First off, how many miles are on it.
You can probably get away with just filling it back up. Be Sure to only use Toyota Automatic Transmission Fluid. NEVER use anything else.

 

There’s 225k miles one. Was talking to Chat GPT. Told me to start with filling about 3 quarts. Toyota no longer really sells the T-IV anymore so the serviceman at Toyota made call and Toyota said this is the direct equivalent. Chat GpT said this is safe too.

 

Not a fan of Chat GPT, but that's another story for another time. As long as Toyota has the correct ATF, you're fine, or at least should be fine. DO you drive it every day? About how many miles a month do you put on it? Reason far asking is that in about 20,000 miles, do another transmission fluid change. That meaning, just drain what is in there, maybe even change the filter, especially it you didn't change it this time. As long as you NEVER have the transmission flushed, just change it. Example: If you drain 2 quarts out, replace only 2 quarts. I presume you have a dip-stick for you transmission" I have a RAV4.3, V6 and it has a dip-stick for the transmission. Please do not over fill it.
Another question for you. Do you have the history on you RAV4's maintenance? As long as you RAV4 has been properly maintained, you should be fine. Personally, I change oil, coolant, ATF, brake fluid before the recommended intervals. That helps prolong the life of you RAV4. I only have 303,513 miles on mine. Still purrs like a kitten.

 

So yes I was advised to change the fluid in intervals. Glad to hear how strong your RAV4 is still running. I bought this about a couple of months ago for my little brother. It’s not in the best condition, very neglected, hence why the fluid is pitch black. I have been trying to restore it personally. It does have a transmission dipstick. Do you think I should start with 3 quarts and work my way up? It looks like a lot has spilled, possibly more than 3 quarts.

 

I think it best you put in enough so the Dip-stick states it's at max. Put in a couple quarts, maybe drive just up the street and back. Let it sit a couple minutes and check it again. Take it from there.

 

So I was changing my radiator and the hoses were open. The car remote started on its own when i put the negative on to roll up the window. Transmision fluid start spewing out. I heard changing out transmission fluid that has never been changed ruins the transmission. The fluid is pitch black. I just bought this car a few months ago. How do i go about fixing this situations? View attachment 222466

Finish replacing the radiator. Hook up the coolant hoses and the transmission hoses. Clean up the area of the spill. Then get the proper transmission fluid. Recommended is Toyota brand OEM. What you choose is up to you. Open the fill plug on the transmission. Fill the transmission with the amount you think spilled out. Run the engine to warm up the transmission. Shift the gear selector thru the gears. When the tranny is at the proper temp (can use a scanner or an infrared thermometer) open the drain plug. What flows out should be the excess. If no flow then fill the tranny with more fluid. Check temp again. Should be between 115 and 130 degrees.

Note: If your vehicle has a transmission dip stick then ignore what I just said.

 

By The Way, seeing as you have over 200,000 miles on the RAV4, your next step is to contact Toyota and get your free window sticker.
E-mail address: Toyota_Social@toyota.com
After you e-mail Toyota_Social@toyota.com you will receive a reply with a link to access to request.
Send them a picture of your odometer, verifying your odometer reading. In a few weeks you'll get you sticker in the mail.

 

You heard wrong. Changing fluid does not ruin a transmission.

T-IV is available at every dealership in the US and your name has a US flag. Mobil 3309 is another option. I'm not sure where you are getting your bad info from. Valvoline/Castrol have their import ATF. Pennzoil has their HM ATF.

There is nothing wrong with using aftermarket full visc HFM ATFs that have the T-IV/3309 spec listed. But, I'd want a new filter installed before going to an aftermarket fluid.

Use as much as needed to refill it. You'll probably have to start/stop the vehicle multiple times to get a good level, adding as much that is needed to get a full hot level, while the engine is running and parked on a level surface. Do not drive it until you get a readable level somewhere on the dipstick.

Dipstick ATF temps for a level check is between 158-176F. A scan tool should read the ATF temp.

Don't bother with AI or chatgpt.... too much idiocracy.

 

I like that, too much idiocracy.

 

The transmission fluid reads right on the cold make after putting in 2.5 quarts and shifted through the gears. Should I drive it and then put in more?

 

You can idle it for 10 minutes to see the level rise as it all warms up. Get the scan tool out for the temperature.

I've never had to drive a vehicle to get the ATF up to a checking level temperature on the scan tool. I usually sit in the vehicle and sometimes have to let it idle in D or R to warm up the ATF a little faster. The hot engine coolant in the radiator will warm up the ATF traveling next to it in the ATF cooler that is part of the radiator.

 

New problem too, the hood cable came off from the latch cause something got sticker under the hood when I closed it. Now hood is stuck…