The correct oil level in the Toyota automatic gearbox. automatic transmission

The correct oil level in the Toyota automatic gearbox. automatic transmission

Automatic transmission fluid is a very special oil. It has unique characteristics and must retain its properties at temperatures from -40 to +400 degrees. Oil serves not only to lubricate automatic transmission mechanisms, it helps to cool the box and is a working fluid. It is the oil that transmits torque from the engine to the wheels of the car through the automatic transmission. And due to the oil, the gears are switched. Without oil, the automatic transmission simply will not work, and if something is wrong with it, it will quickly fail. Therefore, in order for the car not to become real estate, it is necessary to carefully monitor the level and condition of the oil.

Oils for automatic transmissions of different cars

Symptoms of most automatic transmission problems are in its abnormal operation:

  • the dynamics drops, the behavior of the car and its acceleration characteristics change;
  • when shifting gears, jerks, delays are observed;
  • one or more transmissions are missing;
  • the box self-diagnosis system shows errors on the dashboard;
  • the car does not move when the gear is engaged;
  • the box makes strange sounds: howling, crackling, grinding, hitting, and so on.

How do you check the oil level in an automatic transmission?

Diagnosis of any changes in the operation of the automatic transmission begins with the diagnosis of the condition of the oil.

In most cars, checking the oil level in an automatic gearbox is quite simple.

The procedure is as follows:


On some automatic transmissions, the measurement rules may differ. For example, it is possible to correctly determine the oil level in them only when cold. In such automatic transmissions, only the inscription COLD is present on the dipstick. On some probes, the marks may not be related to temperature conditions at all and have a different designation (for example, OK), or they may simply be notches or non-letter marks on the probe. In some vehicles, the measurement is carried out with the engine running or the gearbox selector position in neutral.

On modern automatic transmissions, the probe may not be at all. Manufacturers began to make their transmissions maintenance-free. That is, the oil in them is designed for the entire life of the car or until the first major overhaul. Some of these automatic transmissions, indeed, fulfill the manufacturer's statement. But not all. In addition, most drivers drive a car with an automatic transmission completely wrong and put them under unnecessary stress. Add to this a sharply continental climate: driving in two-hour traffic jams at a temperature of +40 or driving at -40 with constant warming up and slipping on ice and snow.


Car while driving on a snowy road

As a result, the oil in unattended automatic transmissions behaves in exactly the same way as in serviced ones. Blackens, saturated with fragments and the remains of the mechanisms of the box, contaminated with the remains of plastic and rubber. And it loses its properties, which further leads to the failure of the transmission. They say about such boxes that it’s really possible not to change the oil for 200,000 kilometers, it’s just that the box itself changes along with the oil change.

Fortunately, you can still change the oil or just monitor its level on such cars. Instead of a dipstick, they have a control hole through which the oil level is correctly set if the box needs to be repaired.

The measurement procedure on such vehicles is as follows:

  1. The automatic transmission is warming up; for this, a car is driven from 5 to 20 kilometers.
  2. Then the car is driven onto a horizontal platform. But this is provided that in order to get to the control hole you do not need a pit or a lift.
  3. The cork is unscrewed. If the oil is poured out, its level is in order. It is better to use a container and see how much spilled out - the level may be higher than normal. If the oil does not flow, then it needs to be topped up.


Topping up oil in a maintenance-free automatic transmission when its level is low

If the oil level in the box is low, it must be topped up immediately. The box itself cannot consume oil like an engine. If the level has dropped significantly or drops constantly, it means that there is a leak somewhere in the box. Low oil level is very bad for the box. Those mechanisms and parts of it that do not receive enough oil begin to burn and fail. A low oil level leads to a violation of the temperature regime, a sharp decrease in the life of the automatic transmission, a decrease in pressure in the automatic transmission and a breakdown of its individual parts. Without oil, the box is able to drive very little and such a mockery ends in a very, very expensive repair. The consequences can be very different - from none, to a complete replacement of the machine.

If the oil level in the automatic transmission is too high, this is also bad. If it is higher than normal, the oil begins to foam and loses its properties. The effect is the same as with the lower one.

