This how-to guide maps specs to practical steps for checking and servicing the automatic system on the 5th gen. You will learn why correct temperature and level-setting matter for long-term reliability on the road.
Safety and accuracy are central. We cover key precautions, the right ATF choice, and why OEM recommendations help protect internal parts over many miles.
Expect a clear sequence: tools, estimated time, the task flow, and where to find the refill and check plug. We preview two main approaches—drain-and-fill or a full system refresh—and explain how the owner’s manual guides method and fluid selection.
The section also outlines inspection steps such as pan and magnet cleaning, filter checks, and final validation so you can decide if you want to tackle this service now or hire a pro.
Key Takeaways
- Understand why temperature and level checks protect your transmission.
- Learn the difference between drain-and-fill and full refresh options.
- Plan time, tools, and safety measures before starting the service.
- Follow OEM fluid recommendations for durable operation over miles.
- Inspect pan, magnet, and filter as part of a professional-level service.
What This How-To Covers and Why Transmission Temperature Matters
Accurate level-setting depends on a narrow temperature window—this section explains how to hit it every time.
This guide is tailored for owners of the 5th gen model who want a practical, stepwise process. The intent is to help you perform the task safely at home or at work, with confidence and clarity.
Temperature control is the core safety concept. The correct level check must happen between 104°F and 113°F. At 104°F the maintenance indicator is solid; above 113°F it blinks. Fluid expands when hot and contracts when cold, so setting level outside that band can cause underfill or overfill.
Read temperature via OBD-II maintenance mode by jumpering pins 4 and 13, or use a scan tool such as UltraGauge MX. Accurate readings matter because the vehicle uses an internal standpipe and a check plug; pulling the plug at the wrong temperature gives a false reading.
- User intent: a clear, safe DIY flow that mirrors pro practice.
- Core process: prepare, drain, pan/filter service, refill, stabilize temperature, level-set, and validate.
- Plan time: allow buffer time to reach and hold the 104°F–113°F window.
The owner’s manual specifies Toyota Genuine ATF WS to preserve shift quality and protect internal parts. Follow the steps and timing in this guide to avoid costly mistakes and get a reliable level check every time.
Toyota 4runner Transmission Fluid Capacity: Specs, Fluids, and Required Parts
Start by confirming how much the whole system holds and what a typical service will actually remove.
A full system holds about 11.3 quarts, but a standard drain-and-fill with pan drop and filter swap usually yields roughly 5 quarts removed. Plan to have at least six quarts on hand so you can match what you measured and finish via the check plug.
Use only Toyota Genuine ATF WS (PN 00289-ATFWS). The manual warns that other oil types can harm shift quality and shorten life over miles. A fluid transfer pump makes clean refills through the refill port much easier and reduces spill risk.
Parts, tools, and torques
- Gaskets & O-rings: drain/check gasket PN 90301-15004 (x2), fill plug O-ring PN 90430-18008, pan gasket PN 35168-60010.
- Filter: PN 35330-60050 and filter O-ring PN 90301-31014.
- Tools: 24mm shallow socket (refill), 14mm (drain), 5mm Allen (check), plus 10/12/14mm sockets and a transfer pump.
- Key torques: pan bolts 62 in-lbs; filter bolts 7 ft-lbs; valve body check 8 ft-lbs; check plug 15 ft-lbs; drain plug 21 ft-lbs.
Measure the drained volume, refill close to that amount, then fine-tune the level at the required 104°F–113°F window. This process prevents overfill or underfill and ensures a correct, leak-free reassembly.
Step-by-Step: Drain, Pan/Filter Service, Refill, and Level-Set on a 5th Gen 4Runner
This walkthrough breaks the service into clear tasks so you don’t miss critical steps. Start by parking level and letting the system cool to make the final temperature check manageable.
Preparation
Verify refill access: remove the 24mm refill plug first to avoid trapped air. Then open the 14mm drain plug and capture all discharged fluid to measure how much you removed.
Pan removal & cleaning
Carefully drop the pan to control remaining oil. Clean four pan magnets and mating surfaces using ATF and a clean cloth—avoid harsh solvents that harm gaskets.
Filter replacement & reassembly
Remove four 10mm filter bolts, fit a new O-ring PN 90301-31014, and torque bolts to 7 ft-lbs. Reinstall the pan with gasket PN 35168-60010 and torque the 20 bolts to 62 in-lbs in a star pattern.
Refill, temp read, and final level
Install the drain plug with a new gasket and torque to 21 ft-lbs. Use a transfer pump to add roughly the measured quarts removed (about 5 qts typical). Monitor temperature via OBD-II maintenance mode or a scan tool.
At 104°F–113°F, loosen the 5mm check plug; let excess drip, then torque the plug to 15 ft-lbs when flow reduces to a dribble. Finish with a short road test and a careful leak inspection.
| Task | Action | Torque / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Refill plug | Remove first | 24mm access |
| Drain plug | Capture and measure fluid | 14mm, 21 ft-lbs |
| Filter | Replace O-ring, bolt | 7 ft-lbs; PN 90301-31014 |
| Pan bolts | Torque in star pattern | 62 in-lbs; gasket PN 35168-60010 |
| Check plug | Level-set at temp | 5mm Allen; 15 ft-lbs |
Service Strategy: Drain & Fill vs. Full Flush, Intervals, and High-Mileage Considerations
Deciding between a conservative refresh and a full-system flush starts with a quick inspection.
Many DIYers begin with a drain-and-fill. It replaces roughly half the oil (about five quarts) and lowers the chance of mobilizing settled debris through delicate passages. This approach is gentler on clutch packs and valve body channels.
