What kind of oil does a Toyota Hiace manual gearbox take?
Most Toyota Hiace manual transmissions use an API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil with a viscosity of 75W-90 or 80W-90. Always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or service bulletin for the exact specification for your year and transmission type.
Understanding the specification and options
Manual transmissions in the Hiace lineup are designed to work with gear oils that protect the gears and the synchronizers while providing reliable performance across climate conditions. The exact specification can vary by generation and market, so the safest approach is to confirm from official Toyota documentation or a qualified technician.
Common oil grades you might see
Below are the oil grades commonly recommended or accepted for many Hiace manuals. The actual requirement will be in your manual.
- API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil with viscosity 75W-90 (most common)
- 80W-90 gear oil as an alternative where 75W-90 is not available
- Fully synthetic 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil can be used if compatible with your transmission
Using the wrong grade or oil with incompatible additives can impair shifting, reduce synchronizer life, or cause leaks. When in doubt, opt for Toyota Genuine Gear Oil or a reputable GL-4/GL-5-rated gear oil with the recommended viscosity for your model year.
How to verify and service the oil
The following steps guide you through selecting the right oil and performing a change or topping up, if needed. Always work on a cooled engine and with the vehicle securely supported.
- Consult your owner’s manual or dealership for the exact oil specification for your Hiace’s year and transmission.
- If replacing, drain the old oil through the gearbox drain plug and clean the plug and seal.
- Fill with the correct grade of gear oil until it begins to seep out of the fill hole, then stop and recheck level with the fill plug removed.
- Dispose of the used oil at an appropriate recycling facility and replace the fill plug with a new gasket if recommended.
Accuracy is critical for gear longevity; deviations from the prescribed oil grade or incorrect fill levels can compromise shifting feel and gearbox life. If you cannot determine the exact spec, seek professional service.
Additional considerations
Some markets or newer Hiace models may have different requirements, such as specific Toyota-branded products or MTF fluids, especially if the vehicle uses a mixed drivetrain or a modified transmission. Always confirm with local Toyota documents.
Summary
In general, a Toyota Hiace manual gearbox takes an API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil with a viscosity around 75W-90 or 80W-90. The exact specification can vary by year and market, so verify the correct grade and viscosity in the owner's manual or with a Toyota dealer. Using the recommended oil supports smooth shifting and long-term gear health.
