Changing the oil in the RAV 4 variator

According to the manufacturer, an oil change in the RAV 4 variator is not required, however, variator boxes, even in reliable Japanese-made machines, are sensitive to the quality and quantity of lubricants. Therefore, after the warranty period has expired, it is better to replace them regularly in the unit.

Features of oil change in the Toyota RAV 4 variator

The rules for operating the car provide for the moment of changing fluids in the units. It is not necessary to change the oil in the Toyota RAV 4 variator according to the operating instructions for this model. Therefore, there are recommendations after the expiration of the warranty period to do it yourself. With the frequency of this procedure, it is desirable not to delay.

This is especially true for cars bought after other people have used them. Professionals say that a car bought from hand requires a complete replacement of fluids in all units, including the variator. After all, there is no guaranteed information about the operating conditions and the quality of service.

There are two ways to change the oil in a Toyota RAV 4 variator: partially or completely.

It is preferable to carry out warranty service of the unit, that is, a complete replacement. To do this, it is better to contact the masters at the gas station. Maintenance will increase the life of the unit and significantly affect driving comfort.

The technology for replacing fluid in the RAV 4 variator differs from performing a similar procedure in an automatic transmission. They are attached only when it is necessary to remove the pallet.

High-quality replacement of lubricant in the variator crankcase provides:

• disposal of waste liquids;
• dismantling of pallets;
• rinse the filter (coarse cleaning);
• cleaning the magnets on the pallet;
• filter replacement (finely);
• flushing and purging the design of the refrigeration circuit.

To change the lubricant in the variator, 5-9 liters of fluid will be required, depending on the car model and the selected replacement method. It is best to prepare two 5-liter bottles. With automatic replacement, you will need a viewing hole or a lifting mechanism.

Oil change intervals

The variator uses a special type of oil, because the very principle of operation of this unit is not similar to conventional automatic transmissions. Such a tool is marked with the letters "CVT", which means "continuously variable transmission" in English.

The properties of the lubricant are significantly different from conventional oil.

According to the recommendations of professionals, it is necessary to change the lubricant in CVT gearboxes no later than every 30-000 km of run on the speedometer. It is better to change a little earlier.

With an average car load, such a mileage corresponds to 3 years of operation.

The frequency of fluid replacement is determined by the owner independently, but it is recommended not to exceed 45 thousand km.

Signs of a lubricant change:

• The mileage has reached the replacement limit (45 km).
• The color of the oil has changed significantly.
• There was an unpleasant smell.
• A solid mechanical suspension was formed.

The controllability of the car depends on the timely work performed.

How much and what kind of oil to fill

In 2010, the Toyota RAV 4 appeared on the European market for the first time with a CVT transmission. On some models, Japanese manufacturers have supplied a specialized gearbox with a proprietary Aisin CVT. Motorists highly appreciated such options.

I liked the dynamic acceleration, economical fuel consumption, smooth running, high efficiency and ease of control.

But if you do not change the oil in a timely manner, the variator will not reach 100 thousand.

The ideal lubricant for the Aisin unit is Toyota CVT Fluid TC or TOYOTA TC (08886-02105). These are original automobile oils of the specified brand.

Some RAV 4 owners use another brand of material, often CVT Fluid FE (08886-02505), which is strongly discouraged by professionals. The specified technical liquid differs in economy of gasoline which for Toyota RAV 4 will be superfluous».

The amount of oil to be filled directly depends on the year of manufacture of the car and the chosen replacement method. In the case of a partial procedure, it is recommended to replace the drained volume plus 300 g. With a complete replacement of the lubricant, two bottles of 5 liters each will be required, because the total volume of the variator is 8-9 liters.

Partial or complete oil change in the variator: which option to choose

The standard set of tools available to any motorist does not allow a complete replacement of the lubricant in the variator. You will need special equipment that is available at gas stations. The acquisition of such tools and units for personal use is not rational.

The complete process of changing the lubricant in the variator includes pumping out the old lubricant from the radiator and pumping in a new one under pressure using a special apparatus.

The entire system is preliminarily flushed in order to remove old non-working deposits formed on individual spare parts of the variator and on the oil pan.

