# 2004 Toyota Highlander

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-highlander/23030>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [December 6, 2008, 3:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-highlander/23030 "2008-12-06T15:20:53Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![charolenne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/439d5e/32.png) [@charolenne](https://community.cartalk.com/u/charolenne)\
**Post date:** [December 6, 2008, 3:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-highlander/23030/1 "2008-12-06T15:20:53Z")

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Need to know how to check the transmission fluid in mt toyota highlander. Should the engine warm or cold? Is it normal to need to add fluid or is this an indicator of a possible problem

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**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\
**Post date:** [December 6, 2008, 3:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-highlander/23030/2 "2008-12-06T15:37:37Z")

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The owner’s manual should tell you how to check the fluid.

Engine and transmission at normal operating temp. Engine running. Shift transmission through each gear briefly, then finally to PARK. Check transmission dipstick. Be careful of moving engine pulleys and belts!

The fluid should be translucent red or pink, it should not smell burnt, and the level should be between the two marks on the dipstick. If the fluid level is low, add as necessary. The hard part is pouring transmission fluid down the dipstick tube.

If you need to add fluid I would start looking for a leak. If the fluid is dirty it’s time for a transmission fluid change. The owner’s manual will tell you how often to change the fluid, too. Read the manual.