Toyota Corolla Power Steering Fluid Type and Capacity [1992-2008]

After 2008, the hydraulic power steering system of Toyota Corolla has been replaced by an electric power steering system, which doesn’t use any liquid. 

But if you own a previous model, you need to use the right Toyota Corolla power steering fluid. It can be pathetic because the power steering system can be damaged, if you use the wrong Toyota Corolla power steering fluid. 

So, in this blog post, we will discuss Toyota Corolla power steering fluid type and capacity from 1992 to 2008.

Toyota Corolla Power Steering Fluid Type [1992-2008]

Toyota Corolla vehicles with hydraulic power systems use fully synthetic automatic transmission fluid as power steering fluid. Toyota manufactures their own genuine power steering fluid called Toyota genuine 08886-01206 power steering fluid-EH

Previous Toyota Corolla models usually used DEXRON II Automatic Transmission Fluid. There are also several types of power steering fluids that have been approved by Toyota for Toyota Corolla vehicles. They include:

  • DEXRON II D automatic transmission fluid 
  • Toyota Genuine 00718ATF00 Dexron III Transmission Fluid
  • Dexron-VI automatic transmission fluid (ATF)

1992-97 Toyota Corolla Power Steering Fluid Type

Toyota Corolla vehicles after 1992 were upgraded. Most of the owners of these models used DEXRON II automatic transmission fluid or ATF DEXRON II D steering fluid. 

DEXRON II or III ATF is a genuine OEM transmission fluid used as power steering fluid on Toyota Corolla. 

These automatic transmission fluids contain anti-corrosion additives to increase the lifespan of the steering, and ensure the optimum performance of the steering of your car. 

1992-97 Toyota Corolla power steering fluid typePower steering fluid name 
ATF 2, fully synthetic or universal, SAE 10W40ATF DEXRON 2 or ATF DEXRON 2 D steering fluid

1998-2005 Toyota Corolla Power Steering Fluid Type

Toyota Corolla vehicles manufactured from 1998 to 2005 are recommended to use any of Genuine Toyota Power Steering Fluid EH 08886-01206 or Toyota Genuine 00718ATF00 Dexron III. 

Both of these steering fluids are made of high quality materials that will increase the durability and toughness of the steering.

1998-2005 Toyota Corolla power steering fluid typePower steering fluid name
PSF 4, fully synthetic, OEMGenuine Toyota Power Steering Fluid EH, 08886-01206
ATF 3, fully synthetic or universal, SAE 10W40Toyota Genuine 00718ATF00 Dexron III Transmission Fluid

2006-2008 Toyota Corolla Power Steering Fluid Type

The power steering system of the Toyota Corolla manufactured in the years of 2006-2008 best on Dexron-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid. You can also use DEXRON 2 or DEXRON 3 ATF in the power steering of 2006-08 Toyota Corolla. 

2006-2008 Toyota Corolla power steering fluid typePower steering fluid name
Fully synthetic, GM ATFDexron-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid

Read Also: BMW E46 Power Steering Fluid: Everything You Need to Know!

Is There Any Alternative to Toyota Corolla Power Steering Fluid?

Yes, there are many alternatives to Toyota Corolla power steering fluid. They are also approved by Toyota itself. Some of the most common substitutes of Toyota Corolla power steering fluid are listed below:

  • Prestone AS-262 Power Steering Fluid
  • Valvoline 602241 Power Steering Fluid
  • Idemitsu Lubricants – Power Steering Fluid
  • Valvoline – MaxLife Multi-Vehicle (ATF) Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
  • Pentosin – PENTOSIN ATF

1992-2008 Toyota Corolla Power Steering Fluid Capacity

According to the owner’s manual of Toyota Corolla, the power steering fluid capacity of 1992-2008 Toyota Corolla vehicles is 0.7 L or 0.82 quart. But it’s difficult to set a single volume of the power steering fluid on a Toyota Corolla vehicle. 

Because the hot/cold markings with min and max volume will make it tricker. If you fill the reservoir till the maximum mark while the engine is cold, it can overflow when it is warmed up.

It is because the cold power steering fluid has a lower volume than hot fluid. So, it’s better to fill the power steering fluid reservoir on Toyota Corolla above the “MIN” mark.

Read Also: BMW Power Steering Fluid E90 (BMW 3-Series)

Toyota Corolla Power Steering Fluid Capacity From 2000- 2023

The power steering fluid capacity for a Toyota Corolla varies depending on the model year and engine type. However, a general rule of thumb is that the power steering fluid capacity is about 1 quart. However, to get the system completely clean, you may need to replace 2 quarts.

Here is a table of the power steering fluid capacity for some popular Toyota Corolla models:

Model YearEngine TypePower Steering Fluid Capacity (quarts)
2000-20081.5L 4-cylinder1
2009-20131.8L 4-cylinder1
2014-20192.0L 4-cylinder1
2020-present2.0L 4-cylinder1
Toyota Corolla Power Steering Fluid Capacity 2000-2023

Why Do You Need the Right Toyota Corolla Power Steering Fluid?

Power steering fluid is a liquid used in a hydraulic power steering system. It is very crucial as it allows power between the steering wheel and tires. Thus, it decreases the amount of power while turning the steering wheel. 

