1st RAV-4 Transmission Fluid Change

[AJB0009]

I have a 2021 RAV-4 with about 62k miles on it. I planned on doing a fluid change around 60k anyhow, but I also have a big road trip planned so I want to get it done before that.
It appears (sadly) to be the same nonsense as my 20-year old Explorer. Get the fluid to a certain temp (35-45 C in this case, I am told) then the fluid should be dribbling out, etc.
My question: Some folks simply measure what they take out (say, 3.2 Qt, for example) then just put that amount back in and call it a day.
Thoughts?
I guess my concern that comes to mind: What if they were not that particular when they filled it at the factory? I am a pretty fussy/particular guy (though, much less so as I have gotten older). Do you suppose Toyota has exactly the correct amount in there now?

 

[AZjeff]

That’s what most DIYers do and I was about to on our 2014 RAV but it got sold.

 

[86cutlass307]

The drain, measure, refill same amount strategy is pretty sound normally; you are relying on an accurate factory fill though. My '09 Tacoma was almost 3/4 qt low from the factory, granted, mine has a tow package with additional OEM lines and cooler so when I did my first change I was surprised at how much additional fluid I had to add to get the trickle on the level check. I would recommend adding a little extra and setting the level correctly now so all your future drain, measure, refills are accurate.

 

[dubber09]

Well, technically, if the fluid you take out and new fluid have same or very similar 'heat volume expansion values' then you can do that, put same volume in as you took out, as long as both fluids are at same temp, cold or hot fluids but same temps. That's when you are sure fluid level is correct to begin with.
Why not do it right? How often are you gonna do it and how much discomfort are you gonna have in your mind not knowing if the level is right and it may cause damage?

 

[Mainia]

I have a 2021 RAV-4 with about 62k miles on it. I planned on doing a fluid change around 60k anyhow, but I also have a big road trip planned so I want to get it done before that.
It appears (sadly) to be the same nonsense as my 20-year old Explorer. Get the fluid to a certain temp (35-45 C in this case, I am told) then the fluid should be dribbling out, etc.
My question: Some folks simply measure what they take out (say, 3.2 Qt, for example) then just put that amount back in and call it a day.
Thoughts?
I guess my concern that comes to mind: What if they were not that particular when they filled it at the factory? I am a pretty fussy/particular guy (though, much less so as I have gotten older). Do you suppose Toyota has exactly the correct amount in there now?

Just remember, don't get all hung up on being so so precise with fluid levels as years ago many Rav 4's from the factory in Canada and Upper midwest had transmission slipping because of -20 deg. temps. and sucked air. because of low levels right from the factory, on 1 year old Rav4s. One was 3 weeks old. I had the problem to after changing 100% of ATF om my wife's 2014 Rav 4. Redline D6 60% and the rest 40% 1/2 Redline racing low viscosity and 1/2 high viscosity made the (type F no slip agent) close to the D6 viscosity. I was so precise and spent so much time making sure I had the exact temp and amount dripping out of the level tube. We were leaving my wife's sister house and she was driving and I heard and felt the slip. I told her pull over on the side of the road and high idle the car for 5 minutes. Then we took off and the next day I added 3/4 Qt . I had another issue again 3 years later so I added a qt and never had a problem even in a -28 deg night time run we took. I change the fluid again with just a pan dump and did the temp spec again and just added a QT and called it a day. I added my Redline D6 and Redline Racing combo strong shift cocktail I used on out Honda Oddossy with great outcome. All the worry some have on high level is such FUD. Just make sure you have enough fluid not to suck air 1 extra Qt spread out over the pans surface area are is moot. You could be 2 qts high and no issue. Internet FUD BS.

 

[walterjay]

I just warm up the tranny in a short drive, dump it and fill till it just dribbles out. Drive on. No problems.

 

[HyundaiAbuser]

It's not that bad to get it to temp and use the level plug. If you were wanting to measure and refill with the same amount I would at least do the full leveling procedure once beforehand.

 

[TumblrDucks]

Does your rav4 got observation port? Once fluid come out in a steady small stream than that's the correct fill.

 

[Egg_Head]

On many Toyota's you can jumper the OBD-II connection between pins 4 & 13 to get it into trans temp check mode. Google is your freind here. If it were me I'd do it the way the factory says.

 

[We're Metals]

I used Maxlife in my 2020 Rav4h at about 70,000 miles. The fluid looked great, Id say you can go further.

Make sure you have the vehicle as level as possible as that plays a huge factor.