How to Replace the Transmission Filter in a 1996 Toyota Camry

Servicing the transmission filter in your 1996 Toyota Camry is similar to servicing other manufacturers' automatic transmissions. The purpose is to restore the viscosity and detergents found in automatic transmission fluid that break down over time. This prevents slippage of the clutch packs inside the transmission that may lead to premature failure of the transmission. If your transmission is slipping currently, changing the filter and fluid may lead to immediate failure of the transmission when the detergents in the new fluid clean off the clutch packs.

Things You'll Need

• Wheel chocks
• Floor jack
• Jack stands
• Socket set
• Gasket scraper
• New filter and gasket kit
• New transmission fluid

Instructions

1. Apply the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Lift the front of the Camry using a floor jack placed under the front sub-frame until there is enough room to work under the car. Place jack stands under the right and left sides of the front sub-frame, and lower the Toyota onto them for support and safety. Roll the jack out from under the car.

2. Place a drain pan under the transmission pan located under the right (driver's side) of the car. Remove the 10 mm bolts that attach the pan to the transmission using a 10 mm socket and ratchet. Lower the transmission pan carefully, and allow the transmission fluid to drain into the drain pan.

3. Clean the gasket surfaces of the transmission and the transmission pan using a gasket scraper to remove all the old gasket. Remove the used transmission filter by using a socket and ratchet to unscrew the three 8 mm bolts that attach the filter to the inside of the transmission.

4. Install the new filter and tighten the three bolts securely. Stick the new gasket to the pan using gasket adhesive. Wait a few minutes for the adhesive to set to hold the gasket in place. Place the pan on the transmission, and install the 10 mm bolt by hand to avoid cross-threading them. Toyota uses a soft metal for the transmission pan bolts, so it is important that they are started by hand before being tightened. Tighten the bolts securely.

5. Fill the transmission with three quarts of clean Dextron 3 transmission fluid by using a funnel to pour it into the transmission dipstick tube. Start the engine and check for leaks around the pan. Lower the car to the ground and test drive it. After the test drive, check the fluid level and add fluid as needed to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on the dipstick.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear safety glasses and work gloves to prevent serious injuries.