How to check transmission fluid on Toyota Camry?

On Camry models that use a traditional automatic transmission with a dipstick, you can check the transmission fluid level at home. On newer Camrys with sealed transmissions or CVTs, fluid level checks are generally handled by a dealer or qualified technician using specialized tools.

Know your Camry’s transmission type

Identify whether your vehicle has a dipstick for the transmission or a sealed system. A visible transmission dipstick near the engine means you can perform a home check; if there is no dipstick, the system is typically sealed or uses a CVT, and a professional service is usually required.

Dipstick-equipped Camrys (home check possible)

If your Camry has a conventional transmission dipstick, follow these steps to measure the level and assess the fluid condition.

1. Start and warm the engine to normal operating temperature.


2. Park on level ground and set the parking brake. Leave the engine running with the transmission in Park.


3. Open the hood and locate the transmission dipstick, then pull it out.


4. Wipe the dipstick clean, reinsert it fully, and pull it out again to read the level.


5. Compare the fluid level to the HOT marks on the dipstick. The level should be between ADD and FULL when hot.


6. Inspect the fluid’s color and odor. Healthy ATF is bright red and clean-smelling; a burnt odor or very dark fluid can indicate a service is needed.


7. If the level is low, add the recommended ATF a little at a time through the dipstick tube, rechecking frequently to avoid overfilling.


8. After any addition, with the engine running, cycle through the gear positions (P, R, N, D, then back to P) to distribute fluid, then recheck in Park.

Note: Use only the ATF type specified in your owner’s manual (many Camrys call for Toyota’s specific ATF type; using the wrong fluid can cause shifting issues or damage).

In practice, you should also look for leaks around the transmission seals and pan, and address any unusual shifting or noise promptly. If you’re unsure about the correct fluid type or the proper procedure for your exact year/model, consult the owner’s manual or a dealer.

Sealed transmissions and CVTs (newer Camrys)

Many newer Camry models—and hybrids with CVTs—do not have a dipstick, so a home-level check isn’t straightforward. Fluid level checks in these cases usually require specialized tools and a controlled procedure performed by a dealer or certified shop.

1. Confirm with the owner’s manual whether your Camry uses a dipstick or a sealed system.


2. If sealed, schedule service with a Toyota dealer or qualified automotive technician who can perform the official fluid level check using the proper equipment and at the correct fluid temperature.


3. Ask the technician to verify the appropriate fluid type for your model (for example, Toyota WS automatic transmission fluid or CVT fluid as specified in your manual) and to inspect for leaks.


4. Follow the technician’s recommendations for any topping off or fluid replacement. Do not attempt to add fluid yourself unless explicitly instructed and you have the exact fluid specification.


5. Maintain records of service intervals and fluid changes per Toyota’s guidance, especially for sealed transmissions which have different maintenance needs than traditional ATFs.

Professional service ensures the correct temperature and procedure are used, reducing the risk of overfill or underfill and protecting transmission longevity.

What to look for in transmission fluid

Beyond the level, fluid condition matters. Fresh Toyota ATF is bright red and transparent. As it ages, it may darken and develop a burnt smell. If the fluid appears murky, has a burnt odor, or you notice slipping, rough shifting, or unusual noises, schedule service promptly.

Maintenance tips and when to service

Service intervals vary by model and driving conditions. Conventional automatics often call for ATF changes around 60,000 miles or as recommended in the manual, while CVTs have their own guidance. Always follow your Camry’s specific maintenance schedule and fluid type recommendations from Toyota.

Summary

Checking transmission fluid on a Toyota Camry depends on the transmission type. If your car has a dipstick, you can perform a home check when the engine is warm, ensuring the level sits within the hot range and the fluid looks and smells healthy. For sealed transmissions and CVTs, a professional check is typically required to obtain an accurate reading and correct fluid fill. Regularly inspect fluid level and condition, and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule to help prevent transmission issues.

Do you check Toyota transmission fluid with the car running?

Run your Toyota for five to ten minutes if it wasn't running beforehand. Your engine needs to be warm – but not hot – to properly check your transmission fluid levels. Use your Toyota owner's manual to find the transmission fluid dipstick. Remove the dipstick and use your fingers to feel the fluid.

Does a 2015 Toyota Camry have a transmission dipstick?

No, a 2015 Toyota Camry does not have a transmission dipstick; it has a "sealed" transmission that requires checking the fluid level from underneath the vehicle. The process involves using a special plug and a straw inside the transmission to determine the fluid level, which can only be done with the car on a level surface and the engine running.
 
This video demonstrates how to check the transmission fluid level in a 2015 Toyota Camry: 1mTRQYouTube · Apr 4, 2024

• No dipstick: The transmission is sealed, so there is no traditional dipstick for a quick check. 
• Checking the fluid: To check the fluid level, you must access the transmission pan on the underside of the car and use a 6mm Allen socket to remove the drain plug. 
• How it works: With the engine running and the car on a flat surface, fluid will drain out of a straw inside the transmission until it reaches the correct level. 
• Fluid condition: The color of the drained fluid is used to assess its condition; bright red is good, while dark fluid indicates it should be changed. 
• Adding fluid: If more fluid is needed, you must access the fill plug, located through the driver's side wheel well, and use a funnel or pump to add fluid. 

This video shows how to change the transmission fluid in a 2015 Toyota Camry: 56sAliMECHYouTube · Sep 26, 2024

Where is the transmission dipstick on a Toyota?

The transmission fluid dipstick location depends on your Toyota model: it is typically a red, T-shaped handle located near the battery on older models with an automatic transmission, or on the bottom of the transmission pan on newer models which do not have a dipstick. If your car is newer, you may not have a dipstick at all and will need to check the fluid level from the bottom via a separate fill plug and check plug. Always consult your owner's manual for the exact location and specific checking procedure.
 
This video shows the location of the transmission fluid dipstick on a 2012 Toyota Corolla: 58sWhyingoYouTube · Dec 9, 2021
For Toyotas with a dipstick

• Location: Look for a red, T-shaped handle under the hood, usually to the right of the oil dipstick and near the battery.
• Procedure: With the engine running and the car in park or neutral, pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and then pull it out again to check the level. 

For Toyotas without a dipstick

• Reason: Many newer models, especially those with sealed automatic or CVT transmissions, do not have a dipstick. 
• Location: You will need to locate the drain and fill plugs, which are on the underside of the transmission pan. 
• Procedure: Check your owner's manual for specific instructions, as the process typically involves removing a check plug and adding fluid until it starts to come out. 

This video explains how to check transmission fluid level on Toyota vehicles without a dipstick: 1mWeberAutoYouTube · Apr 15, 2015

Why did Toyota get rid of the transmission dipstick?

So really, the main reason that they remove these dipsticks. is because it is too easy to mess up. and put either the wrong transmission Fluid. to get the incorrect level in the transmission. or to somehow do the procedure incorrect and get the level wrong. So they just remove that possibility from the customer.