I’m challenging Toyota’s recommendation that the transmission fluid in 2023-2026 Corolla Hybrid models never needs to be changed. Ignoring this advice and performing fluid changes every 30,000 to 60,000 miles will prevent costly transmission damage and extend the vehicle’s lifespan. In the video below we provide a detailed tutorial on how to properly drain and refill the transmission fluid of a 2023 Hybrid Corolla. We emphasize
- The importance of using the correct fluid type specifically designed for the fifth-generation PA10 transaxle.
- The need to do this at least every 60,000 miles instead of never like Toyota suggests
Here are the steps for replacing the old transmission fluid in the pa10 Hyrbid Corolla transmission:
1. GATHER TOOLS AND SUPPLIES
You will need Toyota e-Transaxle TE Fluid, 10mm and 24 mm sockets, 10 mm hex bit socket, a hand oil transfer pump, telescoping magnet tool, car jacks, jack stands, torque wrench, and oil catch pans. The presenter explains the function of each tool and how they contribute to a safe and effective fluid change process.
2. LIFT YOUR COROLLA
To access the area for the work you need to remove the access panel by getting underneath the car. You can do this with ramps or jacks and jack stands. Whichever tools you use get the car up off the ground so you can work under it safely.
3. REMOVE ACCESS PANEL
You will need 10mm socket to remove the 5 bolts along the top of the access panel. Once those are removed go tot he 11 plastic panels placed on the outside of the panel. Using a screwdriver pry open each clip by popping the top out then removing the clip. With all 16 items removed the undercarriage panel will fall to the ground. Se this aside.
4. BREAK FILL BOLT FREE
Before you get ready to drain the old oil you need to make sure the fill bolt can be removed. You do not want to drain the transmission later to find out you cant get the fill bolt off. That would be a bad day for you! So first take the 24mm socket and a ratchet (likely a longer one with lots of leverage) and break the drain bolt free, then set it aside.
5. DRAIN OIL
Next, move your catch pan under the drain bolt and take your 10mm hex bit socket and ratchet and break the bolt loose. Next, hand loosen the drain plug until it falls into the catch pan along with the old e-Toyota Transaxle TE Fluid. When oil is mostly finished draining, place a new washer on the drain plug and tighten it back to 30 ft/lbs torque.
Ideally, the transmission should be warm before draining to ensure the fluid is less viscous and drains more quickly. Gloves are also recommended to protect the skin from chemical exposure.
6. FILL OIL
With the drain plug back in place, you are ready to add new Toyota e-Transaxle Fluid TE, a Genuine OEM Transmission Fluid from Toyota. You will be adding about 3 liters or 3.1 quarts of eCVT fluid in through the hand pump. Do this be inserting the hand pump into the 4-quart container and tightening the lid. Move this under the car in the area of the fill hole and insert the end of the tube and start pumping the new oil into the eCVT housing until oil starts spilling from the fill hole. This is the ONLY way you know you have added enough fluid as there is no dip stick for the 2023-2026 Corollas.
7. COMPARE AND ASSESS OIL
Next, take the old oil and measure how much you got out. You should have removed around 3 liters of fluid. Make sure you put a similar amount of new Toyota e-Transaxle Fluid TE OEM Transmission Fluid back into the car. You will notice the old oil is dark and dirty while the new oil is a bright yellow translucent liquid.