Do not confuse foamed oil with individual air bubbles. Their appearance is almost normal and occurs when the probe is removed. Foamed oil is uniform in its structure. Different oils have different smells, but none of them smell like burning. They also differ in color.


Draining used dirty oil from automatic transmission

But during the operation of the car, the oil inevitably darkens, becomes cloudy and crumbs and small metal filings appear in it. When changing oil, remember its original color.

Dirty oil is able to cause irreparable damage to the box. Metal particles in the oil will begin to abrasively process all the insides of the box, the valve body will be the first to suffer. It will begin to produce abnormal pressure, which will lead to an expansion of the list of breakdowns. Sooner or later, some package of friction clutches will burn out and its adhesive base will get into the oil, which will saturate the rest of the clutches and very soon they will all fail. Minor symptoms will develop progressively until the box just dies one day. And it is likely that there will be nothing to repair in it.

How to check the oil level in the automatic transmission of popular car brands. Tips and Features

Toyota Corolla and Camry v40

The transmission oil level for Toyota Corolla and Camry v40 is measured only on a warm car, it cannot be measured on a cold one. To do this, you need to drive a Toyota Corolla and Camry v40 for at least 5 kilometers. After warming up the engine, the Toyota Corolla and Camry v40 selector lever is set to position P.


Oil measurement in automatic transmissions of Toyota Corolla and Camry v40 should be carried out on a flat piece of land. Under the hood of Toyota Corolla and Camry v40, you need to find an oil dipstick. In order to see the oil level after a trip to the Toyota Corolla and Camry v40, you need to wipe the dipstick with a rag. On the Toyota Corolla and Camry v40 dipstick there will be two marks HOT and COLD. We will be interested in the HOT mark, which will show what the oil level is in warmed-up Toyota Corolla and Camry v40 cars.

Toyota Prado 120

Toyota Prado 120 does not have a dipstick for measuring the oil level, this automatic transmission is maintenance-free. But in the conditions of Russia, it is better to change the oil on the Prado 120 every 80,000 kilometers. The oil measurement algorithm in the Prado 120 is similar to other automatic transmissions without a dipstick. If the oil level in the Prado 120 automatic transmission is above the norm, this is a sign of a malfunction in the box.

Chevrolet Cruze

There is no oil dipstick in the Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission. The Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission is maintenance-free, manufacturers claim that the oil will last for a long car life. Despite this, the level and condition of the Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission oil can still be checked. To do this, you need to raise the Chevrolet Cruze on the lift and find the control plug on the automatic transmission.


After the Chevrolet Cruze control plug is unscrewed, oil will pour out from there, and if it doesn’t pour out, then the oil level in the Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission is insufficient. If the oil in the Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission has a normal level, then it will not be superfluous to look at its condition anyway. You can add oil to the Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission through the breather at the top of the box.

Peugeot 206, 307, 308, Renault Sandero and Citroen C4

Peugeot models 206, 307, 308, Renault Sandero and Citroen C4 are equipped with AL4 automatic transmission. Automatic transmissions Peugeot 206, 307, 308, Renault Sandero and Citroen C4 are maintenance-free. However, due to the design features of the Peugeot 206, 307, 308 and Renault Sandero automatic transmissions, they are very sensitive to the condition of the oil. Gearboxes Peugeot 206, 307, 308 and Renault Sandero with insufficient oil level overheat and fail. You can measure the oil level in automatic transmissions Peugeot 206, 307, 308 and Renault Sandero using the control hole. The procedure for measuring the oil level on automatic transmissions Peugeot 206, 307, 308 and Renault Sandero is similar to other maintenance-free boxes. To measure the automatic transmission of Peugeot 206, 307, 308 and Renault Sandero, it is necessary to warm up after driving at least 5 kilometers. STO experts recommend that before measuring, sequentially switch the selector of the automatic transmission Peugeot 206, 307, 308, Renault Sandero and Citroen C4 to all positions, lingering in each for 30-60 seconds.


