Celica Forums Install Guides and Technical Articles Engine and Transmission Guides Transmission Fluid, Automatic Transaxle - How To Replace

Basic Inspection - Checking the fluid level

Drive the vehicle so that the engine and transaxle are at normal operating temperature.
Fluid temp: 70 - 80 °C (158 - 176 °F)

Only use the "COOL" range on the dipstick as a rough reference when the fluid is replaced or the engine does not run.



1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake.

2. With the engine idling and the brake pedal depressed, shift the shift lever into all positions from P to L position and return to P position.

3. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean.

4. Push it back fully into the pipe.

5. Pull it out and check that the fluid level is in the HOT range. If the level is at the low side, add new fluid. Fluid type: ATF Type T-IV Capacity: 4.1 liters (4.3 US qts, 3.6 Imp. qts) NOTE: Do not overfill.

Check the fluid condition. If the fluid smells burnt or is black, replace it.


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How To Replace Automatic Transmission Fluid




1. Remove the drain plug and drain the fluid.

2. Reinstall the drain plug securely.



3. With the engine OFF add new fluid through the oil filler pipe.

Fluid type:
ATF Type T-IV

Capacity:
1ZZ-FE engine: Up to 2.1L (2.2qt, 1.8imp qt)
2ZZ-GE engine: Up to 4.0L (4.2qt, 3.5imp qt)

https://celicahobby.com/forums/ubbt...ssion-fluids-what-toyota-recommends.html

4. Start the engine and shift the shift lever into all positions from "P" to "L" position and then shift into "P" position.



5. With the engine idling, check the fluid level. Add fluid up to the COOL level on the dipstick.

6. Check the fluid level at the normal operating temperature, 70 - 80 °C (158 - 176 °F), and add as necessary. NOTE: Do not overfill.

Check the fluid leaks. Check for leaks in the transaxle. If there are leaks, it is necessary to repair or replace O-rings, gaskets, oil seals, plugs or other parts.


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Inspect and adjust the shift lever position





When shifting the shift lever from the N position to other positions, check that the lever can be shifted smoothly and accurately to each position and that the position indicator is not aligned with the correct position. If the indicator is not aligned with the correct position, carry out the following adjustment procedures.

1. Loosen the nut on the shift lever.

2. Push the control shaft fully downward.

3. Return the control shaft lever 2 notches to N position.

4. Set the shift lever to N position.

5. While holding the shift lever lightly toward the R position side, tighten the shift lever nut. Torque: 13N.m
(130 kg.cm, 9 ft.lb)

6. Start the engine and make sure that the vehicle moves forward when shifting the lever from the N to D position and reverses when shifting it to the R position.


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Inspect and adjust the park/neutral position



Check that the engine can be started with the shift lever only in the N or P position, but not in other positions. If it is not as stated above, carry out the following adjustment
procedures.

1. Loosen the park/neutral position switch bolt and set the shift lever to the N position.

2. Align the groove and neutral basic line.

3. Hold in position and tighten the bolt. Torque: 5.4 N.m (55 kg.cm, 48 in.lb) For continuity inspection of the park/neutral position switch.


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Check the idle speed.

Idle speed: 650 ±50 rpm (In N position and air conditioner OFF)

Hey guys sorry to revive an old thread,

My Toyota Celica 2000 has done 200,000km's and I think it's time for a transmission fluid change

Would this be correct:
Drain the transmission fluid, and refill via the dip stick opening. ~ 4L

Then run the car for 10 mins,

and do the same thing to help dilute the old oil in the torque converter

This is correct ? no filter change required.

Hey guys just went ahead with a drain and fill x 2 (to dilute Torque Convertor)

I can say that the shifting from gears 1-4 is much smoother now.

Another note is that a 10mm Hexagon tool is used to take out and put in the Tranny Plug.

Steve

Thanks for posting your experiences, @StevenBoh. I just bought a 2003 Celica GTS with 153,000 miles (246,00 km), unknown service history. Mine shifts real hard (clunking sound) occasionally going from 1st to 2nd or neutral to reverse. Took it to the local Toyota dealer; they suggest an ATF change every 100,000 miles; he said he would avoid changing the fluid as it might dislodge some gunk and make matters worse. A Toyota dealer's online parts guide http://www.autopartstricities.com/a/Toyota_2003_Celica/_53905_5960179/TRANSAXLE-PARTS/8514155.html does show a filter assembly, I think my dealer was talking about replacing the fluid and filter and flushing it; probably the flush would flush gunk deeper. So maybe just a fluid change would be safer for me; sounds like it helped for you.

Toyota 2003 maintenance schedule http://www.toyota.com/owners/resour...earValue=2003&addToVehicleList=false recommends ATF change at 90,000 miles for severe service.