🔧 Transmission Fluid - Drain and Fill

Your Sequoia uses Toyota WS automatic transmission fluid and a level-setting overflow check, not a simple “fill it to the top” method. A drain-and-fill replaces only part of the fluid, so it’s the correct beginner-friendly service to refresh the fluid without opening the transmission.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface with the parking brake set and the vehicle securely supported on jack stands.
• The transmission fluid level must be checked at the correct fluid temperature. Hot fluid can burn you.
• Keep clear of the exhaust and drivetrain while the engine is running.
• Do not overfill the transmission. Overfill can cause shifting problems and leaks.
• If the underbody panels are removed, reinstall them before road testing.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan
• 6mm hex bit socket
• 24mm socket
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Fluid transfer pump
• Infrared thermometer
• Scan tool with live data
• Funnel with hose
• Shop towels
• Brake cleaner

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Automatic transmission fluid (Toyota WS) - Qty: 4 quarts for a drain and fill
• Transmission drain plug gasket - Qty: 1
• Transmission overflow/fill plug gasket - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Lift and support the Sequoia evenly so it stays level.
• Warm the transmission with a short drive before draining. Warm fluid drains more completely.
• Have the scan tool ready. You need live transmission fluid temperature data for the final level check.
• Keep the vehicle level.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Warm up and secure the vehicle

• Drive the Sequoia for 10-15 minutes to warm the transmission fluid.
• Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and chock the wheels.
• Raise the vehicle with a floor jack and support it with jack stands.

Step 2: Remove the underbody shield

• Use the correct socket or trim tool to remove the transmission undercover fasteners.
• Set the panel and fasteners aside in order.

Step 3: Drain the old fluid

• Place a drain pan under the transmission pan.
• Use a 6mm hex bit socket to remove the transmission drain plug.
• Let the fluid drain completely.
• Install a new drain plug gasket.
• Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).
• Measure what drains out.

Step 4: Remove the fill plug

• Use a 24mm socket to remove the transmission fill plug.
• Keep the area clean so dirt does not enter the transmission.

Step 5: Refill with new Toyota WS fluid

• Use a fluid transfer pump and add Toyota WS fluid through the fill opening.
• Add roughly the same amount that drained out to start.
• Reinstall the fill plug finger-tight for now.

Step 6: Start and circulate the fluid

• Start the engine with the transmission in Park.
• Use the brake pedal and move the shifter slowly through each gear, pausing 2-3 seconds in each position.
• Return to Park.

Step 7: Set the fluid level at temperature

• Use the scan tool to monitor transmission fluid temperature.
• With the engine running, remove the overflow/level plug when fluid temperature is in the correct range, typically about 40-45°C (104-113°F).
• Add fluid through the fill port until a thin stream begins to dribble from the overflow opening.
• When it slows to a drip, install a new overflow plug gasket and reinstall the plug.
• Torque to 18 Nm (13 ft-lbs).
• Reinstall the fill plug with a new gasket.
• Torque to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall the shield and lower the vehicle

• Reinstall the underbody shield with the original fasteners.
• Lower the Sequoia carefully.

Step 9: Check for leaks

• Inspect the drain plug, fill plug, and overflow plug for leaks with the engine running.
• Wipe any spilled fluid away with shop towels and brake cleaner.

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✅ After Repair

• Road test the Sequoia and confirm smooth shifts.
• Recheck for leaks after the test drive.
• If the fluid level was slightly off, repeat the temperature-based level check.
• For best results, repeat drain-and-fill service in a few hundred miles if the fluid was very dark.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$380 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $55-$95 (parts only)

You Save: $165-$285 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 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.