Where's differential fill plug on 2001 Corolla?

[Titanium_Alloy]

Hi guys,

I changed engine oil and ATF in my sister's 2001 Corolla. It has a 3 speed auto and I know that there is a differential which should be drained at 30k miles. I saw a drain plug for differential behind transmission drain plug. I looked for the differential fill plug/dipstick but couldn't find it. I assume it is located between engine and firewall. Can anyone give me directions where to look for it and how to reach it? Will I need special tools to fill differential (like long plastic tube or else)?

Regards,

 

[slalom44]

According to the Haynes manual, the filler acces port is a bolt located near the wheel well in the middle of a metal plate on that side of the differential. I have the 5-speed Corolla, so I can't help you out beyond that.

My guess is that you're going to have to unbolt the wheel well to get to the bolt.

 

[7TFord]

I didn't think that you could get a 3 speed any longer. Our 2001 has the 4 speed overdrive but we had a 93 with the 3 speed trans. On the 93 the diff filler was on the back side of the differential about mid line and half way up. It wasn't very easy to get at to refill and I had to use a funnel with a hose attached. There will not likely be a dipstick on the differential.

 

[Titanium_Alloy]

Thank you guys for your responces. 7TFord, yes my sister has 3 speed AT. It was the cheapest model with AC & AT, which my sister wanted. All other models came with 4-speed auto. I still disrespect Toyota for such manipulations. I think that they started to install 4 speed on all corollas in 2003 or even 2004. 3-speed auto for any modern car (even the cheapest one) is a shame for auto maker. In a year or two the same could be said about 4 speed automatic transmissions.

 

[FL-400S]

My family has a '92 prizm, '97 tercel, and '00 corolla with that pathetic trans. I mean its smooth and durable, but 3 speeds is a joke and kills gas mileage on an economy car. I can barely get over 20 mpg in town. I get that with my V6 4-Auto malibu too. FYI all Tundras and 4runners will have 5 speed autos next year.