How often should the RAV4 transmission fluid be changed?
2 Answers
RAV4 transmission fluid should be changed every 40,000 kilometers. The RAV4 is a compact SUV under FAW Toyota, with dimensions of 4600*1855*1680mm and a wheelbase of 2690mm. It is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, paired with a 10-speed continuously variable transmission, delivering a maximum horsepower of 171Ps and a maximum power of 126kW. Method for changing transmission fluid: Remove the transmission guard plate, loosen the screws on the oil pan, and drain the old transmission fluid; unscrew the oil pan screws and remove the oil pan; apply sealant to the new oil pan and tighten it; loosen the screw on the left side of the transmission to add new fluid. Symptoms of deteriorated RAV4 transmission fluid: Slipping: On slopes or other sections requiring high torque, insufficient lubrication of transmission gears causes slipping; Oil leakage: Issues with transmission sealing; Jerkiness: Deteriorated transmission fluid and debris hinder smooth gear engagement; Abnormal noise: Loud noises from the transmission during driving may indicate deteriorated fluid; Overheating: The dashboard usually displays a transmission overheating warning; Stalling: Possibly due to a damaged input shaft speed sensor.
My RAV4 has been running for almost ten years, and I change the transmission oil every 60,000 kilometers because I mainly drive in congested urban areas, where the oil gets dirty quickly. Once after a long-distance trip, I checked the oil and found it had turned black. After changing it, the gear shifts became much smoother. The manual suggests changing it every 60,000-80,000 kilometers or every 4-6 years, but I recommend adjusting based on driving habits: if you often drive on highways, you can stretch it to 80,000 kilometers; if you drive mostly short distances or in hot weather, it’s better to change it earlier. During regular maintenance, use a scanner to check the oil quality—it saves money and prevents transmission issues. Not changing the oil can lead to part wear; I’ve seen a neighbor’s transmission completely fail, costing over ten thousand to repair, which is just not worth it. Now, I use a mobile app to set reminders—it’s hassle-free and keeps things safe.
