I just purchased.

Will this process work with these Toyotas as well?

And should I be replacing the Transmission Filter as well?

One last thing, what type of fluid is run in these Toyotas?

Thanks for any advise.

Luke

[Blue Bowtie]

I'm thinking you meant to type "flushing" the transmission.

Regardless, with higher mileage, it is generally considered safer to drop the pan, change the filter, and refill instead of flushing. Removing all the old oil (and all the suspended friction material) could potentially leave you with a non-operating transmission. It doesn't happen frequently, but it can occur.

However, this transmission uses only a screen strainer, and not a true filter element. The pan has a drain plug to allow nearly complete draining, since the oil pan cannot be removed easily with the transmission in the vehicle (the transmission should be raised slightly to facilitate pan removal).

The cool thing is that you can use the leftover Dexron III from the Bonneville to fill the A540 in the Camry. It specifies Dexron II or III, 4.1 quarts with a drain/refill, or 8 quarts with a complete rebuild.

You should also be aware that the differential case in this transaxle assembly does not share lubricant with the transmission, so it needs to be drained and refilled separately. It also uses Dexron II (or Dexron III).

[Luke Home]

Blue Bowtie Wrote: "I'm thinking you meant to type "flushing" the transmission."

Thank You Very much Blue Bowtie!

You are absolutely correct ... Flushing is what I meant.

Your reply is very informative and exactly what I needed.

Thanks again,

Luke

[Luke Home]

Blue Bowtie,

I have reviewed the above drawing and I have changed my trans axle fluid via drain only and refill twice since I got your reply. However, Each time I have been under the car I have tried to find the Refill Plug on the Differential so I can change this fluid as well. And each time I have looked I cannot find this Refill Plug that the above drawing is showing. I have taken a few pictures of my trans axle (Differential) and here is what it looks like:





What am I missing? Is this chamber really separate from the Trans Axle Fluid on this year and Trans axle? If so, where do I put the Fluid in the Differential after I drain it?

Any help would be great.

Luke

[Brian R.]

Fill through the transmission fill tube. No separate fill for differential, only separate drain.