Parts for your 2009 Toyota Fortuner-Transmission fluid

2009 Toyota Fortuner transmission fluid — what it does and when to change it

Per Toyota service literature for the AN60-series Fortuner and the Aisin A340/A343 automatic transmissions used in this era, the 2009 Fortuner fitted with an automatic gearbox uses automatic transmission fluid (ATF). Toyota documentation notes Type T‑IV (JWS 3309) for many 4‑speed A340/A343 units of the time, while some later 5‑speed applications specify Toyota ATF WS. The owner’s manual and the transmission dipstick or filler/overflow plug label are the definitive references. Manual-transmission Fortuner variants use dedicated manual gearbox oil rather than ATF.

For an automatic 2009 Fortuner, transmission fluid is doing a lot more than just lubrication. It provides the hydraulic pressure that applies clutches and bands, transmits torque through the converter, cools internal components, reduces wear, and keeps varnish and sludge in check. The right friction characteristics are essential for smooth, positive shifts and long clutch life, which is why Toyota’s ATF specs (T‑IV or WS, depending on the box) matter — mixing fluids can cause shudder or delayed engagement.

Plenty of Toyota autos from this period are labelled “sealed” or “no scheduled service,” but that’s under ideal conditions. In Aussie and Kiwi use — towing the boat, touring in high heat, or crawling off-road — fluid works harder. A sensible service approach is a drain-and-fill every 60,000–80,000 km or 4–5 years for mixed or severe duty, and up to 100,000 km for light highway use. A single drain typically replaces about 3–4 litres