Gather your materials:
- New transmission fluid (check your owner's manual for the recommended fluid type and amount)
- A drain pan
- A funnel
- A wrench
- Safety glasses and gloves
Instructions:
1. Prepare your vehicle. Park your 4Runner on a level surface. Engage the parking brake and turn off the engine. Allow the vehicle to cool down if it has been recently driven.
2. Locate the drain plug. The drain plug is located on the bottom of the transmission pan. It is usually a 17mm bolt.
3. Place the drain pan under the drain plug. Make sure the drain pan is large enough to catch all of the fluid that will drain out.
4. Loosen the drain plug. Use the wrench to loosen the drain plug. Be careful not to drop the bolt into the drain pan.
5. Allow the fluid to drain. Allow all of the fluid to drain out of the transmission. This may take several minutes.
6. Replace the drain plug. Once all of the fluid has drained out, replace the drain plug. Tighten the plug until it is snug.
7. Locate the fill plug. The fill plug is located on the side of the transmission. It is usually a 17mm bolt.
8. Remove the fill plug. Use the wrench to remove the fill plug.
9. Insert the funnel. Insert the funnel into the fill hole.
10. Add new fluid. Add new transmission fluid to the transmission until it begins to overflow out of the fill hole.
11. Replace the fill plug. Once the fluid begins to overflow, replace the fill plug. Tighten the plug until it is snug.
12. Check the transmission fluid level. Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. Then, turn off the engine and check the transmission fluid level using the dipstick. The fluid level should be between the "Full" and "Add" marks on the dipstick.
Note: If your 4Runner does not have a dipstick, you can check the transmission fluid level by removing the fill plug and looking inside. The fluid level should be at the bottom of the fill hole.
Tips:
- When changing the transmission fluid, it is also a good idea to replace the transmission filter.
- If you are not comfortable changing the transmission fluid yourself, you can have it done at a qualified auto repair shop.