In addition, it lubricates the moving parts of the system and protects them from wear and abrasion. But each power steering fluid has its own specifications and is required for a specific car’s model. 

Because, the power steering fluids are made of different kinds of chemicals. Some of them are semi-synthetic or full-synthetic, while the others are universal or ATF. 

So, like every car’s model, you should also choose the right power steering fluid for your Toyota Corolla vehicle. Otherwise, the wrong power steering fluid can damage the entire power steering system. 

It can also cause grinding sounds, deteriorating the seals, locking the steering system, or creating leakage. This is why you need the right power steering fluid every time.

Read Also: How Much Power Steering Fluid Does A Car Hold?

How to Check the Power Steering Fluid on a Toyota Corolla?

Checking the power steering fluid on Toyota Corolla is a crucial regular car maintenance task. Because, the power steering fluid in the reservoir should be at the proper level to ensure the optimum performance of the power steering system. 

So, you have to inspect the fluid level regularly and add more fluid if necessary. Here are the steps you can follow to check Toyota Corolla power steering fluid at home:

Check the Temperature Of Your Car’s Engine

Before starting checking the transmission fluid level, make sure that your Toyota Corolla is cold or at operating temperature. Because the power steering fluid reserve year on Toyota Corolla comes with two different markings. 

One is COLD (maximum and minimum) and another is HOT (maximum and minimum). 

If you want to check the fluid level in the cold, keep the engine off for a minimum of 5 hours. On the other hand, drive your Toyota Corolla for a few minutes to attain the operating temperature. 

After that, park your car on a plain surface and head over to the next step. 

Locate the Power Steering Fluid Reservoir

Now, open the hood and find the power steering fluid reservoir on your Toyota Corolla. Typically, the reservoir is located on the driver’s side in the engine compartment and near the firewall. 

However, the power steering fluid reservoir on Toyota Corolla is usually a transparent plastic tank. The reservoir has a round cap printed power steering fluid on the top. 

Check the Power Steering Fluid Level

Once you have located today what is steering fluid reserve wear, then you are ready to check the fluid level. First of all, clean the outside of the fluid reservoir so that you can easily determine the marks “hot” or “cold”. 

If your car’s engine is cold, the fluid level should be at “COLD”. Similarly, if the car’s engine is hot, the fluid level should reach marked “HOT”. 

But if the power steering fluid level is under “COLD MIN” or “HOT MIN”, you need to add more fluid to reach the proper level. 

In some cases, you may fail to determine the power steering fluid level from the outside of the reservoir. At this point, the dipstick inside the reservoir will help you to get it. 

To do so, open the reservoir cap and wipe off the dipstick using a clean rag. Then inspect the markings marked on the dipstick to determine the fluid’s level. 

Inspect the Power Steering Fluid

Once you have checked the quantity of the power steering fluid on Toyota Corolla you should also check the quality of the fluid. To check the quality of the power steering fluid, disclose the reservoir and visually inspect the fluid rest in the reservoir. 

Check the fluid carefully to see if there are any particles or metal pieces in the fluid. You should also check the color and smell of the fluid. If you get a burning smell from the fluid or see the color have turned into brown or black, it means you have to flush the fluid. 

Read Also: Toyota Camry Power Steering Fluid

What Are the Symptoms of Dirty Power Steering Fluid in a Toyota Corolla?

The power steering fluid on Toyota Corolla can become dirty and abrasive over time. If so, you will need to flush the dirty fluid to protect the power steering system. But how to tell if the power steering fluid on your Toyota Corolla is messy? 

Well, there are several symptoms that indicate bad power steering fluid on a car. Here are some of the most common symptoms of dirty power steering fluid:

  • The power steering fluid is gray, brown, black or dark in color.
  • Grinding or other unusual noises in the steering system
  • Resistance in the power steering system
  • Difficulties while attempt to steer
  • Leakage in the power steering system
  • Loss of power while steering

FAQs.

Now we know the quality and quantity of Toyota Corolla power steering fluid. Therefore, here are some extra information with a view to help you knowing more about it:

How often should I change the Toyota Corolla’s power steering fluid?

You should change the Toyota Corolla power steering fluid in between 50,000 and 75,000 miles. But you may often need to replace the power steering fluid on your car before scheduled. This is when you inspect any symptom of bad power steering fluid on the car.

Does a Toyota Corolla drive better after a power steering fluid change?

Yes, a Toyota Corolla will drive better after changing a power steering fluid. It will create more power to the steering and you will need less power to turn the steering wheel. Moreover, it helps the steering to function properly and gives you a better driving experience. 

Is it safe to drive a Toyota Corolla with old power steering fluid?

Typically, you can drive a Toyota Corolla with an old power steering fluid. But this is not safe. Because old power steering fluid that needs to be changed can cause wear and tear in the power steering system. It can also lead the system to fail. 

Conclusion

We already know how serious it is when you use the wrong Toyota Corolla power steering fluid. 

So, if you think that you’re still unable to identify the right power steering fluid, then leave the job to a professional.

Besides, you should also avoid using any substitute of power steering fluid on your Toyota Corolla. Always try to follow manufacturer’s recommendations.

Read Also: Toyota Power Steering Fluid: Essential Facts You Should Know

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