How many quarts of transmission fluid for Toyota Tacoma?

In most Toyotas Tacomas, automatic transmissions typically require about 11 to 12 quarts for a drain-and-fill, while manual transmissions use roughly 3 quarts. The exact amount depends on the model year and the specific transmission type, so always confirm with the owner’s manual or service guide.

Understanding transmission types in the Tacoma

Tacomas have two primary transmission options: automatic and manual. Each type has its own capacity range, and the exact figure can vary by year, generation, and whether you’re doing a simple drain-and-fill or a full fluid flush.

Automatic transmissions

Here are typical fluid capacity ranges for automatic transmissions in Toyota Tacomas, noting that values vary by year and whether you are performing a drain-and-fill vs. a full flush.

• Drain-and-fill capacity: about 11–12 quarts.


• Full fluid flush capacity (machine-assisted): about 13–15 quarts, depending on the model and procedure.


• Note: Exact capacity varies by year and automatic transmission model; always verify in the owner's manual or service information for your vehicle.

In practice, for most owners performing a standard drain-and-fill on a common Tacoma automatic, planning for roughly 11–12 quarts is a solid baseline. If you’re having a service center perform a complete flush, they may use a bit more to ensure all pathways are filled and the system is purged of old fluid.

Manual transmissions

Manual transmissions in Tacomas hold considerably less fluid, with typical capacities around the 3-quart mark. Actual figures can vary slightly by year and specific manual gearbox configuration.

• Drain-and-fill capacity: roughly 2.5–3.5 quarts (most Tacomas around 3 quarts).


• Note: Some variations exist by model year and gearset; confirm with the owner’s manual or service documentation for your exact transmission.

For manual transmissions, a standard drain-and-fill of about 3 quarts is a common starting point, but always check your vehicle’s specifications to account for any year-to-year changes.

Practical steps to confirm the exact capacity

Because transmission designs evolved across Tacoma generations, the safest approach is to verify the precise capacity for your particular truck. Use these sources as references, not substitutes for the official specification:

• Your owner’s manual or warranty/booklet that came with the truck.


• Toyota’s official service information or dealership service bulletin for your model year.


• Direct measurements from the service procedure when performing a drain-and-fill or flush.

Bottom line: while general ranges are helpful, the exact quarts required depend on your Tacoma’s year and whether you’re doing a simple service or a full system flush. When in doubt, consult the official documentation or a trusted service professional.

Summary

- Automatic Tacoma transmissions: roughly 11–12 quarts for a drain-and-fill; about 13–15 quarts for a full flush, with exact numbers depending on year and model.

- Manual Tacoma transmissions: typically around 3 quarts, with slight variation by year and gearbox design.

Always verify the exact capacity for your vehicle in the owner’s manual or Toyota service information to ensure you have the right amount and avoid over- or under-filling.

How much transmission fluid does a Toyota Tacoma need?

The Toyota Tacoma's transmission fluid capacity varies by model year and transmission type. For a standard drain and fill on a 2005-2015 automatic transmission, it's approximately 3.0 liters (3.2 quarts), while the total dry capacity is around 10.9 liters (11.5 quarts) with a tow package. Newer 2016-2023 models have a drain and fill capacity of about 4.0 liters (4.2 quarts) and a dry fill of 9.9 to 10.5 liters (10.5 to 11.1 quarts) depending on the tow package. 
Capacity by model year

• 2005-2015 Automatic Transmission:
  • Drain and fill: About 3.0 liters (3.2 quarts) 
  • Total dry fill: Approximately 10.9 liters (11.5 quarts) with a tow package 
• 2016-2023 Automatic Transmission:
  • Drain and fill: About 4.0 liters (4.2 quarts) 
  • Total dry fill: 9.9 liters (10.5 quarts) without a tow package, or 10.5 liters (11.1 quarts) with one 
• Manual Transmission (2005-2015):
  • 2WD: 2.2 liters (2.3 quarts) 
  • 4WD: 2.6 liters (2.7 quarts) 

How much to change transmission fluid in Toyota Tacoma?

between $156 and $199
The average cost for a Toyota Tacoma Transmission Fluid Change is between $156 and $199. Labor costs are estimated between $93 and $136 while parts are typically priced around $63.

How many quarts of transmission fluid does a 2004 Toyota Tacoma take?

The 2004 Toyota Tacoma transmission fluid capacity depends on the type of transmission. An automatic transmission has a dry fill capacity of around 7.2 quarts (for the 3.4L 4-speed A44D) and a drain-and-fill capacity of about 2.5 quarts, while a manual transmission capacity is around 2.2 quarts. A 2WD 5VZ-FE 2WD/4WD manual transmission has a capacity of 2.2 quarts, and the 2RZ-FE manual transmission has a capacity of 2.4 quarts. 
This video demonstrates how to change the transmission fluid in a Toyota Tacoma: 58sTacomaholicYouTube · Jun 29, 2021
Automatic transmission

• Drain and fill capacity: Approximately 2.5 quarts. 
• Total dry fill capacity: About 6.9 to 7.2 quarts for the 4-speed A44D transmission. 
• Recommended fluid: Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV. 

Manual transmission

• Capacity: 2.2 quarts for the 5VZ-FE 2WD/4WD or 2.4 quarts for the 2RZ-FE. 
• Recommended fluid: GL-4/GL-5 75W-90 gear oil. 
• Transfer case: The transfer case has a separate capacity of a little over one quart, using the same GL-4/GL-5 75W-90 gear oil. 

Important considerations

• Always check the dipstick: After refilling, check the transmission fluid level using the dipstick to ensure it's at the correct mark. 
• Owner's manual: Consult your owner's manual for the most accurate information for your specific vehicle. 
• Different fill levels: Be aware that the amount of fluid needed for a drain-and-fill is much less than a full, dry fill. 

How many quarts of transmission fluid do I need for a drain and fill?

For a standard transmission fluid drain and fill, you'll typically need 3 to 5 quarts, but you should always measure the amount you drained and refill with the same amount to start, then check the level using the dipstick after running the engine. The exact amount varies by vehicle, and it's crucial to check the owner's manual or look up specifications for your specific make and model, as a drain and fill will not replace all the old fluid. 
How to determine the right amount

• Drain the old fluid: Let the old fluid drain completely. 
• Measure the drained fluid: Measure how much fluid was drained. This is your starting point for refilling. 
• Refill with the measured amount: Put the same amount of new, correct transmission fluid back into the transmission. Using a funnel can help with this process. 
• Start the engine: Start the vehicle and let it run for a few minutes, shifting through all the gears (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive) while holding the brake. This circulates the new fluid. 
• Check the level: Turn the engine off and check the fluid level with the dipstick. Add more fluid in small increments if the level is low, or drain a small amount if it's too high. 
• Re-check: Repeat the process of running the engine and checking the dipstick until the fluid level is correct according to the dipstick's hash marks for a "hot" reading. 

Important considerations

• A drain and fill is different from a full transmission flush, which requires significantly more fluid (10-12 quarts or more) because it aims to replace all the fluid, including what's in the torque converter. 
• You should always use the specific type of transmission fluid recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer to avoid damage. 
• Some vehicles, like certain Land Rovers, do not have a dipstick and require a fluid extractor to add new fluid. Consult your owner's manual to be certain.