Rav 4 variator maintenance: oil change, level check

Features of changing the oil in the Toyota RAV 4 variator

The operating rules of the vehicle provide for the timing of changing fluids in the units. It is not necessary to change the oil for the Toyota RAV 4 variator according to the maintenance instructions for this model. Therefore, there are recommendations to monitor this yourself after the warranty period. It is advisable not to delay the frequency of this procedure.

This especially applies to cars that are purchased after being used by other people. Professionals say that a vehicle purchased secondhand requires a complete replacement of fluids in all units, including the variator. After all, there is no guaranteed information about operating conditions and quality of service.

There are two ways to change the oil in the Toyota RAV 4 variator: partially or completely.

It is preferable to carry out guaranteed maintenance of the node, i.e. complete replacement. It is better to contact the specialists at the service station for this. Servicing will increase the durability of the unit and significantly affect driving comfort.

The technology for replacing fluid in the RAV 4 variator differs from carrying out a similar procedure in an automatic gearbox. The only thing they have in common is the need to remove the pallet.

A high-quality replacement of lubricant in a CVT gearbox includes:

• removal of waste liquid;
• dismantling the pallet;
• washing the filter (coarse);
• cleaning the magnets in the tray;
• replacing the filter (fine);
• washing and purging the cooling circuit structure.

Replacing the lubricant in the variator will require from 5 to 9 liters of fluid, depending on the car model and the chosen replacement method. It is best to prepare two 5-liter bottles. If you are replacing it yourself, you will need an inspection hole or a lifting mechanism.

Practical advice on choosing oil in a Toyota Rav4 automatic transmission

High-quality original oil in the box plays an important role. Only the original has the necessary technical properties that allow the oil to:

• build up a protective film on metal parts to protect them from premature wear;
• prevent foaming;
• protect copper parts from oxidation.

The original oil will not lose its properties even with severe overheating, and in frosts down to minus 30 degrees it will not freeze.

Write in the comments what kind of lubricant you fill in the Toyota Rav4 automatic transmission?

Original oil

The original oil for automatic transmission of Toyota Rav4 is ATF Type IV with catalog number 0553-00405 and Toyota WS with number 08886-01705. The first oil is recommended for use in automatic transmissions created before 2005, and the second - after 2005.

Read

Original oil and analogues for Honda automatic transmissions

The oil is sold in black iron liter cans and 4 liter canisters. Manufactured in Russia. There is no clear opinion about the quality of this type of transmission fluid. I personally doubt buying such a lubricant.

Therefore, I usually buy the original from Japan in tin cans. European canisters are gray in color. They only come in five-liter sizes. If you see plastic canisters with this name, then they are from America.

Analogs

This oil has no analogues. Therefore, I would not recommend buying lubricants of dubious quality that are passed off as analogues of this transmission fluid. I believe that ATF Type T IV is the only transmission fluid that needs to be poured into a Toyota Rav4 automatic transmission.

Attention! In addition to following the lubricant replacement schedule, do not forget to check the level and add oil as necessary.

Oil change intervals

The variator uses a special type of oil, because The very principle of operation of this unit is not similar to conventional automatic transmissions. Such a product is marked with the letters “CVT”, which in translation from English. language means “continuously variable transmission”.

The properties of the lubricant differ significantly from ordinary oil.

According to the recommendations of professionals, the lubricant in CVT gearboxes should be changed no later than every 30,000-40,000 km on the speedometer. It's better to change a little earlier.

With an average load on the car, this mileage corresponds to 3 years of operation.

The owner determines the frequency of fluid changes independently, but it is recommended not to exceed 45 thousand km.

• The mileage has reached the limit for replacement (45,000 km).
• The color of the oil has changed significantly.
• An unpleasant odor appeared.
• A solid mechanical suspension was formed.

The vehicle's controllability depends on timely work carried out.

How much and what kind of oil to fill

In 2010, the Toyota RAV 4 with a CVT transmission first appeared on the European market. In some models, Japanese manufacturers supplied a specialized gearbox with the proprietary Aisin variator. Car enthusiasts highly appreciate these options.

I liked the dynamic acceleration, economical fuel consumption, smooth running, high efficiency, ease of control.

But if you don’t change the oil in a timely manner, the variator won’t reach 100 thousand.

The ideal lubricant for the Aisin unit is considered to be Toyota CVT Fluid TC or TOYOTA TC (08886-02105). These are original oils for cars of the specified brand.

Some RAV 4 owners use materials with a different marking, often CVT Fluid FE (08886-02505), which is categorically not recommended by professionals. The specified technical fluid is characterized as gasoline-saving, which will be superfluous for the Toyota RAV 4.

