How to Replace the Transmission Fluid in a 2005 Camry
by Grace Mclain
The automatic transmission fluid inside of the 2005 Toyota Camry keeps all of the moving parts inside of the transmission lubricated and cool. Once the transmission fluid starts to break down, it cannot protect the moving parts as it should. This is why Toyota recommends that the transmission fluid be replaced every 30,000 to 40,000 miles. You can replace the transmission fluid on the 2005 Toyota Camry yourself with just a few basic tools.
Step 1
Drive the car around for about 10 minutes to heat the transmission fluid. The hotter the transmission fluid, the thinner the transmission fluid will get. Thin transmission fluid drains faster and more comes out of the transmission.
Step 2
Park the car on a level surface and turn the engine off. Then pop the hood.
Step 3
Jack the front of the car and put the jack stands behind each front tire. There is a designated place behind each front tire on the 2005 Toyota Camry for the jack stands to sit. Lower the car onto the jack stands. Inspect to make sure that the car is sitting securely and evenly on the jack stands.
Step 4
Locate the automatic transmission drain plug on the bottom of the transmission pan. The transmission drain plug has a 3/8-inch square hole in the center of the plug for the 3/8-inch ratchet.
Step 5
Slide the fluid catch pan under the transmission drain plug. Insert the square part of the 3/8-inch ratchet into the center of the drain plug. Turn the drain plug counterclockwise to loosen the plug. Finish unscrewing the transmission drain plug with your fingers. Let the transmission fluid run out into the fluid catch pan until all of the fluid has emptied out.
Step 6
Wipe off the transmission drain plug threads with a clean rag. Screw the drain plug back into the bottom of the transmission pan. Tighten the plug with the ratchet by turning the drain plug clockwise until the plug is tight. Slide the fluid catch pan out from under the car.
Step 7
Locate the transmission dipstick on the passenger side of the engine. The transmission dipstick on the 2005 Toyota Camry has a red handle and can be found on the backside of the engine. Pull the dipstick out of the dipstick tube. Put the long-neck funnel into the dipstick tube.
Step 8
Pour 2.8 quarts of the automatic transmission fluid into the funnel. Give the fluid a couple of minutes to run down into the transmission. Remove the funnel and reinsert the dipstick. Crank the engine and check the transmission fluid while the engine is running. The fluid should be near the top full mark on the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add a half a quart of the automatic transmission fluid at a time until the transmission fluid reads full on the dipstick.
Step 9
Turn off the engine. Then jack the car up and remove the jack stands from under the car. Lower the car to the ground.
References
- Haynes Repair Manual: Repair Guides for 2002-2006 Toyota Camry: Henderson-2008
Tips
- The 2005 Toyota Camry requires Toyota Type IV automatic transmission fluid, according to the Toyota Camry owner's manual.
- The Toyota Camry should hold between 2.5 and 3.0 quarts of the automatic transmission fluid, depending on how much fluid came out of the transmission.
- Toyota recommends the drain and fill methods for both automatic transmissions and manual transmissions.
Things You'll Need
- Car jack
- Jack stands
- 3/8-inch ratchet
- Fluid catch pan
- Long-neck funnel
- Automatic transmission fluid
Warnings
- Always wear safety glasses when replacing transmission fluid.
Writer Bio
Grace Mclain has been writing professionally since 1998. Her articles have appeared on eHow.com, Answerbag.com and LIVESTRONG.COM, and she specializes in automotive and business topics. McIain has a professional writing certificate from JB Hunt in Little Rock, Ark.