More often, a partial replacement of the lubricant in the variator is carried out. The procedure can be carried out without resorting to specialists. No special tools or consumables are required. Because the work is available to any car owner.

The most important thing when replacing is to strictly follow the safety rules. It is necessary to fix the car with a parking brake and blocking blocks under the wheels, and only after that proceed with maintenance.

Replacement procedure

Before starting the procedure, you must purchase and prepare

• new oil recommended by the manufacturer;
• replaceable lining for the pallet;
• inlet hose;
• set of keys and hexagons.

The design of the variator does not provide a control probe, so it is necessary to check the level of the drained oil so as not to make a mistake when filling.

Replacement algorithm:

1. Remove the plastic protection covering the variator housing. It is held in place with screws and plastic fasteners.
2. Remove the longitudinal beam, which is located slightly to the right of the variator and is fastened with four bolts.
3. After that, all the bolts that hold the pallet will become accessible. When removing the cover, be careful because there is grease in there.
4. After removing the pan, the drain plug will be accessible. It must be unscrewed with a hexagon by 6.
5. Drain as much liquid as possible through this hole (volume about a liter).
6. Using a #6 hex wrench, unscrew the level tube at the drain port. Then the liquid continues to come out.
7. Unscrew the bolts securing the pan, located around the perimeter, and drain the remaining liquid.

The height of the drain cylinder is more than one centimeter. Thus, changing the lubricant without removing the (partial) sump results in some of the used fluid remaining inside.

1. Loosen the three fixing screws and remove the filter. The rest of the fat will start to come out.
2. Rinse the oil filter and pan thoroughly.
3. Return the filter and install a new gasket on the skid.
4. Install the pallet in place and secure it with bolts.
5. Screw in the level tube and drain plug.
6. Remove the heel guard held by two clips and remove the nut at the top of the CVT.
7. Fill in new oil with a hose.
8. Reassemble the disassembled parts in reverse order after adjusting the oil level.

In the case of performing these works on your own, without relevant experience, for clarity, you will need to use a video or photo instruction.

How to set the oil level

After pouring new oil into the unit, it is necessary to distribute the lubricant over the entire area, and then drain the excess. Procedure description:

1. Start a car.
2. Move the variator handle, fixing it at each mark for 10-15 seconds.
3. Wait until the fluid in the CVT transmission reaches 45°C.
4. Without turning off the engine, it is necessary to unscrew the hatch cover located near the front bumper. Excess oil will be drained.
5. After waiting for the leak to stop, screw the plug again and turn off the engine.

The final stage of the replacement is the installation of plastic protection in its place.

Oil change in variator "Toyota RAV 4" of various generations

Changing the lubricant in the Toyota RAV 4 units has not changed significantly since the first appearance of the car on sale.

In different years of production, different variators were installed (K111, K111F, K112, K112F, K114). But the manufacturer's recommendations for the brand of lubricating fluid, the frequency of replacement have not changed much.

When changing the oil in a 4 Toyota RAV 2011 CVT, Toyota CVT Fluid FE can be used.

It is less "durable" in structure. Therefore, fuel is consumed more economically.

But when changing the oil in a Toyota RAV 4 CVT 2012 and later, especially if the car is operated in Russia, Toyota CVT Fluid TC is needed. The efficiency will slightly deteriorate, but the resource of the box will increase significantly.

Changing the oil in the Toyota Rav 4 variator is practically the same on 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 or 2016 models.

There are small individual differences between the CVT boxes themselves, but they are insignificant and do not affect the standard procedure for changing the lubricant in the unit.

What will happen if you do not change the oil on time

If you ignore the oil change intervals recommended by professionals, warning signs entail unpleasant consequences:

1. Contamination of the unit, affecting the controllability of the transport.
2. Unexpected breakdowns while driving, which can lead to an accident.
3. Shift failure and drive damage are possible, which is also dangerous when the machine is running.
4. Complete drive failure.

To avoid such breakdowns in the Toyota RAV 4 CVT box, oil change intervals must be observed. Then the operating time of the car will increase significantly.