How to Check Toyota Manual Transmission Fluid

by Alibaster Smith
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The manual transmission fluid in your Toyota lubricates the transmission gears and makes it easy for you to change gears without damaging the internal transmission components. Since the planetary gear system on Toyota transmissions produces a lot of heat, you should replace your Toyota transmission fluid at least once every two years. However, before replacing the fluid, you should check it periodically. Stress created by spirited or aggressive driving can shorten the life of the transmission fluid in the transmission. Making sure that the fluid level is correct is very important.

Step 1

Start the engine and allow it to warm up to normal operating temperature. When the needle on the water temperature gauge sits at or near the middle of the gauge, then it's time to check the transmission fluid.

Step 2

Open the hood and pull the transmission dipstick out of the transmission filler neck. The transmission dipstick is a red loop-handled dipstick that sits in the back of the engine bay near the firewall.

Step 3

Wipe off the end of the dipstick then put it all the way back into the transmission filler neck. Pull it back out again and check the fluid level. The fluid level should be between the upper and lower marks on the end of the dipstick.

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