[jdmrav42022]

Hi all. I just recently bought a 2012 RAV4 with 204k miles on it. It runs and drives well, and seems to be very well taken care of. The only thing that concerns me is a low growl/grinding noise when it’s in gear. Is it a good idea to change the trans fluid and filter in it, even though I have no idea if it’s been done or not?
The guy I bought it from inherited it and said it was taken care of, but I have no way of knowing

 

[ravster2015]

Doing a drain and fill won't hurt it.

 

[jdmrav42022]

Thanks. What about a filter change?

 

[MrPulldown]

Thanks. What about a filter change?

What engine? The V6 uses a media filter that should be changed. The i4 uses a screen filter that can be changed. But only change with the same screen type OEM filter, not the after market cheap media type. Do NOT let someone do a flush. Drain and fill.

 

[jdmrav42022]

What engine? The V6 uses a media filter that should be changed. The i4 uses a screen filter that can be changed. But only change with the same screen type OEM filter, not the after market cheap media type. Do NOT let someone do a flush. Drain and fill.

It is the 4 cylinder. So, the filter doesn’t have to be changed, but can be?

 

[MrPulldown]

It is the 4 cylinder. So, the filter doesn’t have to be changed, but can be?

It is a metal mesh screen. I changed mine as there were small bits that was present on the screen. Can probably just back flush it.
You have a 2012 correct. You posted in the 4.4 section which is 2013+. These have a totally different ATF strainer/filter.

If you do have a 2012 i4 2.5, then the filter should look like this:

GENUINE OEM TOYOTA RAV4 HIGHLANDER SCION xB VALVE BODY OIL STRAINER WITH O-RING | eBay

Often the V6's filter is mistakenly listed. It is totally different in both shape and media type. Looking like this:

Genuine OEM Transmission Oil Filter Strainer & O-Ring For Toyota Highlander Rav4 | eBay

The 2013+ filter looks like this:

 

[jdmrav42022]

N

It is a metal mesh screen. I changed mine as there were small bits that was present on the screen. Can probably just back flush it.
[/QUOT

It is a metal mesh screen. I changed mine as there were small bits that was present on the screen. Can probably just back flush it.
You have a 2012 correct. You posted in the 4.4 section which is 2013+. These have a totally different ATF strainer/filter.

If you do have a 2012 i4 2.5, then the filter should look like this:
View attachment 187035
GENUINE OEM TOYOTA RAV4 HIGHLANDER SCION xB VALVE BODY OIL STRAINER WITH O-RING | eBay

Often the V6's filter is mistakenly listed. It is totally different in both shape and media type. Looking like this:
View attachment 187036
Genuine OEM Transmission Oil Filter Strainer & O-Ring For Toyota Highlander Rav4 | eBay

The 2013+ filter looks like this:
View attachment 187037

It is a 12. I know I sound like an idiot but, what kind of trans fluid are y’all using. I was thinking about Valvoline Max Life?

 

[MrPulldown]

N


It is a 12. I know I sound like an idiot but, what kind of trans fluid are y’all using. I was thinking about Valvoline Max Life?

Oh man you didn't just ask that. Half the guys on here are Toyota WS ATF only. I have done a Valvoline Max life multi vehicle ATF drain and fill. It was fine, but it is a little thick compared to WS. This last drain and fill I used Redline D6. My first drain and fill I used the cheaper Amsoil low viscosity. I have no issue mixing brands.

 

[jdmrav42022]

Oh man you didn't just ask that. Half the guys on here are Toyota WS ATF only. I have done a Valvoline Max life multi vehicle ATF drain and fill. It was fine, but it is a little thick compared to WS. This last drain and fill I used Redline D6. My first drain and fill I used the cheaper Amsoil low viscosity. I have no issue mixing brands.

I have no qualms about it either. I didn’t mean to post this in the ‘13 up forum, but I appreciate all the help. I guess I’m just worried about the ol’ 4 speed kicking the bucket after a drain and fill.

 

[MrPulldown]

I have no qualms about it either. I didn’t mean to post this in the ‘13 up forum, but I appreciate all the help. I guess I’m just worried about the ol’ 4 speed kicking the bucket after a drain and fill.

There is always the chance. But I feel that if the trans is working ok now, it probably will work fine after.
Many here would not change the ATF on a 200K trans with original fluid.

 

[jdmrav42022]

There is always the chance. But I feel that if the trans is working ok now, it probably will work fine after.
Many here would not change the ATF on a 200K trans with original fluid.

I can only assume it’s original. It seems to have been taken care of, but I don’t have any maintenance records.