Parts for your 2009 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Transmission filter

2009 Toyota Vitz/Yaris — does it have a transmission filter?

Yes, if the 2009 Toyota Vitz/Yaris is fitted with an automatic transmission (U340E 4‑speed) or a Toyota Super CVT‑i unit (K110/K111), it uses a transmission filter/strainer. Toyota’s service literature describes a replaceable ATF oil strainer in the U340E pan, and both a fine cartridge filter and an internal pickup strainer in the K110/K111 CVT. Manual gearboxes in this model don’t use a serviceable transmission filter.

Technical references: Toyota Yaris/Vitz XP90 Repair Manual (Automatic Transaxle U340E section: Oil Strainer, ATF pan service), Toyota CVT K110/K111 Repair Manual (CVT fluid filter and oil strainer procedures), Toyota Global Service Information (TIS) for XP90 platform specifying WS ATF for U‑series autos and CVT Fluid TC for period‑correct CVT units.

For owners of automatic or CVT versions, the transmission filter’s job is straightforward: keep the fluid clean so shifts stay smooth and the transmission lives a long, drama‑free life. In the 4‑speed auto, the filter (often called a strainer) screens out clutch material and fine metal from normal wear, while magnets in the pan trap ferrous particles. In the CVT, there’s a finer external cartridge filter to protect the high‑pressure pump and belt/pulley set, plus an internal strainer for the pickup.

As part of a sensible service routine in Australia and New Zealand, it’s smart to inspect or replace the filter around 60,000–100,000 km, or sooner if the car tows, sees lots of city heat, or shows symptoms like delayed engagement or shudder. On the U340E, replacement involves dropping the pan, cleaning the magnets, fitting a new pan gasket and strainer, and refilling with Toyota ATF WS. On K110/K111 CVTs, replace the external cartridge filter, inspect the internal strainer if the unit is open, and refill with the specified Toyota CVT Fluid TC (check the under‑bonnet label and VIN‑specific parts info).

Getting fluid level right matters. These transmissions use temperature‑based level checks, a scan tool or the factory procedure is recommended. Always use new sealing washers, torque the pan bolts correctly, and verify there are no leaks. If the car is a manual Vitz/Yaris, there’s no replaceable filter by design—the gearbox relies on splash lubrication and magnetic drain plugs, so servicing is simply periodic gear oil changes and magnet inspection.

• Use only the specified Toyota fluids (ATF WS for U340E, Toyota CVT Fluid TC for K110/K111 unless otherwise labelled).
• Replace gaskets/seals and clean pan magnets during service.
• Confirm parts by VIN, filters differ between auto and CVT variants.

Popular questions

How often should the 2009 Vitz/Yaris transmission filter be changed?

There’s no hard-and-fast factory interval for the filter alone, but a practical approach in AU/NZ is every 60,000–100,000 km with a fluid service, or sooner for vehicles that tow, idle in heat, or show shift flare or hesitation. CVTs benefit from more frequent fluid and external filter attention if used in stop‑start urban driving.

Which fluid does the 2009 Vitz/Yaris take?

The 4‑speed auto (U340E) uses Toyota ATF WS. CVT models (K110/K111) of this era typically specify Toyota CVT Fluid TC. Always check the bonnet label and the VIN‑matched parts catalogue to confirm, as using the wrong fluid can cause harsh shifts, shudder, or premature wear.

What are signs the transmission filter needs attention?

Slow or delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse, slip or flare between gears, shudder on take‑off (especially CVT), or dark, burnt‑smelling fluid on the dipstick/level plug. If these show up, plan a fluid/filter service and inspection for debris in the pan or on magnets.