Hey!
Long time Scotty student. I had my car written off recently after 17 years of reliable use. Terrible time to buy a used car! After years of listening to you I purchased a 2016 Toyota Rav 4 with 75,000 KLMS. It is the FWD model, non hybrid. When I was checking it out, I could not find a dipstick for the transmission. Now I have learned there is none! Why would Toyota do this? How do I check and maintain my transmission. When do I change the fluid? Thanx
I could not find a dipstick ... Why would Toyota do this?
if you're an optimist, then the engineer's argument is: because dipsticks are not accurate.
If you're a pessimist:
- to cut cost (debatable, since the did have to inplement a complex drain tube)
- to discourage people from working on their own cars, so they'd have to bring them in for service, and generate more revenue for them.
How do I check and maintain my transmission.
There is a procedure. It's more involved than a dipstick. But it's all over the internet, and can be done at home.
When do I change the fluid?
You didn't say what kind of transmission it was. Manual, automatic, DSG, CVT .....
I'll assume it's a conventional automatic. Approx every 55,000 mi should do.
See our transmission topic in the FAQ for more info.
See below from Scotty:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yUfOdsZLoCs
And from a Toyota Master Mechanic:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eRxSu4-4ojo&list=PLeFzfl0Q8rQWZjE9-i2oNRoEnBwQso5Bk&index=1&t=43s
So what would be a good scan tool to get? How about the Blue driver?
Blue Driver is a nice tool, but it won't tell you anything about the transmission .
Read your owner's manual for the maintenance schedule. If there's no dipstick, there will be a drain and fill plug. Just use them.
TMK, modern Toyota’s and Honda’s don’t come with transmission oil dip sticks.
Where you'll really get hosed is when the car gets old and develops minor drips from the transmission. You won't know that the fluid is low until the transmission self-destructs.
Wouldn't there be some dash warning light for low transmission fluid?
Typically no, but if there is one it would say so in your owner's manual.
I don't know. Have you ever seen one? What does your manual say?
I have never seen one.
I've never heard of a low transmission fluid light but I suppose it's possible. I know a few cars have come with low engine oil warning lights.
Scotty can tell you in his videos much better that words on a forum about the state of affairs regarding exactly this issue... and how to address it. As he might put it, "swine automotive designers".
There is no way to check. Due to complexity I would take the vehicle to a trusted mechanic to have the fluid exchanged, not flushed. Every 50 to 60000 miles would be good.
