Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2012 Toyota Highlander Limited, FWDFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Quick Lookups: Fluids
| FLUID CAPACITIES | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluid Type | Application | Standard | Metric | Fluid Spec | Note | S/H | |
| Air Cond Compressor Oil | Gas | w/o Rear AC | 4.40 OZS. | 0.13 L | PAG 46 | S | |
| Air Cond Compressor Oil | Gas | w/Rear A/C | 7.60 OZS. | 0.22 L | PAG 46 | S | |
| Air Cond Refrigerant | Base,Limited,SE | w/o Rear Air Cond | 1.32 LBS. | 0.59 KG | HFC-134a (R-134a) | S | |
| Air Cond Refrigerant | Base,Limited,SE | w/Rear Air Cond | 1.70 LBS. | 0.77 KG | HFC-134a (R-134a) | S | |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | 3.5L Eng,FWD | 9.30 QTS. | 8.8 L | TOYOTA Genuine Automatic Transmission Fluid Type WS | Using ATF other than "TOYOTA Genuine ATF WS" may cause deterioration in shift quality, locking up of the transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately damage the transaxle of the vehicle. | S | |
| Brake Fluid | N/A | N/A | SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 | S | |||
| Engine Coolant | 3.5L Eng | w/o Rear Air Cond,w/o Towing Package | 9.30 QTS. | 8.8 L | TOYOTA Super Long Life Coolant or similar high-quality ethylene glycol-based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrate and non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology | DO NOT use plain water alone. The fluid capacity is the quantity of reference. | S |
| Engine Coolant | 3.5L Eng | w/o Rear Air Cond,w/Towing Package | 10.00 QTS. | 9.46 L | TOYOTA Super Long Life Coolant or similar high-quality ethylene glycol-based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrate and non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology | DO NOT use plain water alone. The fluid capacity is the quantity of reference. | S |
| Engine Coolant | 3.5L Eng | w/Rear Air Cond,w/o Towing Package | 11.60 QTS. | 10.97 L | TOYOTA Super Long Life Coolant or similar high-quality ethylene glycol-based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrate and non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology | DO NOT use plain water alone. The fluid capacity is the quantity of reference. | S |
| Engine Coolant | 3.5L Eng | w/Rear Air Cond,w/Towing Package | 12.40 QTS. | 11.73 L | TOYOTA Super Long Life Coolant or similar high-quality ethylene glycol-based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrate and non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology | DO NOT use plain water alone. The fluid capacity is the quantity of reference. | S |
| Engine Oil | 3.5L Eng | Drain and Refill,w/Filter | 6.40 QTS. | 6.05 L | TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil. SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Oil | If SAE 0W-20 is not available, SAE 5W-20 may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 at the next oil change. | S |
| Engine Oil | 3.5L Eng | Drain and Refill,w/o Filter | 6.00 QTS. | 5.67 L | TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil. SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Oil | If SAE 0W-20 is not available, SAE 5W-20 may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 at the next oil change. | S |
| Fuel Tank | Base,Limited,SE | 19.20 GALS. | 72.67 L | S | |||
| Transfer Case Fluid | 1.00 QTS. | 0.94 L | API - GL-5 Hypoid Gear Oil, SAE 90 Above 0Deg.F (-18Deg C), SAE 80W or 80W-90 Below 0Deg. F (-18Deg C) | S | |||
| Windshield Washer Fluid | N/A | N/A | Washer Fluid | In cold areas where temperatures range below the freezing point, use washer fluid containing antifreeze. Not radiator antifreeze. | S | ||
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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