🔧 Transmission Fluid - Drain and Fill

Your RAV4 uses Toyota’s hybrid eCVT, not a conventional belt CVT. The service is a drain-and-fill only, and the fluid level must be set at the correct temperature for an accurate fill. Fresh fluid helps protect the transaxle and keeps operation smooth.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface with the vehicle securely supported on jack stands.
• The transaxle fluid can be hot; let the vehicle cool before draining.
• Do not overfill. This unit must be filled to the correct overflow level.
• Use only the specified Toyota automatic transmission fluid type for this hybrid transaxle.
• Battery disconnect is not required for a fluid change.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Jack rated 3-ton minimum
• Jack stands rated 3-ton minimum
• Wheel chocks
• Drain pan
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 10mm socket
• Hex/Allen socket for fill plug
• Hex/Allen socket for drain plug
• Torque wrench
• Fluid transfer pump
• Fluid catch bottle
• Funnel
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• ATF WS transmission fluid - Qty: 4 quarts
• Drain plug gasket - Qty: 1
• Fill plug gasket - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the vehicle sit until the transaxle is warm, not hot.
• Raise and support the vehicle so it sits level.
• Keep the car level for an accurate fill.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the vehicle

• Use the jack to lift the vehicle and place it on jack stands.
• Chock the rear wheels if lifting the front, or chock the front wheels if lifting the rear.
• Make sure the vehicle is level side-to-side and front-to-back.

Step 2: Remove the under cover

• Use the 10mm socket to remove the lower engine/transaxle cover fasteners.
• Set the cover and fasteners aside in order.

Step 3: Loosen the fill plug first

• Use the hex/Allen socket for fill plug to crack the fill plug loose before draining.
• This confirms you can refill the unit before you empty it.

Step 4: Drain the transaxle fluid

• Place the drain pan under the drain plug.
• Use the hex/Allen socket for drain plug to remove the drain plug.
• Let the fluid drain fully.
• Install a new drain plug gasket.
• Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Reinstall the drain plug

• Thread the drain plug in by hand first.
• Use the torque wrench with the hex/Allen socket for drain plug.
• Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Fill with new fluid

• Use the fluid transfer pump to add ATF WS transmission fluid through the fill hole.
• Add fluid until it begins to run back out of the fill opening.
• Install a new fill plug gasket loosely for now.

Step 7: Set the fluid level correctly

• Start the vehicle and let it idle.
• Shift through the gear positions slowly, then return to Park.
• Warm the transaxle fluid to the correct level-check temperature.
• Use a scan tool if available to monitor fluid temperature for the most accurate level set.
• With the vehicle level, remove the fill plug again and top off until fluid just dribbles from the opening.
• Only a slight dribble is correct.

Step 8: Install the fill plug

• Install the fill plug with the new gasket.
• Use the torque wrench and hex/Allen socket for fill plug.
• Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the under cover

• Use the 10mm socket to reinstall the under cover fasteners.
• Make sure all clips and bolts are secure.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the vehicle and check for leaks at both plugs.
• Test drive gently and confirm normal hybrid transaxle operation.
• Recheck under the vehicle after the road test.
• Dispose of used fluid properly at a recycling center.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $180-$320 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$90 (parts only)

You Save: $135-$230 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-2 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.