need help changing Camry trans fluid

[gizmo77]

Because of a layoff, I am broke. My transmission fluid on my 1998 Camry is black -long overdue for a change. I want to so it myself and plan on draining as much as I can, then refilling, running it a while, draining, etc, until it cleans up some. Cannot afford to go to a shop, and I am not smart enough to do any other type of trans drain on my own.

Here is the problem. I found the drain plug but cannot figure out how to get it off. It is round, white, with a black washer, also round. There is a hole in the middle and obviously the way to get it off is to insert some type of tool in the hole and turn. I cannot figure out what tool I need. I tried the various extension attachments with my socket wrench kit and they do not fit.

Can anyone help me here? Any help is appreciated. If it is a specific tool, what size?

 

[Ken4]

You need a 10mm Allen Key or Allen Bit (preferred) to remove the transmission drain plug and the differential drain plug. Refilling the transmission is thru the transmission dipstick tube and refilling the differential is from the differential fill plug. Both use Dex III. Refilling the diff can be a little tricky so examine it closely first before you attempt to drain it.

 

[gizmo77]

Thanks. That is not at all what I expected. I do not have one, so its off to the store.

 

[sbc350gearhead]

Word to the wise.......make sure you can remove the differential fill plug, before you attempt to remove the drain plug. I use a gear lube pump to fill the differential in my 99 camry.

 

[RichR]

I think a 12mm socket is what I used on my '99 Camry's diff.The 1omm hex also fits the diffs drain plug.Hope you dont have trans trouble.
RichR

[ December 13, 2003, 07:27 PM: Message edited by: RichR ]

 

[Robbie Alexander]

quote:

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Originally posted by gizmo77:
Because of a layoff, I am broke. -------size?

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Size??? How black is the fluid?
With a lay-off, unless you have back-up you may not want to be changing a BLACK Transmission fluid, it could cause problems...
What's the milage since last change?

 

[gizmo77]

It is pretty black. I have never had it changed. Has 72,000+ miles on it. I am going to do it tomorrow and take my chances.

 

[Amkeer]

Just drain the pan and add the 2-4 quarts required. The trans bolt is marked d2 or d3. I would drain it once every month until the fluid lightens up.


Daily Drives:
-2003 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner XtraCab, Impulse Red, Peppy 2.7 Liter 4 Banger, Running Mobil 1 Synthetics SS 5w30.
ODO 6400 Miles.
-1995 Toyota 4-Runner, Evergreen, 3.0 V6, Running Mobil 1 Synthetic SS 10w30.
ODO 82200 Miles. (Switching to GC next)Nope sticking with M1.
http://community.webshots.com/user/amkeer