🔧 Tundra - Transmission Fluid Drain-and-Fill

This procedure replaces the fluid in the transmission pan. It does not replace all the fluid inside the torque converter. Your Tundra uses a sealed transmission without a dipstick, so the final level must be checked at a specific fluid temperature.

Assumption: This procedure applies to the factory AB60-series automatic transmission; the drain-and-fill method is the same for 2WD and 4WD versions.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Keep your Tundra perfectly level while checking the fluid level.
• ⚠️ Support the vehicle with four jack stands if additional clearance is needed. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• ⚠️ Transmission fluid becomes hot enough to cause burns. Wear gloves and safety glasses.
• ⚠️ Start by loosening the fill plug. Do not drain the transmission unless you know the fill plug can be removed.
• ⚠️ Use only Toyota ATF WS or fluid carrying an explicit Toyota WS approval. Do not mix it with Dexron or universal ATF.
• ⚠️ Do not use a pressurized transmission flush machine for this routine service.
• 🔋 Battery disconnection is not required.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 24mm 6-point socket
• 14mm 6-point socket
• 5mm hex-bit socket
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 3/8-inch drive torque wrench rated 10-80 Nm
• 150mm socket extension
• ATF hand pump with fill hose (specialty)
• OBD-II scan tool with Toyota transmission-temperature data (specialty)
• 15-litre drain pan with volume markings
• 5-litre graduated measuring container
• Floor jack rated 3-ton minimum
• Four jack stands rated 3-ton minimum
• Two wheel chocks
• 600mm spirit level
• Plastic trim scraper
• Parts-cleaning brush
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Toyota ATF WS automatic transmission fluid - Qty: 5 litres
• Transmission drain-plug gasket - Qty: 1
• Transmission fill-plug gasket - Qty: 1
• Transmission overflow-plug O-ring or gasket - Qty: 1
• Non-chlorinated parts cleaner - Qty: 1 can

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park your Tundra on a firm, level surface and allow the transmission to cool below 40°C.
• 📏 Use the 600mm spirit level on the frame in both directions. The truck must remain level during the final check.
• 🛞 If raising the truck, use the 3-ton floor jack and support all four corners with 3-ton jack stands at equal heights. Chock the wheels before lifting.
• 🧰 Connect the OBD-II scan tool and verify it can display the transmission-fluid temperature before draining anything. The scan tool reads vehicle data through the diagnostic connector under the driver-side dashboard.
• 🧴 Keep each fluid container sealed until needed. Dirt entering a sealed transmission can cause valve-body problems.
• 📱 No infotainment menu, battery registration, coding, or transmission relearn is required for a normal drain-and-fill.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm the Truck Is Level

• Place the two wheel chocks securely against the tyres that remain on the ground.
• If clearance is insufficient, lift your Tundra with the 3-ton floor jack and place four 3-ton jack stands at equal heights.
• Use the 600mm spirit level to check the frame front-to-rear and side-to-side.
• A level truck gives an accurate fluid level.

Step 2: Locate and Clean the Transmission Plugs

• Wear safety glasses and nitrile gloves before working underneath.
• Locate the transmission pan, lower drain plug, small overflow/check plug, and side fill plug.
• Use the parts-cleaning brush, non-chlorinated parts cleaner, and shop towels to clean around all three plugs.
• Do not confuse the transmission pan with the engine-oil pan or transfer case.

Step 3: Loosen the Fill Plug First

• Position the 15-litre drain pan beneath the fill-plug area.
• Use the 24mm 6-point socket, 150mm extension, and 3/8-inch ratchet to loosen the side fill plug.
• If your factory plug has a smaller external head, use the 14mm 6-point socket instead.
• Remove the plug only after confirming it turns freely, then reinstall it finger-tight while preparing to drain.
• Never drain before confirming refill access.

Step 4: Drain the Old Fluid

• Place the 15-litre drain pan directly beneath the transmission drain plug.
• Use the 14mm 6-point socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to remove the drain plug slowly.
• Allow the fluid to drain until it becomes an occasional drip, usually 10-15 minutes.
• Transfer the drained fluid into the 5-litre graduated measuring container and record the amount.
• Inspect the fluid for metal fragments, a burnt smell, or a milky appearance. Fine grey residue is normal; shiny flakes or chunks require professional diagnosis.