Transmission oil change interval

Modifications of the 3rd generation Toyota Rav4 were equipped with CVTs. The first cars had four-speed hydromechanical transmissions. If the latter could be patient with both the quality and lack of oil, then the CVT type does not like dirty lubricant and does not tolerate underfilling.

In general, changing the oil in a Toyota Rav4 automatic transmission is not that difficult, so I recommend checking the level and changing the transmission fluid according to the following regulations:

• after a mileage of 30,000 kilometers, do only a partial oil change;
• after 60,000 kilometers, carry out a complete change using the replacement method using a high-pressure apparatus. If you don’t have one, then in a special block below, I’ll tell you how to change the oil in a garage.

You don't have to take the manufacturer's word for it. He points out that the latest box models are maintenance-free. This means that the oil in them does not need to be changed. It will last until the end of the life of the Toyota Rav 4. In fact, this is not so.

Read

Do-it-yourself complete and partial oil change in the Polo Sedan automatic transmission

The manufacturer does not take into account that Russian climatic conditions are difficult. And sometimes the driver’s aggressive driving destroys the oil in the car’s automatic transmission literally within 100,000 kilometers.

The cleanliness of the oil is affected by overheating, wear of mechanical parts, and the cleanliness of the filter device. When changing the oil in a Toyota Rav4 automatic transmission, be sure to change the filter. Since some filter devices are made from a felt membrane, which becomes clogged over time and stops passing lubricant through the system. As a result, the pressure drops and the car begins to push and kick. You feel vibration throughout the body during stops.

Infrequent replacement of the oil and filter device, as well as negligent attitude towards the automatic transmission will lead to a major overhaul of the Toyota Rav4 after 100 thousand kilometers. That’s why it’s so important to care not only for the engine, but also for the automatic transmission.

Attention! Never mix original oil and analogue. This will lead to a change in technical properties, which will result in the box failing.

Partial or complete oil change in the variator: which option to choose

The standard set of tools at the disposal of any car enthusiast does not allow a complete change of lubricant in the variator. You will need special equipment available at service stations. Purchasing such tools and units for personal use is not rational.

The process of completely replacing the lubricant in a variator involves pumping out the old lubricant from the radiator and pumping in new lubricant under pressure using a special apparatus.

A preliminary procedure for flushing the entire system is carried out in order to remove obsolete non-working deposits that have formed on individual variator spare parts and in the oil pan.

It is more common to carry out a partial change of lubricant in the variator. The procedure can be performed without contacting specialists. No special tools or consumables are needed. Therefore, the work is available to any car owner.

The most important thing during replacement is to strictly follow safety regulations. It is necessary to secure the car with a hand brake and wheel chocks, and only then begin servicing.

How to replace a filter in a variator

Coarse and fine oil filters are changed along with the transmission fluid after a certain mileage (depending on the car model with CVT and the manufacturer’s recommendations).

To confirm the need for the procedure, you can independently check the condition of the lubricant using a drop test - pull out the dipstick and drop oil onto a white sheet of paper or a napkin.

If the stain formed on the surface turns out to be cloudy and dark, it means that the lubricant contains a lot of friction wear products. The aging counter also shows resource depletion.

We invite you to watch a video review of changing the oil and filters in the variator of a 2012 Nissan Qashqai.

Replacing the coarse filter

In order to replace the CVT coarse filter, you need to place the car on an overpass, and then:

1. Remove the engine protection (if equipped).
2. Unscrew the drain plug and measuring tube to drain the remaining fluid in the gearbox.
3. Remove the tray, wash it, clean the magnets.
4. Install a new CVT coarse filter (the old washed one will not work).
5. Attach the pallet.

In order not to lose the components, it is better to put them in a previously prepared container (basin, box, etc.).

Replacement procedure

Before starting the procedure, you need to purchase and prepare

• new oil recommended by the manufacturer;
• replacement gasket for the pallet;
• fill hose;
• set of wrenches and hexagons.

The design of the variator does not provide for a control dipstick, so it is necessary to monitor the level of drained oil so as not to make a mistake when filling.

1. Remove the plastic protection that covers the variator housing. It is held in place by bolts and plastic fasteners.
2. Remove the longitudinal beam, which is located slightly to the right of the variator and is attached with four bolts.
3. After this, all the bolts that hold the pallet will become accessible. When removing its cover, you need to be careful, because... there is some lubricant there.
4. After removing the pan, the drain plug will become accessible. It should be unscrewed with a 6mm hexagon.
5. Drain all possible liquid through this hole (volume about one liter).
6. Using a No. 6 hex, unscrew the level tube in the drain hole. The liquid will then continue to flow out.
7. Unscrew the pan mounting bolts located around the perimeter and drain the remaining liquid.