Ford Focus

Automatic transmission Ford Focus maintenance-free. The oil in the Ford Focus automatic transmission is calculated up to the first overhaul - this is approximately 120,000 kilometers. The Ford Focus automatic transmission has a control hole through which the oil level is measured. To measure, you need to warm up the Ford Focus automatic transmission; it is impossible to correctly determine the level on a cold one. The actual Ford Focus automatic transmission oil level can only be measured on level ground, after the car has warmed up. If Ford Focus automatic transmission oil does not flow out of the control hole, then its level is insufficient. There is an oil filler neck in the Ford Focus automatic transmission. The oil level in the Ford Focus is recommended to be checked at least once every 60,000 runs.

Hyundai Solaris IX35 and Accent

Automatic transmission Hyundai Solaris IX35 and Accent do not need to change the oil, it is filled for the entire life of the box. The Hyundai Solaris IX35 and Accent automatic transmissions have a dipstick for checking the gear oil level. To correctly measure the oil level in the automatic transmission of the Hyundai Solaris IX35 and Accent, it is necessary to warm up the box by driving 20 kilometers on it. It is not recommended to measure in a cold machine, as the result may not be accurate. The correct measurement of the oil level in the automatic transmission of the Hyundai Solaris IX35 and Accent is possible only on a flat surface.


Some automatic transmissions Hyundai Solaris IX35 come without a dipstick to measure the oil level. For such automatic transmissions Hyundai Solaris IX35, it is necessary to measure the level through the control hole. When unscrewing the cork Solaris IX35, oil will pour out of it. If more than 0.5 liters of oil flows out of Solaris IX35, this means that the level is higher than necessary. Riding a Solaris IX35 with an oil level below normal can have unfortunate consequences, as well as with an overestimated one.

Kia Rio, Sid and Sorento

On the automatic transmission of Kia Rio, Sid and Sorento, there is a dipstick for measuring oil. To correctly measure the automatic transmission oil level, Kia Rio, Sid and Sorento will need to warm up the car. This is necessary in order to accurately measure the amount of oil, and this cannot be done in a cold car. The automatic transmission oil level of Kia Rio, Sid and Sorento is measured on a flat surface so that there is no distortion of the oil level inside the box. Then you need to remove the automatic transmission dipstick Kia Rio, Sid and Sorento, wipe it and reinsert it. For a warm automatic transmission Kia Rio, Sid and Sorento, you need to look at the HOT mark. If the automatic transmission oil of Kia Rio, Sid and Sorento is at this level, then everything is fine. If the level is higher or lower, this can have serious consequences for the gearbox.


Volkswagen Bora, Tuareg, Jetta and B5

Volkswagen cars are equipped with various automatic transmissions - both serviced and not. Volkswagen Bora and Tuareg of the new generation are equipped with maintenance-free boxes. For Volkswagen Tuareg and Bora, the procedures for monitoring the transmission fluid level are similar to other automatic transmissions without a dipstick.

Opel Astra

Opel Astra is equipped with maintenance-free automatic transmissions. To measure the oil level in the Astra automatic transmission, you must use the control hole. When removing the control hole plug from the Astra automatic transmission, oil will pour out. If this does not happen, then the oil level in the Astra is low, which means that it is necessary to add it.

Audi A6

The oil in the automatic transmission of the Audi A6 is filled for the entire life of the automatic transmission. It Audi A6 can serve until the first repair or overhaul. The term for the overhaul of the automatic transmission of the Audi A6 comes after 200,000 kilometers. In order to increase the life of the automatic transmission of the Audi A6, it is better to check the oil level every 50,000 kilometers, for this a control hole is used.

Mercedes w210

On the Mercedes w210, automatic transmissions can be found both with and without a dipstick. If there is a dipstick on the Mercedes w210 automatic transmission, then the measurements are taken on a warm car.


Dipstick for checking oil in automatic transmission Mercedes w210

If there is no probe on the Mercedes w210 automatic transmission, then measurements can be made only by lifting the car on a lift and finding the control hole. If oil has poured out of the control hole of the automatic transmission Mercedes w210, then everything is in order. By draining w210 oil into a container, you need to check how much it will leak out. If the level is above the norm, this indicates an incorrect operation of the automatic transmission.

Infiniti G35 and FX35

On the probes of the automatic transmission Infiniti G35 and FX35 there is only one OK mark, which determines whether the level is recommended. If the oil level in the G35 and FX35 is above normal, this indicates a malfunction in the automatic transmission, diagnostics are needed.