Step 5: Install the Drain Plug

• Use the plastic trim scraper to remove the old drain-plug gasket without damaging the sealing surface.
• Clean the plug with non-chlorinated parts cleaner and a shop towel.
• Fit a new transmission drain-plug gasket and start the plug by hand.
• Use the 14mm 6-point socket and 3/8-inch torque wrench to torque the drain plug to 20 Nm (15 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Add the Initial Fluid Quantity

• Remove the fill plug using the 24mm 6-point socket, 150mm extension, and 3/8-inch ratchet.
• Attach the ATF hand pump to a sealed container of Toyota ATF WS.
• Use the ATF hand pump and fill hose to add the same amount that was drained, then continue slowly until fluid begins to run from the open fill port.
• A normal pan drain commonly takes approximately 3.5-4.5 litres, but the overflow check determines the correct level.
• Install the fill plug finger-tight with its new gasket to prevent leakage during warm-up.

Step 7: Monitor Transmission Temperature

• Connect the OBD-II scan tool to the diagnostic connector beneath the driver-side dashboard.
• Use the scan tool to select Toyota transmission data and display the automatic-transmission-fluid temperature.
• Start the engine and keep your foot firmly on the brake.
• Move the selector slowly through P > R > N > D, pausing approximately three seconds in each position. Return it to Park.
• Leave the engine idling. Do not rev the engine.
• Wait until the displayed transmission-fluid temperature reaches 46-56°C (115-130°F).

Step 8: Check the Fluid Level at the Correct Temperature

• Keep the engine idling with the selector in Park and your Tundra level.
• Place the 15-litre drain pan beneath the overflow/check plug.
• Wear safety glasses and nitrile gloves because the fluid is hot.
• Use the 5mm hex-bit socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to remove the overflow/check plug.
• If a thin stream becomes a slow drip, the level is correct. Allow it to slow to an occasional drip.
• If no fluid exits, use the ATF hand pump to add Toyota ATF WS through the fill opening until fluid exits the overflow opening in a thin stream.
• If the fluid temperature exceeds 56°C before the check is completed, reinstall both plugs, switch off the engine, allow the transmission to cool, and repeat this step.

Step 9: Tighten the Overflow and Fill Plugs

• Install a new overflow-plug O-ring or gasket and start the plug by hand.
• Use the 5mm hex-bit socket and 3/8-inch torque wrench to torque the overflow plug to 20 Nm (15 ft-lbs).
• Install a new fill-plug gasket and start the fill plug by hand.
• Use the 24mm 6-point socket, 150mm extension, and 3/8-inch torque wrench to torque the fill plug to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).
• Use non-chlorinated parts cleaner and shop towels to clean spilled fluid from the pan and plugs.

Step 10: Lower the Vehicle

• Switch off the engine and disconnect the OBD-II scan tool.
• If raised, use the 3-ton floor jack to lift each end slightly and remove the four jack stands.
• Lower your Tundra carefully, then remove the two wheel chocks.
• Pour the used fluid into sealed containers using the 5-litre graduated measuring container. Take it to an authorised used-oil recycling facility.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start the engine and inspect the drain, overflow, and fill plugs for leaks.
• 🛣️ Drive gently for 10-15 minutes. Confirm that engagement and shifts feel normal.
• 🔍 Park on level ground and inspect the transmission again for fresh fluid around all three plugs.
• ⚠️ Stop driving if the transmission slips, delays engagement, shifts abnormally, or leaks. Recheck the fluid level using the temperature-controlled procedure.
• 🧾 Record the date, odometer reading, fluid specification, and amount installed.
• ♻️ Never pour used ATF onto the ground, into household drains, or into rubbish bins.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹12,000-₹22,000 (parts + labour)

DIY Cost: ₹7,000-₹12,000 (fluid and sealing parts only)

You Save: ₹5,000-₹10,000 by doing it yourself!

Independent-shop labour around Sonīpat varies. This service typically takes a shop approximately 1-2 hours.

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