When it comes to your car, ensuring that all of its systems are running optimally is key to keeping you safe on the road. One such system is transmission. If it’s not running well, it can lead to serious problems. Transmission fluid is an important part of your car’s engine, and it’s crucial to keep the level of transmission fluid topped up.
Genuine Toyota Owner’s Manuals were used to list the transmission fluid capacities for Toyota Corolla.
Remember that if you service your Toyota Corolla incorrectly or incompletely, it may cause issues while operating. Additionally, performing maintenance tasks yourself during the warranty period could void the warranty coverage.
Transmission fluids Toyota Corolla requires:
- 1998 – 2008 manual transmission uses API GL−4 or GL−5 SAE 75W-90: Ultra1Plus SAE 75W-90, Valvoline Flexfill SAE 75W-90, Red Line 50304, Genuine Toyota 75W90 GL4.
- 1998 – 2002 automatic DEXRON II or DEXRON III: Toyota ATF, DEXRON II equivalent, Triax DEX III, Motul 105776.
- 2002 – 2008 Toyota Genuine ATF Type T−IV or equivalent.
- 2009 – 2019 automatic Toyota ATF WS or equivalent.
- CVT Toyota Genuine CVT Fluid FE.
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Toyota Corolla Transmission Fluid Capacity
The Toyota Corolla of the eighth generation has three different transmission options: a 5-speed manual, a 3-speed automatic, and a 4-speed automatic.
| Gearbox | Fluid capacity | Oil type |
|---|---|---|
| 5-speed C59 manual gearbox | 1.9 liters (4 pints, 2 quarts, 1.7 Imp. qt.) | API GL−4 or GL−5 SAE 75W-90 |
| 3-speed A131L automatic transaxle | Total fill 5.8 liters (6.1 quarts) Drain and refill 2.5 liters (2.6 quarts, 2.2 Imp. qt.) | DEXRON II or DEXRON III |
| 4-speed A245E automatic transaxle | Total fill 7.6 liters (8 quarts) Drain and refill 3.1 liters (3.3 quarts, 2.7 Imp. qt.) | DEXRON II or DEXRON III |
Recommended Shifting Speeds
Manual Transmission
You’ll achieve the best fuel economy and performance if you upshift or downshift at the following speeds:
| Gear | Km/h | Mph |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 or 2 to 1 | 24 | 15 |
| 2 to 3 or 3 to 2 | 40 | 25 |
| 3 to 4 or 4 to 3 | 64 | 40 |
| 4 to 5 or 5 to 4 | 72 | 45 |
Maximum Allowable Speeds
If you need to speed up to match traffic flow on a highway, or if you need to pass slower vehicles, be mindful of the maximum speeds allowed in each gear.
| Gear | Km/h | Mph |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 55 | 34 |
| 2 | 92 | 57 |
| 3 | 134 | 83 |
| 4 | 180 | 112 |
Automatic Transmission
For a 3-speed automatic transmission, the approximate maximum allowable speed for each position is 81 mph (“2” position) and 44 mph (“L” position). If you’re going to be hill climbing or doing any difficult towing, don’t do it for an extended period of time in the “2” or “L” position. This could cause major automatic transmission damage from overheating. Use the “D” setting instead to avoid this issue while performing those tasks.
For a 4-speed automatic transmission, the approximate maximum allowable speed for each position is 76 mph (“2” position) and 42 mph (“L” position). Monitor the tachometer to ensure the engine rpm isn’t too high. If you notice the car’s transmission regularly swapping between third gear and overdrive while driving up a small incline, turn off the overdrive. Also, switch it back on as soon as possible after returning to level terrain.
