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Hybrid eCVT.... when would you change your fluid ? At what mileage?

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lexicon

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
OK, this is NOT a loaded question.. ...Last time the topic of changing engine oil before the 10k manufacturers recommended target...there must have been 100 responses....and the thread did not go well.
The engine has a filter easy to replace, the transmission does not have a simple easily changed filter.
I am very conservative, I would rather do an overkill on frequency of eCVT fluid change.
What do you very conservative guys target for when you will change your eCVT transmission fluid?
What timeframe or mileage will you be changing your fluid? And, I wont even bring up the topic of adding a FilterMag magnet to the bottom of the tranny to catch any metal particles....
Thanks guys
 
#2 ·
lexicon said:
OK, this is NOT a loaded question.. ...Last time the topic of changing engine oil before the 10k manufacturers recommended target...there must have been 100 responses....and the thread did not go well.
The engine has a filter easy to replace, the transmission does not have a simple easily changed filter.
I am very conservative, I would rather do an overkill on frequency of eCVT fluid change.
What do you very conservative guys target for when you will change your eCVT transmission fluid?
What timeframe or mileage will you be changing your fluid? And, I wont even bring up the topic of adding a FilterMag magnet to the bottom of the tranny to catch any metal particles....
Thanks guys
Click to expand...
Always go with the sewer conditions requirements, so it's 5k for engine oil and 60k for transmission, which in our case are both hybrid transmission and rear motor unit. No filter for the transmission, just a fluid change with the drain plug and fill plug as for normal differential. Some people do a break in oil change for the engine at 1k but I think it's too much and I was to lazy for it. Should be good enough for most of us. Rear motor cable is more of an issue in my opinion, but look up the topic yourself, I just hope for the best and maybe trade it in in couple of years before it fails, lol.
 
#3 ·
Recommend you watch this to familiarize yourself with these transmissions.


These are not like conventional automatic transmissions and don’t need to be maintained as such. Fixing a problem that really doesn’t exist is only going to waste money in my opinion. If you’re that concerned about metal shavings, which haven’t been documented as an issue, get a few extra quarts of WS fluid and gravity flush it a few times through the transmission fill and drain holes and do a change at an initial 30k mile interval. If the vehicle gets used for severe service, like mine from towing regularly, 30-60k is fine depending on how often you’ve towed in the interval. If not, 100k miles is easy and cheap insurance. DIY for about $50 in fluid, gaskets, and a hand pump. Severe service toyota hybrid taxis usually see a 60-100k interval, and those cars have zero transmission problems with half a million miles on them. I’m guessing your vehicle won’t be used in such a manner, but whatever gives you peace of mind.
 
#4 ·
lexicon said:
OK, this is NOT a loaded question.. ...Last time the topic of changing engine oil before the 10k manufacturers recommended target...there must have been 100 responses....and the thread did not go well.
The engine has a filter easy to replace, the transmission does not have a simple easily changed filter.
I am very conservative, I would rather do an overkill on frequency of eCVT fluid change.
What do you very conservative guys target for when you will change your eCVT transmission fluid?
What timeframe or mileage will you be changing your fluid? And, I wont even bring up the topic of adding a FilterMag magnet to the bottom of the tranny to catch any metal particles....
Thanks guys
Click to expand...
For me and only me. I do the first one at 30k miles then follow 60k intermittent after the first change. At 30k miles I did both the transmission and rear electric motor. I have a hose long enough so I simply relied on the gravity to fill the fluid. I did not have to use the pump.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Wow, I am so new to hybrids, I did not even think of the electric motor's fluid. Changing the fluid earlier than specified is OK in my book.
Do you mind sharing your process?
I am absolutely sure my Hybrid will outlive me or my driving longevity, but, will do an overkill on its maintenance.
Thanks
 
#6 ·
lexicon said:
Wow, I am so new to hybrids, I did not even think of the electric motor's fluid. Changing the fluid earlier than specified is OK in my book.
Do you mind sharing your process?
I am absolutely sure my Hybrid will outlive me or my driving longevity, but, will do an overkill on its maintenance.
Thanks
Click to expand...
It is super easy. All you need is a 10mm hex socket. The hardest part is taking the plastic covers off just below the transmission and the electric motor. Otherwise it is very easy. Drain and fill until it over flows.
 
#7 · (Edited)
I changed my fluid at 60k in September and it sparked a good bit of info sharing in another thread which I'll link here. You can jump from there to my other comments that might help you. The biggest thing I wish I knew was that you only need to take off the second aero panel from the front and may leave the one that touches the front bumper in place.

 
#9 ·
I plan on doing or having both done around 100K-125K miles. I consider this type of fluid change like I used to do with my manual transmissions, change the fluid (gear oil) one time in a cars life around 100-125K miles. I don't bother with a second change after 200K miles (over ten years old) as the car life is generally near the end for me with a daily driver.

I do not tow or do any type of driving that puts severe strain on the drivetrain. I live in flat Florida and do 75 percent highway driving.

I weigh doing Maintenace like this with the chance of a mechanic doing it wrong. If I had a place to do my own work, perhaps I would do it sooner, if I towed I certainly would do it sooner.
 
#11 ·
Time and mileage should always be considered.

Its your vehicle and you maintain it whenever you want. Its not for anyone to choose your interval.

And, nothing in the video shows any proof that the ATF doesn't need changing.

I plan on going for 1 year and a UOA. If the WS is looking good, then I'll go further. If not, it'll be yearly. The rav4 will get about 1k miles a month.
 
#12 · (Edited)
According CarCareNut rule of fluid change for hybrid transmissions should be 60-90K or 6-9 years whatever came first.
Personal observation - change it earlier if you notice transmission get noisier. This happens with my previous hybrid Camry on approximately 55K - whining sound on speeds 50-55mph which was completely gone after fluid change.
 
#14 ·
Look for the multiple reports on line about eCVT failure. Wait a minute, there aren't any, or almost none. It will outlast your gas engine, your shocks, just about anything else in the vehicle. If it gives you peace of mind, change it at 100 to 120k when you are changing other stuff such as coolant or plugs.
 
#17 ·
my first hybrid, but follow my own maintenance schedual. oil change 10k, brake flush 30k or 3 years, transmission, coolant 60k, the rest i will follow the book (no severe use)
i've owned 32 cars, built 1 hot rod, restored model T, rebuilt one 73 motorhome, owned one new motorhome. i can't do any mech work anymore, so i have it done.
 
#18 ·
When I changed the transmission fluid on my daughter's 2020 RAV4H at 30k miles, the fluid was very clean and red. The fluid from the electric motor was also very prestine. This was my first fluid change on hybrid. I am planning to change the transmission fluid on my 2021 RAV4P at 36k miles. I used about 4 quarts and was able to add the fluid from the engine bay with a long hose. Based on my first observation at 30k miles, 60k interval should be fine and conservative.
 
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