I am changing the transmission filter and gasket, where is the drain plug for the fluid and will that drain everything out or do I need to disconnect any hoses? Thanks

Hi Peter, If your Camry has an automatic transmission, for normal driving the auto fluid should be changed every 40,000km, there should be a drain plug on the transmission pan that takes a 10mm hex drive or 17mm socket to undo. You have two choices after driving the car onto ramps or jacking up and supporting on jack stands so you can safely get under the car. 1 - You can loosen and remove the transmission drain plug to let the auto fluid drain out into a container (careful not to lose the sealing washer) refit and tighten the drain plug and washer again. Remove the auto transmission fluid level dip stick, using a suitable funnel pour about 2.5 litres of suitable new auto trans fluid back into the transmission via the dipstick tube (I believe they take dexron 2 of 3 type fluid). Start the car and move it onto a level surface. With the engine running, handbrake on and brake pedal applied, shift the transmission from park through every gear selection slowly into 1st gear, then back to park. Leave engine running. Wipe the dip stick & insert it back into the dip stick tube fully, remove and check where the fluid level mark is on the end of the dipstick. If the fluid level indicates low or does not show at all, add 100ml of additional fluid and recheck the level till the fluid reaches the full mark on the dipstick. 2 - The second option is everything in the first option but includes replacement of the transmission filter and pan gasket. I would only do this if the car had travelled high km or the pan gasket was leaking. At the point where you've drained the old fluid into a container and refitted the drain plug and washer, remove all the transmission pan bolts and the transmission pan. If you have the time to let the fluid drain overnight prior to removing the pan it's a good idea because once the pan is removed, fluid will continue to drip from the transmission. You'll need to remove the old pan gasket, some may be stuck to the pan and or transmission, a razor blade type gasket scraper can be good for this but be careful not to scratch either surface when cleaning off the old gasket. Remove the bolts/nuts that hold the transmission filter onto the bottom of the transmission. Careful caus more fluid may drain out of the transmission or filter once removed. Fit the new filter and filter tube gasket & bolts/nuts, careful not to over tighten. Fit new pan gasket, pan and bolts. Continue with fluid filling procedure from option 1. I would suggest you only use option one and remember to double check the drain plug is tight. Also, remember to dispose of the old fluid correctly. Cheers

transmission filter in the bottom of transmission bolted to valve body.you need a large drain pan.place drain plug under transmission oil pan.remove transmission oil pan drain plug.let all transmission fluid drain out then screw back drain plug in oil pan.then you need to remove transmission oil pan then remove filter and replace pan gasket also.make sure you have right amount transmission fluid on hand.buy extra because if you short of fluid you cant drive car if fluid level too low.make sure you get the right amount fluid.torque pan bolts to 96 inch pounds.

Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting. Place a drain pan under the transmission oil pan. Remove the oil pan drain plug. Remove the oil pan bolts. Remove the oil pan. Remove the gasket. Remove the magnet. Remove the oil filter. Remove the filter neck seal. The transmission oil pan gasket is reusable. Inspect the gasket and replace as needed. Clean the transmission case and the oil pan gasket surfaces with solvent. Install the filter neck seal. Install the oil filter. Install the oil pan gasket to the pan. Install the magnet into the bottom of the pan. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions. Install the oil pan to the transmission with seventeen bolts. Tighten the oil pan bolts to 11 Nm (97 inch lbs.) . Apply a small amount of sealant GM P/N 12346004 to the treads of the drain plug. Install the oil pan drain plug. Tighten the oil pan drain plug to 18 Nm (13 ft. lbs.) . Install Dextron Automatic Transmission Fluid. Lower the vehicle.