Dodge Stratus

These cars have a dipstick, it is with standard markings.

Sanyeng Kyron

The Kyron automatic transmission is maintenance-free, but it is recommended to watch the oil level at least once every 20,000 kilometers due to the low reliability of the box. A control hole is used to monitor the level.

Mazda CX series

The oil in the Mazda CX series is checked with a dipstick. On the CX 7, for example, it has a bright red mark that makes it easy to see the oil level. The measurement of the oil level in the automatic transmission CX is carried out after the car has warmed up to a temperature of 65 0 C.


Nissan Qashqai

There is no oil dipstick in the Nissan Qashqai automatic transmission. Automatic transmissions from Nissan are very reliable, leaks are very rare. In extreme cases, in such a Nissan automatic transmission, the oil level can be measured using the control hole. It is recommended to arrange such checks in Nissan every 60,000 runs. Driving at a low oil level in a Nissan automatic transmission or when it is above normal can be dangerous for the box.

Volvo XC90

Getting to the Volvo XC90 automatic transmission dipstick will be quite problematic. For some reason, Volvo placed it in a hard-to-reach place: between the cooling pipes and the wiring. It is recommended to check the oil level in Volvo every 50,000–60,000 kilometers.

Many well-known automakers assure that the oil in the automatic transmission does not need to be replaced during the entire operational period. Regular car maintenance and timely control of the level in automatic transmissions reduces the risk of serious breakdowns. Drivers with car care experience can easily check the automatic transmission oil level in the garage without waiting for deterioration in performance. The operating instructions for a specific model contain detailed information on the procedure for carrying out control and measurement work.

Why check the oil level is necessary

In addition to reducing the friction force between the brake clutches, ATF grease performs the functions of removing excess heat, preventing the accumulation of precipitation on metal surfaces, cleaning parts from soot, chips, etc. If the amount of oil in an automatic transmission decreases, the risks of the following negative processes increase significantly:

  1. Destruction of metal surfaces of assemblies and parts.
  2. Stuck when shifting gears.
  3. An increase in temperature leads to a decrease in the mechanical strength of metal and polymer surfaces.
  4. Incorrect operation of the box (does not respond to switches or works late).

At the same time, the frequency of occurrence of problems and the intensity of their manifestation are steadily increasing. Even the slightest deviations in the operation of the transmission are not recommended to be ignored. If there are alarming symptoms, the first step is to check the oil in the automatic transmission. If no leaks are found, but the oil has changed in color and consistency, it is recommended to urgently contact the nearest service station. Delay in both diagnosis and repair can lead to irreversible changes in the gearbox.

The oil level in the automatic transmission is not only reduced, it should also not exceed a predetermined limit. Improper filling with oil can lead to unforeseen consequences:

  • when the edges of the rotating parts are reached, the solution begins to foam, the workers
  • oil characteristics are rapidly declining, lubricant production is sharply accelerated;
  • problems similar to a lack of oil appear;
  • excess oil flows out through the breather;
  • the body of the automatic transmission is covered on the outside with oil streaks.

How to check the oil level in an automatic transmission with a dipstick

Thanks to measuring the oil level, the owner of the car can detect a leak in time, as well as the degree of wear of the lubricant in the automatic transmission. The information obtained is necessary for the correct choice of car repair methods. The design of the new automatic transmission differs significantly from the usual mechanical devices. Many drivers have certain difficulties when trying to determine the oil level in an automatic transmission for the first time.

As a rule, the dipstick for measuring the oil level in an automatic transmission is easy to see on the box body. Automakers have tried to visually highlight the dipstick against the surrounding body parts. Its handle is marked with a contrasting color (yellow, red, etc.).

The procedure for measuring the oil level in an automatic transmission with a dipstick

  1. Place the vehicle on a level surface without a slope.
  2. Move the gear lever () to the “Parking” point.
  3. Warm up the engine to plus 90 ° C.

The probe has special control notches MAX and MIN. They are located in pairs on opposite surfaces of this tool and are designed to measure the oil level in various temperature conditions (COLD-cold, HOT-hot). The "cold" test is carried out at an ambient temperature above 0°C.

