How to Change the Transmission Oil on a Toyota Sienna
by Dan Ferrell
After months of service, friction material, water, dust, and other contaminants accumulating in the oil speed up transmission components wear on your Toyota Sienna. However, changing the transmission oil at regular intervals will help extend its service life. Just follow this simple guide to replace the old oil in your Sienna in a matter of minutes.
Step 1
Park your Toyota Sienna in a safe place with a level surface. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches operating temperature. Raise the front of the vehicle using a floor jack, and safely support it on two jack stands.
Step 2
Put on a pair of working gloves to shield your hands from hot oil. Place a catch pan under the transmission drain plug. Remove the plug using a wrench or ratchet and socket. Let the oil drain completely.
Step 3
Inspect the drain plug gasket. If worn out, replace it with a new one. Reinstall the drain plug but do not over-tighten it, or you may damage the threads.
Step 4
Lower the vehicle, open the hood, and remove the transmission oil dipstick. Insert a long funnel on the dipstick tube, and fill the transmission with Toyota Type T-IV transmission oil. Add 1 quart less than the amount of oil recommended by the car owner's manual for your particular model. Replace the dipstick in its tube.
Step 5
Turn on the engine. Shift the transmission through all its gears, and back to park. Let the engine reach operating temperature. With the engine running, pull out the transmission dipstick, and wipe the tip with a clean shop towel or rag. Insert the dipstick in the tube and pull it out again to check the fluid level. The oil should be between the Add and Full marks. If necessary, add more oil, a little at a time, until it reaches the proper level.
Tips
- Change the transmission oil at least every 2 years or every year if you drive in heavy city traffic with regular temperatures of 90 degrees F or higher, or you drive on mountainous terrain.
Things You'll Need
- Floor jack and 2 jack stands
- Wrench or ratchet and socket set
- Drain plug gasket
- Shop rag
- Toyota type T-IV transmission oil
Writer Bio
Since 2003 Dan Ferrell has contributed general and consumer-oriented news to television and the Web. His work has appeared in Texas, New Mexico and Miami and on various websites. Ferrell is a certified automation and control technician from the Advanced Technology Center in El Paso, Texas.