TO DO A TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGE YOU NEED HAVE TRANSMISSION FLUID ON HAND YOU NEED TRANSMISSION FILTER AND GASKET.YOU NEED 3/8 WRENCH THE RATCHET TYPE WITH METRIC SOCKETS. YOU NEED JACK TO RAISE VECHICLE SUPPORT VECHICLE ON JACK STANDS.YOU NEED A DRAIN PAN. ONCE YOU GET VECHICLE OFF GROUND.PLACE DRAIN PAN UNDER TRANSMISSION OIL PAN REMOVE OIL PAN DRAIN BOLT.LET FLUID DRAIN OUT IN DRAIN PAN THEN SCREW DRAIN PLUG BACK IN PLACE DONT OVER TIGHTEN.REMOVE OIL PAN AND GASKET. BESURE TO HAVE PAPER TOWEL ON HAND.MAKE SURE TRANSMISSION OIL PAN GASKET SURFACE CLEAN BEFORE INSTALLING NEW PAN GASKET. ONCE TRANSMISSION OIL PAN REMOVED. REMOVE THE OLD TRANSMISSION FILTER INSTALL THE NEW FILTER.THEN WITH NEW GASKET ON OIL PAN IN PLACE.OIL PAN NEED TO BE CLEAN SO THE GASKET ADHESIVE WILL HOLD PAN GASKET IN PLACE WHILE INSTALLING PAN AND GASKET TO TRANSMISSION.INSTALL OIL PAN BOLTS INSTALL THEM CRISS CROSS TORQUE PAN BOLTS TO 7 TO 10 FT LBS. LOOK IN OWNERS MANUAL FOR TRANSMISSION FLUID CAPACITY.BUY 10 QUARTS .TO BE ON SAFE SIDE SO YOU WILL HAVE ENOUGH FLUID ON HAND. IF YOU DONT HAVE NO TRANSMISSION FLUID CAPACITY. ADD 7.5 QUARTS FLUID.WAIT FOR 2 MINUTES.CHECK TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL ON DIP STICK. SHOULD BE ON THE FULL MARK.CRANK VECHICLE UP.LET IDLE FEW MINUTES CHECK TRANSMISSION DIP FLUID LEVEL IF DROPPED ADD LITTLE MORE.WHILE ENGINE IDLING GETTING WARM UP. KEEP EYE ON FLUID LEVEL.WHEN FLUID LEVEL STOP DROPPING. APPLY BRAKES HOLD FOOT ON BRAKES SHIFT THROUGH ALL GEARS TWO TIMES. THEN CHECK FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE ON FULL MARK.CHECK FOR LEAKS WHILE ENGINE RUNNING.

I didn't read about running the engine at all during the transmission fluid change. --- Removal & Installation 4L60E/4L65E To Remove:

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
2. Place a drain pan under the transmission.
3. If equipped with a drain plug, drain the transmission fluid.
4. If necessary, remove the bolts and position aside the range selector cable bracket for clearance while lowering the pan. It is not necessary to remove the cable from the lever or bracket.
5. Remove the catalytic converter.
6. Remove the oil pan bolts from the front and sides of the pan only.
7. Loosen the rear oil pan mounting bolts about 4 turns.
8. Lightly tap the oil pan with a rubber mallet in order to loosen the pan and allow the fluid to drain.
9. Remove the remaining oil pan bolts.
10. Remove the oil pan and the gasket.
11. Remove the filter by twisting and pulling on it.
12. Remove and discard the filter seal. The filter seal may be stuck in the pump; if necessary, carefully use pliers or another suitable tool to remove the seal.
13. Clean the transmission and the oil pan sealing surfaces with solvent, and air dry. You must remove all traces of the old gasket material.

To Install:

1. Coat the new filter seal with transmission fluid.
2. Install the new filter seal into the transmission case. Tap the seal into place using a suitable size socket.
3. Install the new filter.
4. Install the oil pan and new gasket. Tighten the bolts alternately and evenly to 97 lb in (11 Nm).
5. Install the catalytic converter.
6. If previously removed, install the range selector cable bracket and bolts. Tighten the bolts to 18 lb ft (25 Nm).
7. Apply a small amount of sealant GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480), or equivalent to the threads of the oil pan drain plug, if equipped.
8. Install the oil pan drain plug, if equipped. Tighten the plug to 13 lb ft (18 Nm).
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Fill the transmission to the proper level with DEXRON® III transmission fluid.
11. Check the COLD fluid level reading for initial fill only.
12. Inspect the oil pan gasket for leaks.

4L80E/4L85E To Remove:

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
2. Place a drain pan under the transmission oil pan. Drain the transmission fluid and install the plug. Tighten the drain plug to 13 lb ft (18 Nm).
3. Support the transmission with a transmission jack.
4. Remove the transmission crossmember.
5. Disconnect the range selector cable end from the transmission range selector lever ball stud. NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the selector cable from the bracket.
   
