Greetings,
On our 2003 Camry with 60,000 miles the trans fluid looks a little brownish, not as red as it should be. What is the best method to change the fluid? Can a drain and fill be done a few times to get the majority of the fluid changed or is it absolutely necessary to remove the pan and change the filter? What type of fluid should be used/ Dexron 3?
Thank You in Advance!

 

The fluid type is stamped on the dipstick.

You can change the pan fluid a number of times but suggest another approach.

Locate the trans fluid return line from the cooler on the radiator. Disconnect the line at the trans and connect an extension hose to it. Route the house into a 1 gallon container.

Drain and over fill the trans pan with fluid (3 qts).

Start the engine and allow the fluid to flow into the container. If you put in 3 qts let about 3 qts come out.

Refill the trans and repeat until the fluid coming out is clean.

Once clean refill to normal level.

 

I didn't know you could do that with the 2003 Camrys. I have done that with other cars and it works great. So is it worth changing the filter?

 

V6 or 4 cylinder?

Does the trans NOT have a dipstick?

 

Its a 4cyl. Yes, it does have a dipstick, I check the fluid and its a little brownish, not as red as it should be. Thanks for the input.

 

If it has a dipstick you should be able to use the fluid change proceedure posted above.

Check the dipstick for fluid type. May be Dexron or Toyota Type IV. They are NOT interchangeable.