1998 – 2002 Toyota Corolla Transmission Problems
You may start to experience the first problems with the transmission somewhere after 100,000 miles. These may include:
- Automatic transmission may not shift correctly at high mileages;
- EVAP System problems;
- Fluid leaks;
- Excessive oil consumption;
- Clutch problems
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Toyota Corolla Transmission Fluid Capacity
The 9th generation Toyota Corolla has only one option for an automatic gearbox and one option for a manual gearbox.
| Gearbox | Fluid capacity | Oil type |
|---|---|---|
| 5-speed manual gearbox | 1.9 liters (2.0 quarts, 1.7 Imp. qt.) | API GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W−90 |
| Automatic transaxle | Drain and refill: 3.0 liters (3.2 quarts, 2.6 Imp. qt.) | Toyota Genuine ATF Type T−IV |
Change automatic transmission fluid only as necessary. Generally, it is necessary to change automatic transmission fluid only if your vehicle is driven under one of the Special Operating Conditions listed in your “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement.”
When changing the automatic transmission fluid, use only “Toyota Genuine ATF Type T−IV” (ATF JWS3309 or NWS6500) to ensure optimum transaxle performance.
Using automatic transmission fluid other than “Toyota Genuine ATF Type T−IV” may cause deterioration in shift quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately damage your vehicle’s automatic transmission.
Recommended Shifting Speeds
Automatic Transmission
For an automatic transmission, the approximate maximum allowable speed for each position is 73 mph (“2” position) and 40 mph (“L” position). Do not remain in the “2” or “L” position for climbing hills or difficult towing, as this may result in severe automatic transmission damage from overheating. To avoid such destruction, use the “D” setting when encountering a hill or towing something heavy.
Manual Transmission
To find the balance between fuel economy and vehicle performance, shift gears at these speeds:
| Gear | Km/h | Mph |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 or 2 to 1 | 24 | 15 |
| 2 to 3 or 3 to 2 | 40 | 24 |
| 3 to 4 or 4 to 3 | 64 | 39 |
| 4 to 5 or 5 to 4 | 72 | 45 |
If you are driving below the recommended speed for downshifting and need to accelerate, shift to a lower gear. Do not shift to neutral without depressing the clutch pedal while driving with cruise control, as this may cause engine racing or overrevving.
2003 – 2008 Toyota Corolla Transmission Problems
In general, you may start to experience the first problems with the transmission somewhere after 80,000 miles, but there were also reports about a few problems starting at 45,000 miles. These may include:
- Transmission failure (120,000 miles);
- Pops into neutral while driving (45,000 miles);
- Contaminated transmission fluid (115,000 miles)
- Fluid leaks (80,000 miles).
Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
During this period Toyota released several TSB.
| Name | Year | Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB TC015-07 – Harsh shifting with a P2715 DTC | 2005 – 2007 Toyota Corolla | Some drivers can experience unusually harsh gear changes, accompanied by a P2715 diagnostic trouble code. | A revised ECU will need to be installed. |
| TSB TC012-05 – “Whistle” sound coming from the transmission – A245E / A246E | 2003 – 2006 Toyota Corolla | Vehicles equipped with the Toyota 1ZZ-FE engine may experience an unusual whistle or ‘hoot’ sound coming from the transmission while the vehicle accelerates between 35 – 40 mph. | Redesigned transmission cooler lines will need to be installed. |
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Toyota Corolla Transmission Fluid Capacity
The 10th-generation Toyota Corolla has both manual and automatic transmissions that go in pairs with a 1.8L 2ZR-FE engine or a 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine.
| Gearbox | Fluid Capacity | Fluid Type |
|---|---|---|
| Manual | 1.8 L 4-cylinder 2ZR-FE engine: 2.0 quarts (1.9 liters, 1.7 Imp. qt.) | TOYOTA Genuine Manual Transmission Gear Oil LV or API GL-4 SAE 75W |
| Manual | 2.4 L 4-cylinder 2AZ-FE engine: 2.6 quarts (2.5 liters, 2.2 Imp. qt.) | TOYOTA Genuine Manual Transmission Gear Oil LV or API GL-4 SAE 75W |
| Automatic | 1.8 L 4-cylinder 2ZR-FE engine; 6.9 quarts (6.5 liters, 5.7 Imp. qt.) | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| Automatic | 2.4 L 4-cylinder 2AZ-FE engine; 8.2 quarts (7.8 liters, 6.9 Imp. qt.) | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
- For best performance, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations in your vehicle owner’s manual.
