Your Toyota’s performance and longevity depend on several factors. The transmission in the Toyota is one of the most crucial aspects. Thus, the gearbox fluid that the car uses is also vital, and drivers need to change it regularly. So what is the Toyota CVT transmission fluid change interval? Let’s read on.
What Is Toyota CVT Transmission Fluid Change Interval?
Like automatic transmission fluid, CVT transmission fluid should be replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (100,000 miles at maximum). Regular transmission oil changes are important in maintaining the performance of your Toyota. You can read more articles 2AZ-FE Transmission Fluid here.
Why Should You Inspect And Replace Your CVT Transmission Fluid?
You should check and replace the transmission fluid as recommended by Toyota or as your vehicle’s owner’s manual stated for various reasons.
The gearbox will wear out over time, especially when running/stopping continuously in the city. The lack of lubricating oil will cause the parts in the transmission to overwork, leading to rapid deterioration.
Also, when there is a shortage of car oil, the hydraulic pump system will work inefficiently, ending up with insufficient pressure. As a result, the engine has to increase rpm, and the car will underperform and accelerate poorly.
Finally, because engines are constantly running, friction will occur after a period of operation. Thus, the transmission fluid that has not been replaced for a long time will be dirty and contain many metal particles. Such poor fluid can easily clog the hydraulic pump valve and make the gearbox operate less efficiently.
If this situation lasts for a long time, the gearbox will rust and damage entirely.
Therefore, you should change the fluid periodically to create a more stable performance for the vehicle and completely remove the dirt in the oil tank.
Toyota CVT Transmission Fluid Change Interval
Does Toyota recommend transmission fluid change? Yes. Toyota recommends replacing the CVT transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Never wait until it exceeds 100,000 to do this up-keep.
However, the oil change time also depends on the environmental conditions or the vehicle’s state. The more polluted the transmission, the shorter the oil change time, and vice versa.
Which Toyota CVT Fluid Should You Apply?
OEM Fluid
Due to its versatility and adaptability, OEM (original equipment manufacturer) transmission fluids are commonly applied with most CVT Toyotas.
This fluid makes it a simple choice every time. Thus, if drivers are uncertain of which sort of CVT fluid will function well with their vehicle, OEM is good to go.
Universal Fluid
The universal one is more widely available and less expensive than the other types of fluids. Any car dealer can provide it at almost the same price.
While certain universal fluids are compatible for both CVT and AT (automatic transmissions), others are meant for most CVT Toyotas.
If you own a CVT Toyota, stay away from the second type of universal fluid (AT ones) unless you are absolutely sure about its safety.
Your Toyota may encounter problems or get damaged if the transmission fluid is only suitable for vehicles with AT fluids. You should purchase it only when you understand its specs.
Specific CVT Fluid
The specific fluid is more expensive and difficult to get than other fluid types. However, it works wonders for maintaining your Toyota gearbox. This fluid has certain additives that improve the operation of 3 certain CTV system versions.
These versions all rely on special hardware to carry out their gear changes. For example, the toroidal forms rely on plates and wheels, but the pulley version uses belts to shift. In contrast, the hydrostatic version employs pumps for the same function.
Each CVT system version is manufactured to different specifications. So you need to know the exact fluid for that version. You have to use the particular CVT fluid that the manufacturer has advised after getting the model of the CVT system your vehicle runs.
By doing so, you may effectively take care of the transmission while avoiding the extra expenditures associated with using fluids that aren’t well-fitted.
Many brands are producing these fluids. Thus, you may compare costs and choose from a variety of choices. When selecting them, the reliability of the transmission fluid should be your primary priority.
How To Change CVT Transmission Fluid?
Step 1: Raise The Car
Put the car in the garage, then use the jack to raise the car to the appropriate height.
Step 2: Drain The Old Fluid
Draining the automatic transmission fluid is more complicated than the engine oil. So it is necessary to drain the oil at the bottom of the crankcase and the torque converter.
Before draining the oil, warm up the engine. Then, use a mounting tool such as a wrench to remove the transmission oil drain bolt at the bottom of the crankcase to let the oil drain.
Next, keep draining the fluid in the torque converter. It is necessary to start the engine and try to take the oil in the torque converter out totally.
The amount of transmission fluid in each gearbox is usually 7 – 8 liters. Remember to drain the oil into the container to a level that you can know exactly the required amount of oil.
Step 3: Fill In The New Transmission Fluid
After cleaning the oil umbilical screw and reinstalling it, pull out the oil dipstick and add new oil to the transmission. To do this, you may need another helping hand. You will fill the oil, and the other will run the car.
When the oil tank is full, the driver will run the car so that the oil is pushed into the gearbox while you continue to add oil. Stop and retighten the oil drain bolt when the fluid is filled into the transmission with the specified amount and spills out.
Step 4: Start The Car And Apply All Gears
Distributing the fluid to all parts of the transmission evenly is necessary. Next, use the dipstick to check the fluid level again. The transmission fluid level should be between “Full” and “Add” or “Hot” and “Cold” on the oil dipstick.
Step 5: Have A Test Drive
80°F is the most appropriate fluid temperature to add in the transmission. When there is a shortage of transmission fluid, you need to top it off. If there is an excess of this fluid, it is best to drain it to the standard level.
How to change CVT transmission fluid?
FAQs
What Is The Toyota CVT Transmission Fluid Change Cost?
The average cost for a Toyota CVT oil change is around $268, including labor costs when you visit car service centers. They will provide a full range of services, advice, and reminders on when to change the fluid periodically.
If you can change the oil in the garage, you only have to pay for the transmission fluid.
Besides, each car dealer will have different fluid replacement rates. If you go to genuine Toyota service centers, the cost of replacement and maintenance will be higher than at local auto repair shops. However, the price will not be much different.
In addition, the expense depends on the type and the amount of fluid the car’s transmission needs.
Toyota transmissions have an average capacity of 3 to 6 liters. So you need to know the capacity of your gearbox. You can check the vehicle manual for the specification or access the official Toyota service website for help.
What Should Be Noted In Maintaining CVT Transmission System?
Gearbox maintenance is one of the important steps often taken during a transmission oil change. It helps prolong the life of your gearbox. You can get ToyotaCare Plus $329 for good maintenance service. There are a few notes you should remember:
- Regularly check the level of the CVT fluid by using a dipstick, and refill it as needed.
- Note that using synthetic fluid can prevent oxidation and severe weather conditions.
- You should always remember to bring your car to a qualified technician for transmission maintenance every 30,000 – 60,000 miles.
- Keep your gearbox from overheating at all costs by maintaining the cooling system.
Should I Change Transmission Fluid After 100k Miles?
Yes. But you’d better replace it sooner. The manufacturer’s recommended maintenance interval is 100,000 miles maximum for most gearboxes. As many skilled mechanics suggest, the task should be done every 50,000 miles.
Toyota is no exception. You should change the Toyota CVT transmission oil every 30,000 to 60,000 miles to ensure your car runs efficiently and smoothly.
Should I change the fluid myself?
Conclusion
What is Toyota CVT transmission fluid change interval? As Toyota recommends, drivers should change CVT oil every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. It can prolong the life of the vehicle’s engine and help it operate more efficiently.
You can either replace it yourself or take the car to the Toyota service center for fluid change and transmission system maintenance.