🔧 Sequoia - Automatic Transmission Fluid Drain & Refill

On your Sequoia, the safest DIY “transmission fluid change” is usually a drain-and-refill (not a power flush). The critical part is setting the fluid level at the correct transmission fluid temperature using the overflow/level plug procedure.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 1.5–3.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Work on a level surface and support the Sequoia on jack stands, not the jack.
• 🔥 Transmission fluid and exhaust parts can be hot—wear gloves and safety glasses.
• ⚠️ The fluid level is temperature-sensitive; checking it cold or too hot can cause shifting problems.
• 🧯 Keep rags handy and clean spills—ATF is slippery.
• 🔌 Battery disconnect is not 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
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (10-quart minimum)
• 12mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive torque wrench (10–100 ft-lbs range)
• 24mm socket
• 10mm hex bit socket
• 6mm hex bit socket
• Fluid transfer pump (specialty)
• OBD-II scan tool that reads ATF temperature (specialty)
• Trim clip tool
• Shop rags

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Toyota ATF WS automatic transmission fluid - Qty: 4–6 quarts
• Transmission drain plug gasket/crush washer - Qty: 1
• Transmission fill plug gasket/crush washer - Qty: 1
• Overflow/level plug gasket - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Sequoia on a truly level spot. The level check will be wrong if it’s nose-up/down.
• Gather an OBD-II scan tool that can display transmission fluid temperature (often shown as “ATF Temp”).
• Plan to remove any skid plates under the transmission area.
• Tip: Loosen the fill plug first.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and level the Sequoia

• Chock the rear wheels using wheel chocks.
• Lift the front with a floor jack and support with jack stands.
• If needed, lift the rear and support with jack stands so the vehicle sits level.

Step 2: Remove skid plates (if equipped)

• Remove the under covers/skid plates using a 12mm socket and 14mm socket.
• If there are plastic clips, remove them using a trim clip tool.

Step 3: Identify the plugs and confirm you can open the fill plug

• Locate the transmission pan area and find the fill plug and the drain plug.
• Depending on the plug style, the fill plug may take a 24mm socket or a 10mm hex bit socket.
• Crack the fill plug loose using a ratchet (do not remove it yet). If you can’t open the fill plug, stop here.

Step 4: Drain the old ATF

• Place a drain pan under the transmission.
• Remove the main drain plug using the correct tool for your plug style (commonly a 14mm socket).
• Let it drain until it slows to a drip. Wipe the area with shop rags.

Step 5: Reinstall the drain plug

• Install a new drain plug gasket/crush washer.
• Reinstall and tighten the drain plug using a torque wrench.
• Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Refill with Toyota ATF WS

• Remove the fill plug using a 24mm socket or 10mm hex bit socket (whichever fits your plug).
• Use a fluid transfer pump (specialty) to pump Toyota ATF WS into the fill port.
• Pump until fluid begins to run back out (or until you’ve added about what you drained).
• Install the fill plug loosely for now (hand tight), so you can proceed to the level-setting step.

Step 7: Set the fluid level using ATF temperature (overflow/level procedure)

• Connect your OBD-II scan tool that reads ATF temperature (specialty) and display ATF temperature data.
• Start the engine and keep your foot on the brake.
• Move the shifter slowly through all gears (P-R-N-D and back), pausing ~2 seconds in each position, then return to Park.
• With the engine idling, remove the overflow/level plug using a 6mm hex bit socket.
• Watch ATF temperature on the scan tool. The correct level check range is 40–45°C (104–113°F).
• At 40–45°C (104–113°F):
  • If ATF dribbles out in a thin stream/drip, the level is OK—let it drip until it becomes a light drip.
  • If nothing comes out, pump more ATF WS in using the fluid transfer pump (specialty) until it starts to drip out of the overflow.
• Reinstall the overflow/level plug using a torque wrench.
• Torque to 20 Nm (15 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Final-tighten the fill plug

• Remove the fill plug, install a new fill plug gasket/crush washer, then reinstall the fill plug.
• Tighten using a torque wrench.
• Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).
• Clean any spilled ATF using shop rags.

Step 9: Reinstall skid plates and lower the Sequoia

• Reinstall under covers/skid plates using a 12mm socket and 14mm socket.
• Lower the vehicle carefully using the floor jack.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and check underneath for leaks with a flashlight (use safety glasses).
• Test drive 10–15 minutes. Confirm normal shifts and no slipping.
• Re-check for leaks after the test drive.
• If you have any delayed engagement or flare shifts, the level may be off—repeat the level-setting step at 40–45°C (104–113°F).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250–$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $60–$140 (parts only)

You Save: $190–$310 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5–2.5 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.