- ATF WS
- 1QT
- LEXUS TOYOTA OEM
Notice
Using automatic transmission fluid other than “Toyota Genuine ATF WS” may cause deterioration in shift quality, lock up your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately damage your vehicle’s transmission.
2009 – 2013 Toyota Corolla Transmission Problems
In general, you may start to experience the first problems with the transmission somewhere after 80,000 miles. These may include:
- Fluid leaks (80,000 miles);
- Transmission failure (120,000 miles);
- Solenoid problems (60,000 miles);
- Grinds while shifting (80,000 miles)
The Toyota Corolla has a reliable transmission, but as with any car, it needs to be serviced on time to avoid major problems.
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Toyota Corolla Transmission Fluid Capacity
The 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla is equipped with manual, automatic transmission or CVT. The last years of this generation were already produced without an automatic transmission.
| Gearbox | Fluid Capacity | Fluid Type |
|---|---|---|
| Manual | 2.5 qt. (2.4 L, 2.1 Imp. qt.) | Toyota Genuine Manual Transmission Gear Oil LV or API GL-4 SAE 75W |
| Automatic | 6.9 qt. (6.5 L, 5.7 Imp. qt.) | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| CVT | 7.9 qt. (7.5 L, 6.6 Imp. qt.) | Toyota Genuine CVTF FE |
- And Vehicle Specific
- Manufacturer Warranty
- Toyota Quality Assured
- OEM, Not After Market
- For best performance, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations in your vehicle owner’s manual.
- ATF WS
- 1QT
- LEXUS TOYOTA OEM
Manual transmission gear oil:
Please be aware that depending on the particular characteristics of the gear oil used or the operating conditions, idle sound, shift feel, and/or fuel efficiency may be different or affected. Toyota recommends using “TOYOTA Genuine Manual Transmission Gear Oil LV” to achieve optimal performance.
Automatic transmission fluid type:
Using automatic transmission fluid other than “Toyota Genuine ATF WS” may cause deterioration in shift quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately damage your vehicle’s transmission.
Continuously variable transaxle fluid type:
Using continuously variable transaxle fluid other than “Toyota Genuine CVTF FE” may cause deterioration in shift quality, locking up of the transmission accompanied by vibration, and, ultimately, damage to the vehicle’s transmission.
2014 – 2019 Toyota Corolla Common Transmission Problems
With routine fixes, you can often avoid extensive transmission issues. Nevertheless, if you have a CVT, then be extra cautious and take precautions as needed. Main problems reported by other owners:
- Power output is poor during small climbs;
- Transmission slipping;
Overall, this is not an old enough model that we have many reports of transmission problems.
2020 2021 2022 Toyota Corolla Transmission Fluid Capacity
The 12th generation Toyota Corolla is equipped with either manual transmission or with a CVT.
| Gearbox | Fluid capacity | Fluid type |
|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 2ZR-FAE manual | 2.5 qt. (2.4 L, 2.1 Imp. qt.) | Toyota Genuine Manual Transmission Gear Oil LV or API GL-4 SAE 75W |
| 2.0L M20A-FKS manual | 1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp. qt.) | Toyota Genuine Manual Transmission Gear Oil LV or API GL-4 SAE 75W |
| 1.8L 2ZR-FAE CVT | 7.9 qt. (7.5 L, 6.6 Imp. qt.) | Toyota Genuine CVT Fluid FE |
| 2.0L M20A-FKS CVT | 9.0 qt. (8.5 L, 7.5 Imp. qt.) | Toyota Genuine CVT Fluid FE |
Manual transmission:
Please be aware that depending on the particular characteristics of the gear oil used or the operating conditions, idle sound, shift feeling, and/or fuel efficiency may be different or affected and, in the worst case, damage to the vehicle’s transmission. Toyota recommends using “TOYOTA Genuine Manual Transmission Gear Oil LV GL-4 75W” to achieve optimal performance.