The oil level in the automatic transmission is considered normal if the oil mark is between the minimum and maximum marks.

We measure the oil level in the automatic transmission without a dipstick

There are cars (as a rule, these are European models), the design of which includes only one control probe - for measuring gasoline in the fuel tank. Here, the transmission oil level in the automatic transmission is checked without using a special oil dipstick.

In this case, the design of modern automatic transmissions provides for the installation of a special tube in the box sump. The protective tube is designed to remove excess and control the state of ATF transmission oil by the smell of burning, dark color, consistency density, and changed chemical composition.

Verification steps:

  • after a thorough analysis of the quality of the oil inside the automatic transmission, the tube is screwed into place;
  • a portion of fresh oil is added through the filler hole using a special elastic hose of a suitable diameter and a funnel;
  • if nothing flows out of the control tube, you need to add lubricant until oil drops appear (the box begins to get rid of unnecessary excess).

Independently checking the level of oil in the automatic transmission does not seem to be a difficult procedure. However, before carrying out this event, you need to familiarize yourself with some of the nuances. If they are not taken into account, large errors are obtained when measuring the oil level.

Experienced motorists know that inside the automatic transmission in the oil compartment there are multiple cavities in which gear oil is collected in large quantities. As a result, the probe readings are not always reliable. Measurements are considered correct if the oil level is measured not once, but in several visits (in one or two days). After that, the arithmetic mean of the readings is calculated.

The dipstick for measuring the level of ATF transmission oil in appearance is very similar to a control device designed to check the oil in. Before operation, it is necessary to carefully examine this device so as not to confuse it with a “motor brother”.

In cars with rear-wheel drive, the automatic transmission oil dipstick can be difficult to find, because it is located between the passenger compartment wall and the engine compartment. After a thorough examination of this space, it will definitely be found.

Regardless of the design of the machine, it is necessary to measure the oil level only after the box has been thoroughly warmed up.

It is necessary to check the oil level in a Toyota automatic transmission regularly. This will make it possible to prevent the occurrence of malfunctions in the machine, and will allow you not to spend money on expensive repairs to the unit. If you do not have the opportunity to regularly go to a car service, check the oil level and fill in the oil product yourself.

Many inexperienced motorists want to know the answer to the question of what is the frequency of checking the oil level in a Toyota Corolla automatic box. The check intervals depend on the air temperature and the oil heating temperature.

If the car is used in ideal conditions, then you need to change the car oil in the box every one hundred and sixty thousand kilometers. In fact, automatic transmission oil must be changed every forty to sixty thousand kilometers. The frequency of checks is significantly reduced if you regularly drive off-road terrain or operate the car in winter.

Verification procedure

Before filling in a fresh oil product, you need to check the oil level in the automatic transmission. For this:

  1. Set the car on a level place.
  2. When the engine is idling, grab the handle of the box, change gears. Return the lever to its original position.
  3. Take the dipstick out of the box. Wipe it with a dry rag and put it in a special socket.
  4. Remove the dipstick from the automatic transmission. This must be done with the engine running at idle.
  5. The dipstick is labeled "HOT". If the engine is warm, the lubricant level should be at this mark. Top up the oil in the automatic transmission, if necessary.

Probe with markings for automatic transmission

Pay attention to the color of the oil, its smell. If it smells burnt, then it needs to be replaced. As you can see, it is not difficult to independently check the amount of oil in the automatic transmission.

Oil change

Changing the oil in the Toyota Corolla automatic box is divided into three types:

  1. Intermediate. It is carried out to remove used grease, fill in fresh oil.
  2. Standard. It is carried out if the lubricant poured into the Toyota transmission has exhausted its own resource.
  3. Full download.

The intermediate change of Toyota Camry motor oil takes place in several stages. First of all, mining is drained. Then a fresh consumable is poured into the checkpoint. It is necessary to dismantle and wash the transmission pan, oil filter well.


Transmission oil color

The standard shift is more difficult to perform than the intermediate one. First, the spent oil product is removed (drained through a special hole). After that, the pallet and oil filter are dismantled from the Corolla checkpoint. The filter element is replaced, the pan is mounted in place. Only after that, fresh car oil is poured into the transmission.

