Rav 4 variator maintenance: oil change, level check

The oil change in the Rav 4 variator should be done when a certain vehicle mileage is reached, as well as in the event of accompanying symptoms. Let's consider when and how to change, as well as which transmission lubricant to use for the Toyota Rav 4 continuously variable transmission.

Signs of the need to change the lubricant in the Rav 4 variator

CVT pan with waste residues and dirty and one clean magnets (the light level tube is clearly visible)
The need to change the oil in the Toyota Rav 4 variator occurs when the following symptoms appear:

• a characteristic burnt odor emanating from the oil, as well as its turbidity;
• the consistency of the lubricant has acquired a thick structure; metal particles can be found in its composition;
• is louder than usual when operating ;
• the car moves jerkily , and sometimes does not move at all;
• increased vibration when starting the engine.

For stable operation of the variator, maintain the required level of transmission fluid, avoiding a decrease or excess. In the latter case, problems with gear shifting will occur.

Foam on the dipstick is a sign of excess lubricant in the CVT, which is also bad.
Algorithm for checking the lubricant level in the variator:

1. To obtain reliable readings, install Rav 4 on a horizontal surface.
2. Start the engine and warm up the CVT . Further operations are carried out with the engine turned off, without waiting for the lubrication of the continuously variable transmission to cool down.
3. From the hole in the gearbox, remove the oil dipstick , which is wiped dry with a rag or napkin. After this, the measuring bar is inserted back .
4. The probe is removed and a control measurement is taken. It is optimal when the transmission fluid level is in the middle or with slight deviations between the minimum and maximum marks on the measuring bar. If you deviate from the set limits, you will need to adjust the level.

CVT filter

About original and non-original consumables

Original consumables are supplied from the manufacturer. This guarantees:

product quality;

compliance with safety requirements;

correct installation when replacing.

Some consumables are produced by the brands themselves. Some come off the assembly lines of other concerns, but in the manufacturer's packaging, and are sold as the original, often expensive, but of high quality.

Non-original consumables are produced by third-party companies using their own technologies. They seem to be responsible for the products, but they do not always guarantee quality 100%. Such CVT filters are different from the original ones, although they perform all the functions.

Experts recommend installing only those consumables that are prescribed by the manufacturer. For example, the original filter in the CVT box jt 29001 K (installed on Toyota Vitz, RAV4, Suzuki Swift, etc.) comes under the same article number and is accompanied by a documentary guarantee.

Analogues do not have such a document, therefore, if the filter is poorly made, the consequences of operating the gearbox may be irreversible. In the worst case, the consumable will simply be squeezed out and the oil will flow out (although the transmission fluid pressure lamp will signal this after it lights up).

If the CVT filter is replaced with a non-original one, the bypass valve may not close tightly. Then the car will run on unrefined oil, which will reduce the engine life several times.

Consequences of irregular oil changes in the variator

Operation of the Toyota Rav 4 variator is accompanied by the need for timely oil changes. Otherwise, the following malfunctions may occur:

• formation in the lubricant of dense mud clots and particles of metal shavings, which is manifested by hum, vibration and knocking ;
• unexpected breakdowns in traffic, entailing the risk of an accident;
• periodic problems with gear shifting , which are accompanied by the car jerking even when the accelerator pedal is gently pressed;

• failure of individual components and the entire continuously variable transmission.

New and old variator filter

How to set the oil level

Having poured new oil into the unit, it is necessary to distribute the lubricant over the entire area, and then drain the excess. Description of the procedure:

1. Start the car.
2. Move the variator handle, fixing it at each mark for 10-15 seconds.
3. Wait until the fluid in the CVT transmission warms up to 45°C.
4. Without turning off the engine, you need to unscrew the sump plug located near the front bumper. Excess oil will be drained.
5. After waiting for the leak to stop, screw the plug back on and stop the engine.

Brand and quantity of oil to change

To replace the lubrication of the Toyota Rav 4 variator, you will need to use original Toyota CVT oil with article number 0888602105 . It is also recommended to immediately change the pan gasket - 3516820010 . In this case, it is enough to rinse the oil filter thoroughly; its part number is 35330-0W040 .

The volume of new lubricant must correspond to the drained amount of waste. Typically, this requires a little more than five liters. Taking into account the fact that the oil for the original production variator is produced in a four-liter volume, you will need to prepare two cans.

Replacement features

The timing for replacing technical fluids is indicated in the vehicle maintenance instructions. For Toyota Rav4, changing the technical fluid in the variator is not included in the list of mandatory measures, as well as changing the oil in the Toyota Rav4 automatic transmission. Therefore, it will need to be carried out independently after the end of the warranty period.

The frequency of this procedure can be reduced, but it is not recommended to increase it. Especially if the car was purchased secondhand. After purchasing a vehicle outside of a dealership, experts and car enthusiasts recommend a complete replacement of all technical fluids, including the oil in the variator. The likelihood that the vehicle has been used in harsh conditions is very high.

The following oil change methods are available:

• partial substitution;
• complete fluid change.

The latter option is more preferable, since it allows guaranteed service for the node. And this will undoubtedly affect its durability. Official representatives guarantee reliable operation of the variator after reaching a mileage of 200 thousand km.