When to consider a full flush: if fluid is dark, smells burnt, or contains particles, a full flush may be warranted. A safe cooler-line flush adds fresh fluid at the same rate the old fluid exits while watching the pump to avoid cavitation.
- A drain-and-fill is the conservative first step for routine maintenance.
- Use a cooler-line method only with careful monitoring and a helper to manage flow and the pump.
- First major service often near 60,000 miles; many owners choose 30k intervals if off-road or towing.
- For high mileage vehicles, stage multiple drain-and-fill cycles to refresh the system without shock to gear engagement.
Inspect before you act: check color, odor, and particulate. That quick diagnostic guides whether to perform a simple drain fill or a controlled flush. Always use OEM-recommended ATF and replace the filter when the pan is dropped.
Conclusion
Wrap up the job with a quick checklist to confirm everything is set and sealed.
Record the basics: note quarts added, torque values, and parts replaced. This short log saves time and helps track service intervals and miles between jobs.
Be precise with the drain plug and repeat the check plug step at temperature. Clean parts and a tidy work place reduce leaks and make future work easier.
Give the system time to stabilize, perform a short road test, and re-inspect for minor seeps. With correct oil choice, careful torques, and consistent checks, this service stays a reliable part of 5th gen ownership.
FAQ
What is the total transmission system volume and how much comes out with a drain-and-fill on a 5th gen 4Runner?
The full gearbox and torque converter hold about 11.3 quarts total. A standard drain-and-fill via the pan or drain plug usually removes roughly 4.5–5.5 quarts — enough to significantly refresh the fluid but not the entire system.
Which automatic transmission oil should I use for the 5th gen model?
Use Toyota Genuine ATF WS. It ensures correct friction characteristics, crisp shift quality, and long-term durability. Other ATF types can cause slipping, poor shifting, and premature wear.
When should I check the transmission oil level and what’s the target temperature?
Check the level when the trans is within the critical window of about 104°F–113°F. That temperature range gives an accurate reading via the fill/check plug; checking too cold or too hot yields incorrect levels.
What parts and consumables should I have before starting pan and filter service?
Have a new pan gasket, filter, and any O-rings or gaskets specified for the filter and fill/drain plugs. Also stock a replacement drain plug crush washer if applicable and the correct ATF type in quarts to match the amount you expect to add.
What torque specs and tool sizes are important for pan, plug, and filter work?
Use the manufacturer’s torque for pan bolts in a star pattern and torque the drain and fill/check plugs to their specified values. Common tool sizes include metric sockets for pan bolts and a torque wrench for precise tightening. Refer to OEM service data for exact numbers.
How do I prepare the vehicle for a drain-and-fill or pan service?
Park level, set the parking brake, and let the trans cool to a safe working temperature while still within service range for accurate level work. Verify you can access both the drain and the fill/check plug before starting.
What’s the recommended process to drain fluid and capture an accurate volume?
Open the drain or check plug to capture drained fluid into a calibrated catch pan. Measure how many quarts come out to determine how much fresh fluid to add. Using the check plug can help measure level without removing the pan entirely.
Any tips for pan removal and cleaning during service?
Remove the pan carefully to control remaining fluid. Clean magnets and metal shavings from the pan, inspect for excessive debris, and clean mating surfaces. Replace the gasket and inspect bolt threads before reassembly.
What should I know about replacing the transmission filter and O-ring?
Replace the filter and associated O-ring each time you drop the pan. Some fasteners can be reused if in good condition, but replace any damaged hardware. Ensure the new O-ring seats properly to avoid leaks.
How should I refill and avoid underfilling the transmission?
Add fresh ATF in measured amounts matching your drained volume, then use a transfer pump to top to the correct level at the service temperature. Avoid adding too quickly; let fluid settle and recheck level as you approach the spec.
How can I measure transmission temperature for the level check?
Use OBD-II maintenance mode if available or a scan tool with transmission temp readout. Infrared thermometers can help locate fluid temperature but aren’t as precise for internal fluid. Follow cautions to avoid burns and inaccurate external readings.
What does the fill/check plug do when the level is correct at 104°F–113°F?
At the correct temperature, fluid will trickle out of the fill/check plug when the level is right. If nothing comes out, the unit is underfilled; if it streams out, you have the correct level and should reinstall the plug and torque to spec.
When should I road test and recheck for leaks or level drift?
After reassembly, perform a road test with varied gears and loads. Park level, let the trans reach service temperature again, then recheck the level and inspect for leaks. Re-torque plugs if needed and top off to spec.
Why do DIYers often start with a drain-and-fill instead of a full flush?
Drain-and-fill is simpler, removes debris concentrated in the pan, and is gentler on internal seals and clutches. It replenishes most fluid without the risk of dislodging heavy deposits that a full flush might mobilize.
When is a full flush recommended and how should it be done safely?
A full flush makes sense if fluid is heavily contaminated or during major overhaul. Use the cooler-line method with caution, avoiding aggressive chemical flushes, and monitor for unusual debris. If unsure, have a professional perform the full flush.
What service intervals should I follow and how does mileage or off-road use affect them?
Follow OEM intervals for first service and subsequent checks. Severe use, towing, or frequent off-road driving shortens intervals. Inspect fluid condition more often if the vehicle has high mileage or heavy-duty use.
What signs in the fluid or operation mean I should inspect or change the fluid sooner?
Dark, burnt-smelling fluid, metal particles in the pan, slipping, harsh shifts, or delayed engagement are clear signs to inspect and likely service the fluid and filter sooner than scheduled.