The scheme for the complete injection of lubricant into the automatic transmission "Corolla" involves the use of special equipment. Properly connect the equipment to the oil filler neck, pump out the waste, and then pump in new oil under pressure.

Transmission oil change procedure

In order to properly change the oil product in the automatic transmission, you will need:

  • 1 liter of gasoline;
  • set of tools;
  • fresh gear oil;
  • narrow funnel;
  • compressor.

The following algorithm is time-tested and allows you to correctly change the oil in the transmission:

  1. Warm up the engine. Unscrew the transmission cover.
  2. Remove the pallet by unscrewing the special bolts. Check if you have crushed it during dismantling.
  3. Be careful not to deform the lining. Be sure to use gloves so as not to burn yourself with hot used car oil.
  4. Unscrew the differential plug. Wash it with gasoline.
  5. Change the oil filter. Mount the tray.
  6. Screw on the caps, pour in a fresh consumable.
  7. Perform engine warm-up. The transmission handle must be switched in all modes. Stop in each gear for ten seconds. Check the amount of lubricant in the gearbox. You should already know how to check the oil level in a Toyota automatic transmission.
  8. Check if grease is leaking through the pan lining. If you've done the replacement correctly, this shouldn't happen.

Checking the oil level in a Toyota automatic transmission should be carried out regularly and correctly. This will avoid breakdowns of the automatic transmission, you will not have to spend money on expensive repairs to the mechanism. If you cannot afford to visit the service station on a regular basis so that specialists can repair the car, check the oil level and fill it yourself.

Many novice drivers are interested in how often they need to change the lubricant in an automatic transmission. Two factors influence the frequency of the process. First, it is the ambient temperature. Secondly, the heating temperature of the liquid itself. It must be taken into account in different driving modes.

If the vehicle is operated in ideal temperature conditions, then the transmission oil can be changed after the car has traveled 160 thousand km. Since not all cars operate at ideal temperatures, the lubricant should be changed every 40-60 thousand km. The interval can be significantly shortened if you regularly drive over rough terrain and operate the machine in winter.

It is necessary to regularly check the transmission fluid, change it in time. This will prevent the occurrence of malfunctions in the automatic transmission.

Checking the fluid level in an automatic box

Before changing the oil in an automatic transmission, check its level and condition using a dipstick.

If you decide to change the grease in the box, check first. Find out how much money is in the automatic transmission. To make a check, you need to take the following steps:

  1. Stop the vehicle on level ground.
  2. When the engine is idling, grab the automatic transmission handle, switch it by swiping through all modes. After going from P to L, return the handle to its original position.
  3. At this stage, you must remove the dipstick from the automatic transmission. Take a clean rag, wipe the dipstick. After that, place it in the socket.
  4. Then remove the dipstick from the automatic transmission. This must be done with the engine running at idle.
  5. There is a HOT mark on the dipstick. If the motor is warm, then the lubricant level should be at this mark. Add liquid if there is not enough in the box.

Look at the color of the oil, smell it. If the lubricant smells of burning, then it must be changed, even if the regulated period has not yet ended.

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Oil change steps

In Toyota, the replacement of lubricant in the gearbox is divided into 3 types:

  1. Intermediate replacement. It is performed in order to remove the old product, then add a new transmission fluid.
  2. Standard replacement. It is carried out if the time for filling a new lubricant is approaching.
  3. Full download. It is called continuous download.

When carrying out work on changing the oil in the gearbox, it is necessary to unscrew the drain plug and wait for the oil to drain completely.

An intermediate oil change in an automatic transmission is carried out in several stages. First, the old grease is carefully drained, after which a new fluid is added to the automatic transmission. It is necessary to remove and thoroughly rinse the box tray and filter. After you complete the fluid change process, the automatic transmission pan and filter are mounted back.

This method repeats the process of changing the oil in a Toyota manual. Intermediate replacement should be performed every 20-30 thousand km.

This system has several drawbacks. First, half of the old grease remains inside the box. Secondly, even if you regularly fill in new oil, the proportion of the old one will still be significant.