Your Toyota vehicle is filled with “TOYOTA Genuine Manual Transmission Gear Oil LV GL-4 75W” at the factory. Use Toyota-approved “TOYOTA Genuine Manual Transmission Gear Oil LV GL-4 75W” or an equivalent oil to match the quality that satisfies the above specifications. Please get in touch with your Toyota dealer for further details.
CVT:
Using continuously variable transaxle fluid other than “Toyota Genuine CVTF FE” may cause deterioration in shift quality, locking up of the transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately, damage to the vehicle’s transmission.
When To Change Transmission Fluid In My Toyota Corolla?
- Manual: Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
- Automatic: Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
It’s important to change your transmission fluid, but the type of transmission you have affects your ideal changing interval. Most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles if you drive a manual. You can typically boost that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles if you have an automatic.
There’s no harm in changing your fluid early. Drivers will manual transmissions who put heavy-duty use into their vehicles may want to change their fluid every 15,000 miles. Likewise, changing your automatic transmission fluid every 30,000 miles may be necessary under some circumstances.
At the end of the day, consulting your owner’s manual or a trained technician is the best action to find your vehicle’s precise interval.
Our Recommendations:
- Don’t overfill the transmission fluid, or it could be damaged.
- To protect our environment, please dispose of used oil and filters safely and responsibly. This includes not throwing them in the trash, down sewers, or on the ground.
Signs You Need to Change Transmission Fluid
The best way to know whether you need to change your transmission fluid is to check it yourself or have a trained technician do it for you. Fresh transmission fluid will typically be bright red, and if yours looks dark brown or blackened, you may want to have your transmission checked out.
A few other signs you need new transmission fluid include:
- Difficult Shifting
- Grinding Nose While Shifting
- Slipping Gears
- Unexpected Surging (Forward or Backward)
If you notice these signals, get your vehicle to a service center immediately to have your transmission fluid inspected and refilled if necessary.
4AFE Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity
The initial fill of the 4AFE engine is 2.4 quarts, and the total fill for a 3-speed gearbox is 5.8 quarts.
Best Gear Oil For Toyota Corolla Automatic
Toyota cars are known for their quality, durability, and reliability. If you own a Toyota Corolla, you want to use the best gear oil possible to keep your car running smoothly. Using CVT fluid other than “Toyota Genuine CVTF FE” may cause deterioration in shift quality, locking up of the transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately, damage to the vehicle’s transmission.
What Are The Top 5 Signs Of Transmission Problems?
- Difficulty Shifting Gears
- Slipping Transmission
- Leaking Fluid
- Noisy transmission when in Neutral
- Burning Smell or Exhaust Smoke from the Engine Compartment
What Are The Symptoms Of Dirty Transmission Fluid?
The transmission fluid is constantly heated and in motion, which over time, causes it to break down chemically and physically. This breaks down the oil, causing it to become rare and less effective at lubricating. If debris gets into the oil (usually from worn parts), it will settle on all the components that the oil washes. The result of this is clogged parts and their eventual failure.
To understand if your oil is dirty, you can use this:
So, the dirty oil’s main symptom is the brown or black color of the transmission fluid.
Does Toyota Corolla Have Transmission Problems?
Yes, like all other cars, the Toyota Corolla has problems with the gearbox. But with timely maintenance, these cars serve for a very long time and do not cause significant problems to their owners. I would even say that compared to competitors like Ford, Subaru, or VW, gearboxes in Toyota almost do not break.
What Happens If You Don’t Change Transmission Fluid On Time?
Failure to change your transmission fluid on time can result in several problems. Your transmission can become noisy when shifting gears, the clutches and bands may wear out prematurely, and you could experience slippage or strange noises from the transmission. You may also notice decreased fuel economy or a tendency for the vehicle to hesitate or shift erratically. In extreme cases, it could lead to complete transmission failure if left unchecked for too long.
It’s, therefore, important to make sure that your transmission fluid is changed regularly as recommended by your manufacturer. Doing so will help ensure that your car runs properly for many years to come.
Sources
Author
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
And here I agree with you