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Rust on Automatic Transmission Dipstick

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Gage05, Sep 6, 2013.

  1. Sep 6, 2013 at 11:12 AM
    #1
    Gage05

    Gage05 [OP] Member

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    Hello Everyone!

    I'm new to the forum. I just wanted to introduce myself and ask a question.

    I just bought a new 2013 Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab 4x4 a few weeks ago from a Toyota dealership in a nearby city. This is my first truck ever and I have to say I love the it!!!!!

    The question I have is that a few days ago I was checking the automatic transmission fluid level using the dipstick and I noticed some slight surface rust higher up on the stick towards the plastic handle. I didn't see any rust lower down where the transmission fluid covers the stick. I was kind of surprised by this because I never saw anything like this on the 2005 Honda Accord V6 I traded in, but it used a cable for the dip stick. I've also never seen this on my wifes 2004 Toyota Corolla that we bought used several years ago with 60,690 Miles on the odometer.

    I took the truck to the dealership today to have it checked out. The service manager looked at the dipstick and said it was normal for it to happen. When the dipstick is removed air is introduced into the dipstcik guide and condensation can form on the dipstick.

    What he said makes sense so I'm going to clean the rust off of the dipstick when I get home and moitor it regularly. I figured that the truck may have been setting for a little while before I bought it and that is the issue, but I wanted to ask if anyone else has experienced this issue just to make sure it isn't a sign of something more serious.

    Thanks! :).
     
  2. Sep 6, 2013 at 11:42 AM
    #2
    BlazeTaco

    BlazeTaco Well-Known Member

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    Toyota doesnt have a automatic trans dipstick on the tacoma, unless they changed it for 2013. What color is the top of the dipstick and where is it located? I think you might have mistaken the oil dipstick for a trans one.
     
  3. Sep 6, 2013 at 11:44 AM
    #3
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    Wait.... You actually have a transmission dipstick? Did Toyota finally come to their senses and add one??

    I'm having transmission dipstick envy.....;)
     
  4. Sep 6, 2013 at 11:47 AM
    #4
    TacoFMS

    TacoFMS Bubble bubble bubble pop

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    One or two things modded... Check out the build thread
    he has a 4cyl auto and from what i can rem they have always had the trans dipstick. it was the v6 autos that didnt, or am i mistaken???
     
  5. Sep 6, 2013 at 11:50 AM
    #5
    jethro

    jethro Master Baiter

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    My 1st Gen 4cyl had a tranny dipstick.
     
  6. Sep 6, 2013 at 11:50 AM
    #6
    Gaunt596

    Gaunt596 Well-Known Member

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    idk, but i know there is a kit you can install that adds one, but i dont think the stealership would do it. OP, can you take a few photos of the dipstick and post them up for us to see?
     
  7. Sep 6, 2013 at 11:53 AM
    #7
    Gage05

    Gage05 [OP] Member

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    TacoFMS is correct. It's a 4 cylinder auto and has a dipstick. It's back towards the firewall. It's just like the dipstick on my wifes automatic Corolla only it's a lot longer. :).
     
  8. Sep 6, 2013 at 11:57 AM
    #8
    Gage05

    Gage05 [OP] Member

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    It's orange in color and has a metal latch that fits over the top to keep it seated against the hole it is insert into. I'll see if I can get a pitcure of it to upload here. On my truck the engine dipstick is a yellowish color and says "Engine Oil" on both sides.
     
  9. Sep 6, 2013 at 12:07 PM
    #9
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    Damn you!! ;)

    And actually.... On the 4.0L Auto - it's sealed and doesn't require maintenance for 100,000 miles (so they say).

    Does that mean that your transmission IS NOT sealed and doesn't have the magical 100,000 mile maintenance interval?

