Should my tranny fluid look like THIS!? ***PICS***

Just took my 2002 Prerunner to AAMCO today for a transmission flush and refill. They said they filled it with Toyota T-IV fluid. I took it home to check out what the fluid looked like. It is shown below on the LEFT. That looks quite dark to me. Is that normal for T-IV fluid? For comparison, the fluid on the right is Dexron III.

Also, I noticed the fluid level was a bit higher than the HOT mark on the dipstick. Is that cause for concern as well?

Thanks!

 

Did they flush or a drain and refill? Drain and refill doesn't get the fluid from the torque converter.

 

The manager said they did a total flush and refill.

 

Even a flush and fill at a transmission shop can leave behind some older fluid. It is almost impossible to flush it all out. You have fluid caught inside clutch packs, as well as fluid in several areas of the valve body. The fluid appears to be reasonably close, but it is hard to tell from a stain on a towel. Better would be a couple of drops on something light colored that does not soak in.

 

go back to aamco and get a sample of what they put in...and check the labeling too

 

I had mine flushed at the dealer and when I got home I checked the level and it looked like the fluid on the right.

 

Doesn't it take Dexron III anyhow? That's what my 00 4Runner had in it. My 96 says dexron II but I put Dexron III in it anyhow. It's all backwards compatible.

 

Yeah, the manager said that the type t-iv is compatible in my tranny, just like dexron II. I'm going to drive it back down there this morning and ask to see a sample of the fluid that was put in. We'll see how we'll the colors match...

 

Transmission fluid color is a poor indicator of useable life. Most fluids change color during use; there are a few specific problem indicators like pitch black or burnt smelling fluid, but a little color change really doesn't tell you anything at all.

Just for future reference, most modern auto transmissions don't need flushes...a drain and fill every 15,000 to 20,000 miles is your best bet. Transmission fluid doesn't have to deal with the byproducts of combustion like engine oil does. Basically, it has two things to worry about:

1) Component wear particulates. As valve bodies and clutch packs operate, they wear a bit. These particles slough off and are suspended by the fluid.

2) Heat. Heat breaks down chemical composition of a lubricant, causing it to lose its lubricity properties and...well, not lubricate correctly any more.

Regular drain and fills ensure that your tranny fluid is always in a relatively fresh state, and lube properties are as specified.

You might think about service a little more often if using your vehicle for severe duty (I wheel the piss out of mine, producing tons of heat, so it gets a drain and fill every 10k or yearly, whichever comes first), but for street driving I'd say every 20k or so.

 

jandrews, thanks for the detailed response. I'll remember that.

I just got back from the AAMCO. He showed me a sample of brand new T-IV ATF. And indeed, it does have a darker orangish color to it. Even brand new. Similar to the color coming out of my tranny. He said that T-IV won't have that cherry red color like dexron ATF. So I assume all is well.

 

And one more question. The dipstick on my truck says "Dex II". However, they flushed and filled with Toyota T-IV.

I've searched everywhere with varying answers. Apparently Toyota switch to T-IV in the Tacoma beginning in 2003. However, mine is a 2002.

Will this be okay?

Thanks

 

For the most part ATF is ATF. Mine says dexII and I put DexIII in it. It's fine. I work with BMW's for a living and they have multiple "special" high dollar ATF's that they use. Yet numerous independent shops change them out with DexIII and DexVI fluids and they don't have any problems. As long as it shifts properly I wouldn't worry about it.

 

I just drain and fill with toyot type 4 from the dealership and it was cherry red like all others.

 

For Dexron, they are all backwards compatible. But, I need to know if type T-IV will work in my tranny which specifies Dex II.

If anyone could chime in with a solid answer, that would be great. I'm pulling my hair out here...

 

Somewhat that is true, but you still have to be careful. I have seen many a transmission with a failure due to incorrect fluid. Some transmissions are more susceptible than others though. As for your Tacoma Kcpope, you will be fine. Dexron II transmissions are capable of using many different kinds of fluid. As long as you don't go crazy and put type F in! ...lol

Any transmission that lists a Dexron number is always forward compatible. Meaning if a TypeII you can use type III or IV or V. A Type III can use IV and V, but you don't want type II or III in a type IV or V.

 

Okay, thanks for the input. I guess I'll stick with it.

Is Toyota T-IV just a better fluid than Dex II? And what's the deal with 01-02 Tacoma's calling for Dex II while the 03-04 calls for T-IV (Even though they have the same tranny)!?

 

that still has old fluid in it...or a mixture of old and new.you sure they done a flush or a drain and fill?

 

Okay, after doing some extensive web searching, I'm now confident that T-IV fluid will be fine for any year tacoma with the A340E tranny. I know most said it would be fine, but I had to make sure for myself. I called several dealers. Half said to only use Dex II. Half said T-IV is fine as well. No solid answer there.

After scrolling through dozens of forums, I believe toyota switch to T-IV fluid in 03 because it improved shift quality. And that's about it. Here's a PDF stating this.

http://www.panavi.kz/4runner/215/NCF/1gr-fe_a340eanda340f.pdf

Hope this helps anyone who's wondering...