Highlander Transmission Fluid Change Guide

The transmission is an integral part of your Highlander, transferring power from the engine to the wheels as you drive. It’s responsible for converting the right amount of power to achieve the desired speed, so even a minor problem in the transmission can significantly affect your vehicle’s performance. Getting your Highlander’s transmission checked and serviced regularly is essential to stay on top of any potential issues. With proper maintenance, you can expect your Highlander to have fewer transmission problems over its life span.

Keeping the transmission fluid clean and topped up is one of the most important aspects of maintaining your Highlander’s transmission. The transmission fluid lubricates and cools the transmission’s internal components. Without it, the transmission can’t function properly. Over time, dirt and debris contaminate the fluid, and you’ll need to replace it to prevent potential transmission damage. Fortunately, changing the transmission fluid on your Highlander is relatively straightforward. 

Read below as our team at Keith Pierson Toyota in Jacksonville, Florida, shares this informative guide with all the information you need to successfully replace your Highlander’s transmission fluid and keep your vehicle running smoothly.

How Do You Check Transmission Fluid in a Toyota Highlander?

Checking the automatic transmission fluid on your Toyota Highlander is an easy process. Follow the steps below:

1. Park the vehicle:  Ensure it’s on a level surface, engage the parking brake, start the engine, and let it run for a few minutes to warm up.
2. Locate the transmission fluid dipstick: If you’re having trouble locating it, consult the owner’s manual. It’s typically on the right side of the oil dipstick.
3. Pull out the dipstick:  Wipe it clean with a piece of cloth, then reinsert it. Remember to keep the engine running and the car in Park with the parking brake engaged.
4. Check the fluid:  Smear a bit between your finger and thumb to test its consistency; it should be bright red, transparent, free of particles, and smooth. You’ll need to schedule a complete fluid change if you notice any abnormalities.
5. Clean, reinsert, and remove the dipstick again:  This time, check the fluid level. Ensure it reaches the “Full” line on the dipstick, or add more fluid.

How Do You Change Transmission Fluid in a Toyota Highlander?

Changing the transmission fluid involves more than checking it, but it’s still doable. Generally, having a certified technician change it is best. But if you prefer doing it yourself, follow these steps:

1. Park your Highlander on a level surface with the parking brake engaged.
2. Elevate the car using ramps or jack stands to safely raise the vehicle to give you access to the transmission pan.
3. Locate and remove the transmission oil pan to drain the fluid. Place a drain pan underneath it to catch all the drained fluid.
4. Replace the filter and reinstall the pan using a new gasket, securing all bolts tightly.
5. Refill the transmission with new fluid using a funnel to avoid spills. Ensure you’re using your Highlander’s correct transmission fluid type, which you’ll find in the owner’s manual.
6. Replace the transmission dipstick into its hole and check that it registers correctly on the gauge.
7. Recheck your work and ensure you’ve tightened all screws properly before starting your vehicle.
8. Lower the car and start the engine to check for leaks around the oil pan.

How Often Should I Change My Highlander’s Transmission Fluid?

Maintaining the health of your car’s transmission is essential to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly. While knowing when to do a transmission fluid change may seem overwhelming, it’s quite simple.

The recommended change interval for your Highlander’s transmission fluid is usually around 30,000 miles or every two years, whichever comes first. Shorter intervals may be necessary if you drive in more demanding conditions, such as regularly towing heavy trailers or dealing with the frequent stop-and-go traffic in Jacksonville. Refer to the owner’s manual for specific recommendations, which can vary depending on your vehicle’s model year.

How Do You Know When To Change Your Highlander’s Transmission Fluid?

While regular maintenance is essential, a few warning signs indicate you may need to change your Highlander’s transmission fluid sooner than expected, including the following:

• Unusual noises coming from the transmission (e.g., whining, grinding):  When driving your vehicle, if you notice your transmission grinding or making strange noises, stop immediately and check the transmission fluid level while the engine is still running. Your vehicle most likely requires a transmission flush if the transmission fluid level is normal.
• Slipping gears:  If you experience gear slippage when accelerating or shifting, it could be because of a lack of transmission fluid or the presence of dirt and grease. Either way, you’ll need to change the transmission fluid to get your vehicle back up and running at full performance.
• Difficult shifting: If your car takes too long to shift between gears, it could indicate a dirty transmission filter, which can cause your vehicle to respond slowly and result in jerky, rough shifting. Changing the transmission fluid and filter is the best remedy.
• Unexpected surging:  Dirt and contaminants in your vehicle’s transmission can lead to an inconsistent flow of clean transmission fluid, causing the unexplainable surging of your vehicle. It may jump or surge forward and fall backward for no good reason, which is a clear sign it’s time to change the transmission fluid. 

Schedule Your Transmission Fluid Change at Keith Pierson Toyota

Although you can change your Toyota Highlander’s transmission fluid yourself, taking it to a certified technician at Keith Pierson Toyota is the best way to ensure your vehicle receives the proper care and attention it requires. Our experienced technicians can accurately assess the transmission fluid’s condition and recommend a course of action. And if you’re due for an upgrade, we offer a wide selection of quality pre-owned and new Highlander models. Contact us today to book a service appointment to keep your Highlander’s transmission fluid running at its best. 

Toyota Highlander GXL by Ilam Toyota is licensed with CC BY 2.0

Posted in Maintenance, Toyota Tips | No Comments »