The fluid in the Toyota Rav4 variator is changed using a technology that differs from that used when carrying out the same procedure in an automatic transmission. Although in both cases the pan must be removed. In order to completely change the oil in the variator, at least 5 liters of technical fluid will be required. It is also necessary to provide for the possibility of using an inspection pit or a lift.

Replacement procedure

In addition to the oil recommended by the manufacturer, you must have a new pan gasket, as well as a filling hose, a set of wrenches and hexagons. It should be taken into account that there is no control probe in the variator, so it is extremely important to fill in a volume of liquid equal to the drained volume.

1. Remove the plastic protection covering the variator housing. It is held in place by bolts and plastic clips.
2. After this, carefully remove the longitudinal beam located to the right of the variator. It is secured with four bolts. After removing the beam, access to all the bolts holding the pallet is available. It is also easier to remove the pan cover without it. Be careful - there will be some oil in it.

3. Remove the pan, you will have access to the drain plug, which must be unscrewed with a 6mm hexagon
   . Not the full volume of oil will be drained through the plug, but only part of it (about one liter).
4. After inserting a 6mm hex into the drain hole, without applying force, unscrew the plastic level tube.
   After removing it, oil will continue to pour out.

5. After unscrewing the bolts around the perimeter of the pan, there is no need to tilt it; carefully drain the remaining oil inside.
   Please note that the height of the drain hole thread is about 1.5 cm. This means that during a partial replacement, a certain volume of old oil will continue to be in the box, since it is impossible to drain it completely without dismantling the pan.
6. The oil filter is secured with three bolts.
   After removing the filter element, the remaining oil located under the control unit will flow out. After the oil filter is removed, it and the pan must be washed. After installing the filter, install a new gasket on the pan. Return the pan to its place by tightening the bolts, then screw in the plastic level tube and tighten the drain plug.
7. To fill the oil, remove the side protection held on by two clips. Unscrew the nut (24mm head) located on top of the variator housing. It is necessary to pour 200-300 ml more oil through the hose than was drained.

How to set the oil level

After filling, it is necessary to distribute the oil throughout the entire volume of the variator, and also get rid of excess. To do this, you will have to start the engine and hold the variator shift knob in each position for at least 10-20 seconds. During this time, the oil for the Toyota Rav4 variator should heat up to 45 degrees Celsius. Only in this case can you begin to drain the excess liquid.

To do this, without turning off the engine, unscrew the plug located on the pallet closer to the front bumper. Excess oil will drain out of the hole. After the leak stops, tighten the plug and turn off the engine. Reinstalling the plastic protection is the final operation and is not difficult.

This procedure is not suitable if you need to change the oil in a Toyota Rav4 automatic transmission. There is a slightly different replacement technology. Also, when starting this procedure, you will have to stock up on a large amount of lubricant.

The procedure for changing the oil in the Rav 4 variator

Drain plug
Let's describe the oil change in the Rav 4 variator:

1. The car is driven into the inspection hole.
2. The crankcase protective casing is removed . To achieve even more space, you can additionally remove the crossbar .
3. Use a 6mm hex to unscrew the drain plug , under which a container for receiving waste is pre-installed. About a liter of oil will drain.
4. The next thing to unscrew is the level plug located in the opened hole. It is plastic, so as not to damage it, it can be dismantled by hand. This will drain the bulk of the oil.
5. Then you need to dismantle the variator pan , which will allow for a high-quality replacement. To do this, you will need to remove the mounting bolts around the perimeter. Operations must be performed with caution, as lubricant remains in the pan.
6. Clean the internal cavity of the pan, the magnets and the oil filter (washed, blown), which is secured with three bolts.
7. The pan and a new gasket are installed.
8. To fill the internal cavity of the Rav 4 variator, a hose and a funnel are used, since the filler hole is located on the side. For more space, you can remove the side plastic protection.
9. The filler plug is unscrewed and new lubricant is poured in. The initial volume must correspond to the drained amount of waste.

Filler hole

Setting the lubrication level in the CVT

The final stage of changing the lubricant in the Rav 4 variator is adjusting the oil level.

1. engine is started , followed by running the gearbox selector (with a twenty second delay in all positions) until the transmission fluid temperature reaches approximately forty-five degrees.
2. Without turning off the engine, place a container under the drain plug and unscrew it . Thanks to the level plug, it will be possible to drain excess transmission oil.
3. Subsequently, the plug is screwed into place and the protection is mounted.

Tray with gasket

Which filter is right for your car?

To select the appropriate CVT filter, you need to know the variator model, code and analogues of its consumables. The same car brand (depending on the body version, engine, year of manufacture) is equipped with different modifications of CVT gearboxes with different consumable parts. For example, a sump filter 348010A is installed on the CVT K311.

Some options for Toyota cars are shown in the table below.

The variator number is indicated in the information on the engine compartment plate, on the gearbox housing or on the door pillar (like Toyota). To select the required CVT filter, it is better to contact a car service specialist. They will tell you exactly which original consumables you can get, recommend analogues, and carry out all the work professionally.

Contact the CVT Center No. 1 for a free consultation by phone: Moscow 8 (495) 161-49-01, St. Petersburg 8 (812) 223-49-01. We accept calls from all regions.

What model of variator is on your car? Give advice on filter selection.