    I had to ask....:p
     
  10. Sep 6, 2013 at 12:08 PM
    #10
    Gage05

    Gage05 [OP] Member

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    Okay. Here are some pictures of the dipstick as well as the rust on the sides of the stick. I took a picture of the yellow engine oil dipstick just for reference. I'm thinking it's not serious. I just need to clean it off, check it regularly, and everything will be okay. :).

    20130906_150002.jpg
    20130906_150027.jpg
    20130906_150058.jpg
    20130906_150106.jpg
    20130906_150111.jpg
     
  11. Sep 6, 2013 at 12:15 PM
    #11
    Gage05

    Gage05 [OP] Member

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    Janster,

    From what I understand the 5 speed automatic on the V6 uses WS (World Service?) fluid and the 4 speed auto on my 4 cylinder uses the Type VI fluid because it's an older style transmission. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong on that because I very well could be.

    It could well be that the automatic on the V6 has a much longer service interval I just don't know at this point.

    I mean I am awesome, but I don't pretend to know everything. :p.
     
  12. Sep 6, 2013 at 12:31 PM
    #12
    jethro

    jethro Master Baiter

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    Pretty sure my 4 banger auto trans scheduled service was at 50k miles.
     
  13. Sep 6, 2013 at 1:00 PM
    #13
    ONALL4

    ONALL4 Well-Known Member

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    04 Tacoma v6 has trans dipstick & ya I don't think it should be rusting though haven't seen any dipstick that's rusting...

    Or maybe its just got poor coating so its rusting...if its a new truck couldn't you insist for the dealer to give you a new dipstick? if its my truck I'd want a new dipstick.
     
  14. Sep 6, 2013 at 1:02 PM
    #14
    MGMTacolover55

    MGMTacolover55 Well-Known Member

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    Just go to the dealership and shoe them and ask for a new dipstick since yours has rust
     
  15. Sep 6, 2013 at 1:07 PM
    #15
    mikebuyscars

    mikebuyscars Well-Known Member

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    If the dealership does not give you a new dip stick, spring for one yourself. A new dipstick may or may not be covered under warranty, but for a few dollars you can have peace of mind!
     
  16. Sep 6, 2013 at 1:27 PM
    #16
    Gage05

    Gage05 [OP] Member

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    Yes, thanks guys.

    I actually thought about asking them for a new dipstick and I really should have when I was there. I'll go back over there tomorrow, since I think thier service department is open then, and insist they give me a new dipstick.....considering that it's a brand new truck and all. :).
     
  17. Sep 6, 2013 at 1:45 PM
    #17
    XXXX

    XXXX Well-Known Member

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    No need wasting your time traveling. Just e-mail the service manager your pictures and ask him for a new one. When it comes in stock just got get it. I would be amazed if they had one of them in stock so I'm assuming you would just be wasting your time driving.
     
  18. Sep 6, 2013 at 1:55 PM
    #18
    XXXX

    XXXX Well-Known Member

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    meh trucks sitting......... condensation will build.

    not like everyone who takes short trips in cold weather running mobil 1 doesn't have a TON of moisture in their oil
     
  19. Sep 6, 2013 at 3:46 PM
    #19
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    Not necessarily in the oil itself but builds up at the oil fill spout. Looks like something they whip up at the local coffee house!

    If it smelled like chocolate, it'd be tempting to lick it!! LOL

    Rust on the dipstick, just means they used cheap metal. Cheap or unprotected metal + moisture = rust
     
  20. Sep 6, 2013 at 9:17 PM
    #20
    DonziGT230

    DonziGT230 Gearhead

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    I'd be worried, it really shouldn't be rusty at all. My '07 was in humid South Florida, got short tripped a lot, and even rode out a hurricane. There's body rust, but none on the dipsticks. I would immediately pull a fluid sample and send it in for analysis. It may be wasted money, but compared to a failed tranny right after warrantee expires-?- $30 now vs. $3000 later. If there's excess moisture at least an immediate flush will mitigate damage and get it documented just in case.
     

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