Auto Trans Fluid/Filter change

Hi guys,

A friend of mine bought a 2003 Tacoma 3.4L for their son, and after putting about 50,000 on it, (total 148K) they have brought it to their favorite garage mechanic...me! I am doing quite a bit of maintenance, like tune up, radiator flush, diff fluid change, PS fluid change etc., and of course the AT filter/fluid.

I have searched this forum and went to the two links on the DIY thread, and still would like to ask some questions. To frame my questions, I have an Lexus LS 400, that I do ALL the work on, including AT Fluid flush, timing belt, water pump, etc.

So here it goes...

Does the A340E or F, (not sure which one he has, would appreciate the education) have a trans filter or screen that should be replaced? I will be going to Toyota for the T-IV anyway, so would pick up the filter too.

Can I use the Toyota Black FIPG to seal trans pan or should I use something else?

Complete Fluid Flush:
I could not find a DIY flush. Does the AT have an external trans cooler? If so, just like on my LS400, couldn't you pull the pressure side, attach a hose, put in clear bucket, start truck briefly, measure output, replace same amount with T4, do again until you see new fluid in clear bucket?

Thanks for your help guys! At this moment I am a Tacoma Rookie.

 

Bump

 

Bump again...

 

you might find this helpful although i haven't done it yet, i've read there is a screen that if you drop the pan should be cleaned. I don't think it needs to be replaced though. has a good forum for diy procedures.

 

^^^^ what he said, after you buy the fluid, the FIPG, and your labor and mess to do the job your not that far off from having the dealer do a flush without pulling the pan, then if lt leaks after you do it its pull the pan again to try and seal it. Had mine done for $149.00 out the door.

 

E = 2wd, F = 4wd so basically if he has a transfer case, then it is a F. There is a screen on the pickup tube that should be cleaned. Pretty sure there is no inline filter (like a fuel filter) to change.

FSM calls for the orange FIPG. And that is what I used.

The radiator is used to cool the AT fluid and there are lines that go to it from the tranny on the passenger side. You can do what you stated, but I would make sure the return line always has clean fluid to pick up otherwise you can burn up the tranny. Make sure you shift through the gears to get all of the fluid; should be about 12 quarts.

 

Thanks Beerhat, and others. I appreciate the info. I will pick up the Orange FIPG when I get T-IV.

 

Should be able to either "Drain and Refill" or "Flush" the trans.

Taking the pan off isin't the best idea as the dipstick tube goes directly into the pan.

14mm bolt on the bottom of the trans pan for a D & F.

 

I remember seeing the tube. (Taco isn't here right now)
It looks like it just pulls apart about 6-8 inches above the pan. I did not see a drain plug though. Maybe just not looking for one at the time. It shifts real good, so maybe I won't pull the pan and just do a drain and refill. I think I remember you guys saying it is about three quarts?

 

I'll be getting mine flush at a shop in Dallas within the next 60 days, unless I find a place closer to Cow Town.

 

4 quarts on a drain and fill......removing the pan and filter screen will yield a little more.....closer to 5 quarts. Clean and replace filter screen. And I used black rtv silicone when I pulled my pan......have had no problem with leaks. The drain plug is 14mm,and dipstick tube comes apart.....tight at first,but twist a little and it will come apart. Use a little grease putting it back together,since there is an o ring there.

 

good info