How to refill auto transmission oil on 2018 ?

[Blackjack Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Blackjack]

Hi guys,

I have 2018 Prado 2.8ltr diesel and I accidentally drained the auto transmission oil, yeah I know pretty dumb thing to do ! But it's not obvious to me where to refill the transmission oil, the only possibility appears to be an allen key type 'bolt' on the left hand side of the transmission oil pan. Can anyone help me on this ?

Rgds, Rob

[Daniel150 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Daniel150]

Hi mate
Drivers side towards the rear, up high. Almost in line with the back of the trans sump is a 25mm (approx) nut with WS stamped on it.
That’s the filler. It will take about 3-4 litres to fill the sump.
Once filled, remove the level checker in the pan and let the fluid drain out until it stops. This is the medium Allen key bolt in the sump near the drain plug. This will get you about the right level.
Unless you have a scan tool and are familiar with the level checking procedure, drive straight to a close trans service place or a Toyota dealer and have them bring it to temperature and check. (About 45-50degrees from memory)
If you have a scan tool, look up the procedure to check levels and follow that. It’s on here somewhere.
I’ll try to upload a photo, just better at cars than computers.
You will need a small pump and some WS fluid to fill it.

[Daniel150 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Daniel150]

[GeeWhizz Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close GeeWhizz]

AC60F Prado 6-speed Automatic Transmission Fluid Level Check and Top-Up

Some pointers:

* Tools required:

5mm hex driver (Ie Allen-Head) for the overflow plug;
24mm socket with low-profile ratchet or T-bar for the filler
Method of showing ATF temperature
Automatic Transmission Fluid for topping up the transmission
(Use Toyota WS or Penrite ATF-LV)
Fluids hand pump from Repco (around $25)
Oil collection pan and sheet of plastic to minimise mess.

* ONLY remove the OVERFLOW PLUG (5mm hex) when the engine is RUNNING
* ONLY remove the FILLER (24mm socket)when the engine is STOPPED
* The vehicle must be level.
* The Prado's ground clearance lets you slide under the driver's door to work.

Process
1. Loosen both filler and overflow plugs slightly so you know you can get them out!
2. Ensure wheels are chocked, the handbrake is hard on and airconditioner off.
3. Start engine - engage transmission in Reverse & Drive to circulate fluid.

ATF pan temperature must be between 46C and 56C before proceeding.
Gearbox warms up quicker when left in Reverse or Drive

4. Once an ATF temperature of between 46C and 56C is reached....
5. Leave gear selector in Park, with the engine idling.
6. Remove overflow plug with 5mm hex driver. A little trapped ATF may drip out.
7. If a small trickle of ATF comes out the job is done. Go to step 17
8. If a stream of ATF flows out, the transmission is over-full.

Let it drain, go to step 17 once it slows to a trickle.

9. If practically nothing runs out, you need to add fresh ATF.
10. Screw in the overflow plug (5mm hex driver)!
11. (Then) Stop the engine.
12. Remove the filler plug (With a 24mm socket).
13. Add, say 200ml, of ATF with pump.

You can watch the amount using the level on the side of the ATF bottle.

14. Screw in the filler plug.
15. Start the engine. ATF should still be at temperature 46C and 56C.
16. Return to step 5.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finish up
17. Screw in the overflow plug!
18. (Then) Stop the engine.
19. Tighten both the overflow nut (5mm hex) and filler plug (24mm socket).
20. Clean up the mess you made!

[Daniel150 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Daniel150]

Nice write up
Checking levels is definitely diy, but after doing a few full flushes at home, I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s a messy, time consuming job. One of those jobs best left to the guys with the trans flush machine given they only charge a couple hundred in labour!

[GeeWhizz Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close GeeWhizz]

Nice write up
Checking levels is definitely diy, but after doing a few full flushes at home, I wouldn't recommend it. It's a messy, time consuming job. One of those jobs best left to the guys with the trans flush machine given they only charge a couple hundred in labour!

I agree. I tow a lot and recently had my 120,000km transmission service done by a transmission specialist for $525. The above step-bystep process is what I did after fitting a transmission cooler at around 108,000km. Time consuming but satisfying. The OP either had to do his refill himself or transport his Prado on a tilt tray - with no oil in the gearbox, towing was not an option.

[Ali87 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Ali87]

I think the temperature has to be between 40-45 DegC for 2018 Prado?

[GeeWhizz Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close GeeWhizz]

I think the temperature has to be between 40-45 DegC for 2018 Prado?

The transmission (AC60F) has been the same since 2016, when the 2.8 litre diesel engine was introduced. As far as I know, the only changes were in software configuration. The AC60 is used in the 200 series and Isuzus too (and probably others). It is not unique to Toyota made by Aisin Warner, called the AWR6B45