How Many Liters of Transmission Fluid Does the Highlander Need?
3 Answers
When replacing the transmission fluid in the Highlander, manual fluid replacement (gravity drain) requires 4 to 6 liters; using a fluid exchange machine requires approximately 9 to 12 liters. Functions of transmission fluid: Reduce friction and wear, control clutch friction and synchronizer performance; bear loads (low-speed high torque, vibration loads), dissipate heat, reduce vibration and noise, remove contaminants from gear meshing (cleaning function); prevent corrosion, pitting, and surface metal tearing, isolate metal surfaces, and prevent direct metal-to-metal contact. Hazards of not replacing transmission fluid for a long time: Damage to the transmission's shift control mechanism; abnormal wear of gears and clutch plates inside the transmission; affect the normal operation of the transmission, leading to damage of the transmission valve body. Methods for replacing transmission fluid are as follows: Loosen the drain screw at the bottom of the transmission to drain the fluid before refilling. Remove the transmission oil pan directly for draining and refilling: This method is more thorough than the previous one, removing impurities from the bottom of the oil pan. Using a circulation machine to replace automatic transmission fluid: Dynamic fluid replacement with an intelligent circulation machine can filter and clean sludge and impurities inside the automatic transmission.
I just changed the transmission fluid for my friend's Highlander. Generally, it requires about 8 to 9 liters, depending on the model year and drivetrain. For example, 2WD models usually need 8.5 liters, while 4WD models may require 9 liters. Pay attention to the steps during the fluid change—first, lift the car with a jack, drain the old fluid from the bottom drain plug, and then add new fluid. The choice of fluid is also crucial. It's recommended to use Toyota's genuine WS-type fluid; don’t cheap out with counterfeit products, as they can easily damage the transmission. I reminded him to change it every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers to avoid internal component wear leading to major repairs. After the change, test-drive to check for smoothness and ensure everything is working properly. Develop good driving habits—avoid prolonged high-temperature operation and sudden acceleration to reduce fluid degradation. If you DIY, always use clean funnels and containers to prevent contaminants from entering the system, or you’ll end up with more trouble than it’s worth.
I drive a Highlander myself, and the last time I changed the transmission fluid, it took over 8 liters. For a 2.7L displacement vehicle, this is pretty much the standard range. I prefer doing it myself to save some money, but the process is quite a hassle—park the car and let it cool for an hour, then crawl underneath to open the drain plug, wait for the old fluid to drain completely, and pour in the new fluid. The fluid level is critical—too much can cause the transmission to overheat and make strange noises, while too little leads to noticeable gear-shift jerks and damages the drivetrain components. When choosing fluid, I prefer full-synthetic types for their more stable and durable performance, but don’t wait more than 50,000 km between changes, especially if you frequently drive on highways, as the fluid degrades faster and affects safety. After the fluid change, the car runs much smoother, with better power response and fuel efficiency, which is crucial for extending the vehicle’s lifespan.
