The transmission fluid works within the transmission housing in the same way that the oil works within the crankcase of the engine. The fluid lubricates the individual parts of the gears and prevents metal from scraping against metal. Over time, the viscosity of the transmission fluid breaks down and the lubrication loses its effect. The Toyota Camry is equipped with a transmission filter that keeps impurities in the transmission fluid from entering the gearbox and causing damage. It is recommended that this filter be changed each time the transmission fluid is changed every 30,000 miles.
Consult your Camry repair manual. Some of the newer models of Camry have a sealed transmission system that does not need to be changed. They use a fluid known as World ATF. If your Camry has this type of sealed transmission, call a dealer service center about any concerns you may have about a transmission filter.
Park the Camry on a level surface and position a drip pan underneath the transmission drain plug. Remove the transmission fluid dipstick cap to aid in the draining of the transmission fluid. Check the fluid. If it is still red with the consistency of syrup, the fluid is still good. If it is brown or darker, you may want to consider flushing the transmission before replacing the filter. Follow the directions on a transmission flush kit if you choose this option. Use a socket wrench and remove the bolts from the transmission fluid pan except for one bolt on each side. The transmission pan is located next to the oil pan underneath the vehicle. Position your hand to support the weight of the transmission pan and then remove the final two bolts.
Remove the strainer and gasket and clean them with solvent and a wire brush. Make sure the O-ring for the filter is still on the filter and hasn't dropped down into the transmission case. Use the solvent to clean the transmission fluid pan as well. Allow these pieces to dry once cleaned. Toyota recommends replacing the strainer, O-ring and gasket when the transmission fluid is changed. Inspect the pan for pieces of broken gasket and strainer that may not have washed off and remove them.
Place the new strainer and gasket into the space on the transmission pan that you removed the old ones from. Reattach the pan one bolt at a time and tighten the bolts with the socket wrench. Reinstall the drain plug and tighten it with a crescent wrench. Refill the transmission fluid using the recommended T-IV fluid and replace the cap.
Start the vehicle and drive slowly in a safe area to test the transmission response. Return to the level surface and inspect the underside of the vehicle while the engine is running to check for transmission fluid leaks.
