How Many Liters of Transmission Fluid Does a Camry Need?

[Rick]

The required amount of transmission fluid for a Camry is as follows: For a conventional gravity drain and fill, according to the manufacturer's manual, less than 6 liters is needed; for a flush using a machine, approximately 12 liters of transmission fluid is required. A gravity drain involves simply loosening the drain plug at the bottom of the transmission to allow the fluid to drain out by gravity. A machine flush, on the other hand, requires draining the old fluid by loosening the drain plug, then connecting a flushing machine, starting the vehicle, and adding new fluid to the transmission. The new fluid's pressure helps push out the old fluid. The transmission is a mechanism used to change the speed and torque from the engine. It can either maintain or change the gear ratio between the output and input shafts, hence it is also called a gearbox. Depending on the structure of the transmission, transmission fluid is divided into manual transmission fluid and automatic transmission fluid: Manual transmission fluid, commonly referred to as gear oil, is primarily composed of petroleum-based lubricating oil or synthetic lubricating oil, with the addition of extreme pressure anti-wear agents and oiliness agents. It is an important lubricant used in various gear transmission devices to prevent gear surface wear, scuffing, sintering, etc., thereby extending their service life, improving power transmission efficiency, and reducing power loss. Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is specifically designed for automatic transmissions. It serves as the hydraulic fluid for the torque converter, the lubricant for the planetary gear structure, and the hydraulic fluid for the shifting mechanism. Under normal driving conditions, ATF should be replaced every 120,000 kilometers; in harsh driving conditions, it should be replaced every 60,000 kilometers. For daily use of the Camry's transmission, the following points should be noted: Do not delay transmission fluid changes for extended periods. Although many modern vehicles claim to have maintenance-free transmission fluid, maintenance-free does not mean no replacement. Prolonged failure to change the transmission fluid can lead to damage to internal components such as bearings and the housing. Avoid coasting in neutral for long periods. While driving manual transmission vehicles, many experienced drivers may coast in neutral, but for automatic transmission vehicles, this can cause overheating and a noticeable jolt when shifting back into drive (D). Never shift into drive (D) or reverse (R) before the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Some drivers, in an attempt to demonstrate smooth operation, shift into reverse while the vehicle is still moving, which can cause significant damage to the transmission gears and may lead to gear grinding over time. Do not frequently climb steep slopes in drive (D). When facing steep inclines, automatic transmission vehicles may overheat due to high load or shift too early, resulting in insufficient power. In such cases, use manual mode to lock in lower gears or switch to sport mode to protect the transmission. Do not tow the vehicle over long distances. If an automatic transmission vehicle breaks down, it should be transported using a flatbed tow truck with the transmission in neutral (N). Using a tow rope or towing the vehicle directly is not recommended.