A standard lubricant change is more difficult in terms of work. First, the old grease is removed, this is very easy to do through a special drain hole. Then you must remove the pan from the box, the old filter should be removed. After the procedure is completed, install a new filter, put the pan back, fill in new oil in the automatic transmission.

The full injection method differs from others in that the driver will need special tools to change the oil in the automatic transmission. Connect them to the automatic transmission by connecting them to the lubricant supply system. Oil is pumped under pressure. First, the old fluid is pumped out of the automatic box, then new oil is poured into it.

This is the most effective way to completely remove the old lubricant from the automatic transmission. It should be noted that in this case there is no accumulation of the old product on the inside of the box.

The oil filter must also be changed at full pumping, this is done at the very end of the procedure.

Every modern car with an automatic transmission needs timely and, most importantly, quality service. In this article, we will talk about how to properly check the oil level in an automatic transmission on Toyota, and also tell you why you need to check the level, what problems can be caused by low or high oil levels in the box.

How to check?

As a rule, checking the amount of oil on Japanese automatic transmissions is carried out with the engine running and the “P” mode set. Almost all drivers who drive an automatic know that the “P” mode means parking. The photo shows the Toyota Corolla automatic transmission shift lever.

Further, after we started the engine, put it in parking mode, we find the location of the probe in our car. This is very easy to do - you just have to scroll through some technical documentation and find its location in your car. Or you can pay attention to the picture below and see where this probe is located approximately.

Having found it, we take it out and wipe it with a dry cloth, it is desirable that it does not have a lint. After we have wiped it off we can see some marks on it. As a rule, there are only two of them: the first is COOL. At this mark, the oil is checked on non-running machines. It is desirable that the car does not drive at least 4-5 hours before the check. The second mark is HOT. This mark is designed to check the oil level with the engine running. In the photo below you can see how and where the marks are located.

Having seen the marks, it is worth saying that although there are two marks there, it is best to check the level with the engine running and preferably warmed up to the average normal temperature. Typically, it is 90 degrees Celsius.

So, we warmed up the car, pulled out and wiped the dipstick, put it back in its place, wait a few seconds and pull it out again. It should clearly show the level of lubricant in the automatic transmission of your Corolla.

If its level is below the HOT mark, then it is worth adding it little by little with the engine turned off. After that, check again by performing the above procedure again. After the lubricant has been added and its level has returned to normal, we put the dipstick in its place and we can drive without problems. This completes the automatic transmission check procedure. Now it’s worth talking about the problems that may arise from a lack of lubricant in the box, or vice versa from its overabundance.

Automatic transmission problems on Toyota Corolla

A small amount of lubricant in the box can promise a huge number of problems. As a rule, when its level is low, the pump pumping oil begins to capture air along with the working fluid. As a result of this process, an emulsion is formed, which compresses very well. The oil begins to lose one of its most important properties - it becomes easily compressible, under good pressure. And this already leads to problems such as:

  • Weak heat dissipation from the automatic gearbox;
  • Reduced oil pressure in the system;
  • The lubrication of the working parts of the automatic transmission deteriorates, which in turn very quickly disables the box, etc.

Therefore, you should carefully monitor the amount of oil in the automatic box of your car, otherwise you will have to pay a lot of money for its restoration and repair due to some trifle.

Too much can cause an increase in the load on the oil pump, as a result, it can easily fail. And since they are not repairable, replacing it can cost a lot. Having dealt with possible problems, let's talk about how much oil needs to be poured into the box and what volume is optimal for the normal operation of the box.

How much lubricant to pour into an automatic transmission on a Toyota Corolla?

As a rule, Coroll owners change an average of 4 to 5.5 liters. The volume depends on the type of automatic transmission, on the model of the car itself, since different automatic machines can be installed in models of different years, with a different number of gears, etc.


In order to know exactly the required amount of lubricant, you need to read the technical documentation and find out the requirements that the manufacturer sets for this car. After the material is filled, we start the car, warm it up and be sure to check its amount on our dipstick. If the level is lower, then it is necessary to add oil, if the level is higher, then it is necessary to drain the oil a little. Thus, we need to reach the ideal level for your box. Thanks to this process, your car will delight with its durability and quality of service.

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