6. Remove the transmission range selector cable bracket. Reposition the bracket and cable.
7. Remove the oil pan bolts. NOTE: The transmission oil pan gasket is reusable. Replace as needed.
   
8. Remove the oil pan and gasket.
9. Remove the magnet from the bottom of the pan, if necessary.
10. Remove the oil filter and neck seal.

To Install:

1. Clean the transmission and the oil pan sealing surfaces with solvent.
2. Install the filter neck seal and filter.
3. Install the oil pan gasket to the pan.
4. Install the magnet into the bottom of the pan, if necessary.
5. Install the oil pan and bolts. Tighten the oil pan bolts to 18 lb ft (24 Nm).
6. Install the transmission range selector cable bracket. Tighten the bolts to 18 lb ft (25 Nm).
7. Connect the range selector cable end to the transmission range selector lever ball stud.
8. Install the transmission crossmember. Tighten the fasteners to 70 lb ft (95 Nm).
9. Install the transmission mount nuts. Tighten the nuts to 30 lb ft (40 Nm).
10. Remove the transmission jack.
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Fill the transmission to the proper level with DEXRON® III transmission fluid.

The transmission is not sealed in the v8 I looked up. It's bolted together. Fluid Pan Removal & Installation To Remove:

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section
2. Raise and support the vehicle
3. Place a drain pan under the transmission fluid pan
4. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Drain plug and drain the fluid
   • Shifter cable bracket NOTE: The transmission fluid pan gasket is reusable, clean and inspect for damage; if not damaged, the gasket should be reused.
     
   • Fluid pan and gasket
   • Transmission fluid filter
   • Clean and inspect the transmission fluid pan and magnet
   • Converter housing access plug
   • Converter drain plug

To Install:
NOTE: A new converter drain plug must be used to prevent leakage.

1. Install or connect the following:
   • Install the converter drain plug. Torque to 89 in-lbs (10 Nm)
   • Install the converter housing access plug
2. Lubricate the seals and install the transmission fluid filter. Torque the bolts to 89 in-lbs (10 Nm)
3. Install the oil pan magnet in the transmission fluid pan NOTE: The transmission fluid pan gasket is reusable, clean and inspect for damage; if not damaged, the gasket should be reused.
   
4. Install the transmission fluid pan and gasket and loosely install the screws.
5. Using a crisscross sequence, torque the screws to 8 ft-lbs (11 Nm)
6. Install the shifter cable bracket. Torque bolts to 18 ft-lbs (25 Nm)
7. Install the drain plug. Torque to 19 ft-lbs (26 Nm) NOTE: It will be necessary to hold the drain plug (larger plug) with a wrench when removing the fluid level indicator plug.
   NOTE: Use 3/16 inch Allen key to remove the fluid level indicator plug. Remove the fluid level indicator plug.
   
8. Verify the transmission fluid level

Fluid & Filter Change Under normal service (moderate highway driving excluding excessive hot or cold conditions), the manufacturer feels that automatic transmission fluid should not need periodic changing. However, if a major service is performed to the transmission, if transmission fluid becomes burnt or discolored through severe usage or if the vehicle is subjected to constant stop-and-go driving in hot weather, trailer towing, long periods of highway use at high speeds, fluid should be changed to prevent transmission damage. A preventive maintenance change is therefore recommended for most vehicles at least every 90,000 miles (145,000 km).
Although not a required service, transmission fluid changing can help assure a trouble-free transmission. Likewise, changing the transmission filter at this time is also added insurance.

1. Raise the car and support it securely on jackstands.
   

The torque converters on some transmissions are equipped with drain plugs. Because it may take some time to drain the fluid from the converter, you may wish to follow that procedure at this time, then come back to the pan and filter removal.


Before removing the transmission fluid pan, insure that the area is clean of dirt and debris

2. Place a large drain pan under the transmission.


Loosen all of the pan attaching bolts to within a few turns of complete removal

1. Loosen all of the pan attaching bolts to within a few turns of complete removal, then carefully break the gasket seal allowing most of the fluid to drain over the edge of the pan.
   

CAUTION DO NOT force the pan while breaking the gasket seal. DO NOT allow the pan flange to become bent or otherwise damaged.

1. When fluid has drained to the level of the pan flange, remove the pan bolts and carefully lower the pan doing your best to drain the rest of the fluid into the drain pan.

