2012 Toyota Camry transmission fluid change is considered an important preventive maintenance procedure to prevent your engine from costly damages by giving you a close look at the drain pan, filter, and the presence of debris.
If you do it according to the regular maintenance schedule, your gearbox will be trouble-free for some years, and your engine will retain its good performance.
Let’s follow along with the changing instructions and other useful information about the process.
About 2012 Camry Transmission Fluid Change
Why Do You Need Drain And Fill?
Besides the lubrication purpose, the 2012 Camry transmission fluid also works as a hydraulic liquid that cools the machine and assists the shifting functions.
Just like the engine oil, it degrades over time due to high-stress conditions; that’s why you need the drain and fill process to ensure your engine’s operation.
Plus, having regular service appointments will prevent severe damage that can happen to your car.
So, instead of paying thousands of dollars for replacement, you just need to spend a few hundreds to get the process done.
How Often Should You Change The 2012 Toyota Camry Transmission Fluid?
When visiting master technicians, most drivers only think about changing the motor oil and filter but ignore the transmission fluid.
However, it’s suggested to change it every 30,000 – 60,000 miles.
If you have an automatic transmission, it will be harder to determine as some even don’t require the process unless there’s a leakage.
So, make sure you read your manual and follow the instructions strictly to avoid further unwanted fixation.
How Do You Know If You Need To Perform Toyota Camry Transmission Fluid Change?
2003, 2009, and 2010 Toyota Camry transmission fluid changes are required when you notice one of the following common signs.
- There’s a grinding or thumping noise.
- You have problems with getting into or staying in gear.
- You may experience lagging movements during acceleration. Though it can result from different issues, such as from brake components, it may be time for the replacement.
- You notice your shifter moves but doesn’t change gear. Normally, while shifting, your car should go smoothly, and you should not feel anything. However, if it’s thumping or lurching; it may indicate a matter.
If you have one of these warning signs, you’d better bring your car to a service center to check it out.
How To Perform 2012 Toyota Camry Transmission Fluid Change?
What Tools Do You Need?
- 10mm hex socket
- Long-tipped needle-nosed pliers and hose pliers (optional)
- Funnel
- Transparent containers
- 10 quarts of new ATF (though the 2012 Camry transmission fluid capacity is 6.9 quarts, you’ll need 3 quarts for drain and fill and 7 quarts for flushing)
What ATF Should You Use?
There is a wide range of choices, but the ideal one for 2009, 2010, and 2011 Camry transmission fluid change is synthetic ATF, as it’s a solution for drivers to guarantee a longer time between oil changes (after 30,000 miles) and prolong the lifespan of the engine.
You can choose some brands, such as the GM Dexron VI Synthetic ATF, Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF, or Universal Synthetic ATF.
Step By Step Guide
Step 1. Approach the drain plug.
Lift the front end carefully and access the drain plug. While under the car, you can observe around to ensure there is no liquid leakage.
Step 2. Drain out the old ATF.
Use the hex socket to remove the drain plug, take a container to catch the running out ATF, and put back the plug when finishing the process.
If you just drain and fill, skip to step 8. Otherwise, continue for the flush.
Step 3. Remove the hose clamp.
To do flushing, you should also drain the ATF in the torque converter. Use the needle-nosed pliers to turn the hose clamp on the return line of the ATF and take it out.
Step 4. Take out the return hose.
Use the hose pliers to pinch and twist to break the seal and take out the return hose.
Step 5. Position the ATF return line through the splash pan.
Step 6. Place the end of the hose into a 5-quart empty container with quarter line marks.
Step 7. Attach an appropriate funnel to the dipstick tube and pour inside 3.6 quarts of new ATF to fill the 2012 Toyota Camry transmission fluid capacity.
Step 8. Pump out the old ATF.
Start your vehicle, see if the pumped-out ATF reaches the 2-quart line on the container, and stop the car.
Step 9. Add and pump out another two quarts.
Add another two quarts of ATF and repeat step 8 until you see the container is at the 4-quart mark, then turn off the engine.
Step 10. Pour in one more quart.
Step 11. Resecure the ATF return line to its position and put back the hose clamp.
Step 11. Start your vehicle and perform the 2012 Camry transmission fluid check when it’s at normal operating temperature.
FAQs
How Much Does The Toyota Camry Transmission Fluid Change Cost?
The procedure will cost around $170 – $200, including the price for auto parts and labor costs (tax and fee are excluded).
The detailed cost may vary depending on conditions, vehicle model and year, and location, so check with your auto repair shop before coming.
How Can You Check The Fluid Level?
It’s a fact that many Toyotas don’t have the dipsticks to check the fluid level, and the 2012 model is one of them. That’s why you can’t find the 2012 Toyota Camry transmission fluid dipstick location.
Instead of looking for the stick, you can try to see the check valve on the bottom of the transmission.
However, during the process of the 2012 Toyota Camry transmission fluid check, your vehicle should be level and it requires an underground bay or a hydraulic lift.
Thus, it’s advisable to go for Toyota service centers in this case.
Conclusion
2012 Toyota Camry transmission fluid change can save you from driving issues such as annoying sounds or stuck gear shifts.
Remember, checking if your scheduled maintenance mileage has passed and following the manufacturer-specified service interval (for fluid replacement in specific) are highly recommended.