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Toyota Tacoma: How to Change Manual Transmission Fluid

Replacing the transmission fluid is a great piece of maintenance, especially as you start putting mileage on the Toyota Tacoma.

By Bassem Girgis - February 4, 2016

This article applies to the Toyota Tacoma (1996-2015).

Although the Toyota Tacoma doesn't require changing the transmission fluid as often as your engine oil, it's recommended you replace it more often once your truck goes over 100,000 miles. The process is cheap and doesn't take too much time. If you're unsure of when the last time you've replaced the transmission fluid was, it won't hurt to do it now. The guide below will guide you step-by-step on how you can replace the transmission fluid yourself on the Toyota Tacoma. Read on to learn how to master this DIY.

Toyota Tacoma How to Change Manual Transmission Fluid

Materials Needed

  • Fluid pump
  • Socket set
  • Drain pan
  • Transmission fluid (2 qts)

Step 1 – Drain the transmission

If you're looking towards the front of the truck, the transmission will have two plugs. On the left of the transmission is the fill plug, and on the right of it is the drain plug. Place the drain pan under the drain plug, and slowly loosen it. Expect the fluid to come out strong, and weakens as it drains, so place the drain pan accordingly. Tighten the drain plug when it's done draining.

  • Toyota Tacoma transmission drain plug
    Figure 1. Locate the drain plug on the right side.
  • Draining transmission
    Figure 2. Drain transmission.

Step 2 – Pump fluid in transmission

Use your fluid pump to pump just under two quarts in your transmission. Simply put the hose of the kit into the fill plug, then pump the fluid until it starts falling out. Finally, close the fill plug and tighten it.

Pumping transmission fluid
Figure 3. Pump one quart of fluid into the transmission.

Featured Video: Transmission Fluid Change

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