Once the pan is removed, discard the old gasket and insure that the mating surfaces are clean


Inspect this magnet inside of the pan for any large pieces of debris. A light gray coating is normal


Clean the pan thoroughly with a safe solvent and allow it to air dry

5. Clean the transmission oil pan thoroughly using a safe solvent, then allow it to air dry. DO NOT use a cloth to dry the pan which might leave behind bits of lint. Discard the old pan gasket.


The transmission filter is secured by a mounting bolt (arrow). Some models may use two bolts


Remove the filter mounting bolt ...



... then pull the filter free from the transmission

6. If necessary, remove the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) filter mounting bolts, then remove the filter by pulling it down and off of the valve body. Make sure any gaskets or seals are removed with the old filter. The transmission usually has one round seal and a rectangular gasket.

7. Install the new oil filter screen making sure all gaskets or seals are in place, then secure using the retaining screws, if applicable.


Install a new pan gasket


8. Place a new gasket on the fluid pan, then install the pan to the transmission. Tighten the attaching bolts to 71-119 inch lbs. (8-13 Nm).


Fill the transmission with the proper amount of ATF

9. Add three quarts (six quarts if the torque converter was drained) of fluid to the transmission through the filler tube.
10. Remove the jackstands and carefully lower the vehicle.
11. Start the engine and move the gear selector through all gears in the shift pattern. Allow the engine to reach normal operating temperature.
12. Check the transmission fluid level. Add fluid, as necessary, to obtain the correct level.

Most have a drain plug on the pan. to do a simple change, just remove the plug and drain it, then re-fill. to do a filter change, you need to remove the pan and the filter inside, remove all the gasket material (or it will leak) and put everything back together. There is no provision for draining the converter so if you want to do a better more complete change, drain from plug, refill, drive a few miles to circulate new fluid, then do a complete change with filter. You won't get it all out but a considerably larger portion of the old fluid will be removed.

first you need to get a pair of safety glasses to protect eyes from cleaner. then you need 12.6 pts or 6.5 to 7 quarts of transmission fluid+ filter.you also need a drain pan to catch transmission fluid.you need a 3/8 ratchette and socket set.you need some paper towel and maybe1 or 2 cans of brake cleaner.now you want to safely raise and support car on jack stands.make sure you are on solid level ground.put drain pan under transmission to catch fluid.take ratchette wrench start removing tranny pan front and side bolts.loosen rear bolts one turn let the pan drain.when all tranny fluid drain out of pan. then remove pan clean it good with brake cleaner.remove all traces of old gasket. from pan then dry with paper towel..then you remove tranny filter.becareful not to damage anythingthen put in your new tranny filter then.wipe and carefully clean around gasket area on transmission with paper towel.make sure there is no traces of olds gasket material on tranny area where tranny pan gasket seals.now get new gasket align its with tranny pan holes.you might want to buy a gasket adhesive.just put on some to hold gasket in place when you install it to transmission.besure to clean all tranny pan bolts real good with brake cleaner. then dry them off real good.because some transmission you have to put a little rtv sealant on bolts.to keep them from leaking.now once you get bolt holesand gasket on transmission pan line up.all tranny pans bolts with a little rtv silicone on threads and on bolts head where they meet the pan.then you transmission pan in place.make sure gasket and bolt holes line up.when putting bolts in dont tighten them until you get them all in first.when all bolts are in.then you tighten criss cross dont over tighten them. torque them to 90 inch pounds .when all is done .starting putting tranny fluid in.and check for leaks.start the engine up let it idle for few minutes if you see no leaks lower car down to ground.then move transmission gear selector through each range and back to park.make sure tranny fluid level correct before driving car. WARNING IF YOUR CAR DONT HAVE THE TRANSMISSION DIP STICK.AND HAVE A FILL CAP INSTEAD THE DEALERSHIP HAS TO CHANGE FLUID.BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO RAISE CAR ON LIFT TO CHECK FLUID LEVEL.BECAUSE CAR HAS TO BE RAISE UP LEVEL THEN A DRIP PLUG IS MOVED TO CHECK TRANNY FLUID LEVEL.

no drain plug, no car or truck has had a drain plug for decades, reason? they want the filter changed with the fluid, so they make you pull the trans pan to drain the fluid, one very messy job.