The height of the drain hole cylinder is more than one centimeter. Therefore, replacing the lubricant without removing the pan (partial) means that some of the used fluid will remain inside.

1. Unscrew the three securing bolts and remove the filter. The remaining lubricant will begin to leak out.
2. Wash the oil filter and pan thoroughly.
3. Return the filter back and install a new gasket on the pan.
4. Place the pallet in place and secure it with bolts.
5. Screw in the level tube and drain plug.
6. Remove the bead protection attached with two clips and unscrew the nut at the top of the variator.
7. Add new oil using a hose.
8. Reassemble the dismantled parts in reverse order after setting the oil level.

If you carry out this work yourself, without relevant experience, you should use video or photo instructions for greater clarity.

Checking the level

I recommend checking the oil level in the Toyota Rav4 automatic transmission every 10,000 kilometers. If operating conditions are extreme, then reduce the difference to 5000 kilometers.

The verification procedure is carried out as follows:

1. Warm up the automatic transmission to 70 degrees.
2. Press the brake pedal and move the selector through all gears.
3. Place the Toyota Rav4 on a flat surface or hole.
4. Turn off the engine and open the hood.
5. Unscrew the dipstick and wipe the tip with a lint-free cloth.
6. Place the dipstick back into the hole and turn it 180 degrees.
7. Pull it out and look at the marks.
8. If the oil is at the “Max” level, then leave everything as is. If not, then add about 1 liter.
9. Then check the level again.

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Don't forget to look at the rag. If you see that the lubricant remaining on the rag is black and has metallic inclusions, then the transmission fluid should be replaced.

How to set the oil level

Having poured new oil into the unit, it is necessary to distribute the lubricant over the entire area, and then drain the excess. Description of the procedure:

1. Start the car.
2. Move the variator handle, fixing it at each mark for 10-15 seconds.
3. Wait until the fluid in the CVT transmission warms up to 45°C.
4. Without turning off the engine, you need to unscrew the sump plug located near the front bumper. Excess oil will be drained.
5. After waiting for the leak to stop, screw the plug back on and stop the engine.

Changing the oil in the Toyota RAV 4 variator of various generations

Changing the lubricant in Toyota RAV 4 units has not changed significantly since the car first went on sale.

Different CVTs were installed in different years of production (K111, K111F, K112, K112F, K114). But the manufacturer’s recommendations for the brand of lubricant and replacement intervals have not changed much.

When changing the oil in a 2011 Toyota RAV 4 CVT, you can use Toyota CVT Fluid FE.

It is less “stringy” in structure. Therefore, fuel is consumed more economically.

But when changing the oil in the Toyota RAV 4 variator of 2012 and subsequent years, especially if the car is operated in Russia, Toyota CVT Fluid TC is required. The efficiency will deteriorate slightly, but the service life of the box will increase significantly.

Changing the oil in the Toyota Rav 4 variator is practically the same in the 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 or 2016 models.

There are small individual differences in the CVT boxes themselves, but they are insignificant and do not affect the standard procedure for changing the lubricant in the unit.

CVT filter Aisin K111F Toyota RAV4, consumables for replacement

Table of catalog numbers of components for changing oil in the Aisin K111F Toyota RAV4 variator.
At each oil change in the Aisin K111F variator, the filter must be changed. This is not difficult to do, but a dirty filter element can greatly reduce the life of the CVT. The manufacturer insists on using the original filter with catalog number 35330-0W040.

Do not be fooled by the variety of catalog numbers of the variator filter. It can be labeled in different ways:

• Toyota 35330-0W040;
• 35330-0W090;
• FTC110111112;
• FTC 111V-10112.

The catalog number depends on the market, but the filters themselves are exactly the same.

Alternatively, you can use a cheaper filter, for example, JS ASAKASHI JT485K. It comes complete with a gasket, the price is about 300 hryvnia (about $10 in 2022).

Original gasket and pan of the Aisin K111F variator.
The number of the original pan gasket is 35168-63010. The drain plug gasket will also need to be replaced. The original gasket number is 90430-12008 .

What happens if you don't change the oil on time?

Ignoring oil change intervals and warning signals recommended by professionals leads to unpleasant consequences:

1. Contamination of the unit, which affects vehicle controllability.
2. Unexpected breakdowns when the vehicle is moving, which can lead to an accident.
3. Possible errors in gear shifting and damage to the unit, which is also dangerous while the machine is running.
4. Complete failure of the variator.

To prevent such breakdowns in the Toyota RAV 4 CVT gearbox, it is necessary to observe the frequency of oil changes. Then the operating time of the car will increase significantly.

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