🔧 Transmission Fluid - Drain and Fill

Your Tundra uses Toyota WS automatic transmission fluid. A drain-and-fill service replaces the old fluid in the pan and is the safest home method for routine maintenance. It does not replace every drop in the transmission, but it refreshes the fluid and helps extend transmission life.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface with the parking brake set.
• Use jack stands under the frame; never rely on a jack alone.
• Transmission fluid can be hot if the truck was driven recently.
• Keep dirt out of the fill opening and dipstick tube.
• Use only Toyota ATF WS. Do not mix with other fluid types.
• No battery disconnect is required for this service.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• 14mm socket
• 24mm socket
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Drain pan
• Fluid pump or long-neck funnel
• Clean measuring container
• Shop towels
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Toyota ATF WS transmission fluid - Qty: 4-5 quarts for a drain-and-fill
• Transmission drain plug gasket - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and chock the rear wheels.
• Warm the transmission with a short drive if you want faster draining, but do not make it hot enough to burn yourself.
• Raise the truck safely and keep it level front-to-rear and side-to-side.
• Have the new fluid ready before opening the drain plug.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the truck

• Use the floor jack to lift the truck, then support it with jack stands on the frame.
• Make sure the truck stays level for an accurate refill.
• Leave the parking brake set and keep the transmission in Park.

Step 2: Remove the drain plug

• Place the drain pan under the transmission pan.
• Use the 14mm socket and ratchet to remove the transmission drain plug.
• Let the fluid drain completely.
• Expect a few quarts, not a full system empty.

Step 3: Replace the drain plug gasket

• Clean the drain plug with a shop towel.
• Install the new transmission drain plug gasket.
• Reinstall the plug by hand first so you do not cross-thread it.
• Use the 14mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the drain plug to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Add new transmission fluid

• Open the hood and locate the transmission dipstick tube.
• Use a fluid pump or long-neck funnel to add Toyota ATF WS transmission fluid through the dipstick tube.
• Start with about 4 quarts, then add the rest slowly as needed.
• Do not overfill.

Step 5: Set the fluid level

• Start the engine and let it idle with the truck still level.
• Move the shifter slowly through each gear position, pausing a few seconds in each one, then return to Park.
• With the engine idling, check the dipstick and top off in small amounts until the level is in the correct hot range after the fluid warms up.
• Use the clean measuring container to track how much fluid you added.

Step 6: Inspect for leaks

• Look under the truck with a flashlight for any seepage at the drain plug.
• Wipe off any spilled fluid so new leaks are easy to spot.
• Lower the truck after confirming the fluid level is correct.

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✅ After Repair

• Take a short road test and verify smooth shifting.
• Recheck for leaks after the test drive.
• Recheck the fluid level again after the transmission is fully warm.
• If the fluid was very dirty or the service history is unknown, a second drain-and-fill soon after can help refresh more old fluid.

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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.