How do you check the ATF in the 5 speed automatic?

My 2008 Taco V-6 5 speed auto does not have the conventional dipstick for the trans. How do you check and/or add oil to the transmission? Thanks for your help.
Spillwaybob

 

I believe its one of those deals where you have to take it to the dealer.

 

On the bottom of the transmission pan there is a plug marked "check" and probably when you remove this, the oil will run out until it gets the proper level but where do you put oil in?
Spillwaybob

 

It's somewhat complicated - from what I've read.

It's VERY important you get the tranny up to proper operating temperatures before you check it.

If you click here:
http://www.markass.com/toyotanation/

Click on "2005 tacoma a750e" (2nd one)

You'll be prompted with an OPEN or SAVE box.....

Scroll down to where it says "aft inspection 1gr fe.pdf"

It's probably better off to take it to the dealer and have them check it. Personally, I wouldn't mess with it while it's still under warrantee.

 

Thanks, Janster for the information. It's hard to understand why Toyota made this so complicated. My truck had the radiator replaced due to an accident and the Toyota Body Shop didn't top up the ATF and told me to take it to the dealer which I did. It cost the body shop $125 to perform this proceedure and top up the oil. Glad I didn't have to pay for it. Thanks again for the information.
Spillwaybob

 

I have a 2005 prerunner and I'had the tranni changed after 41000 mls on it, cause it was shifting roughly on 1st and 2nd gear the dealer changed it no questions asked, so I found out talking to the technician at Toyota that the transmision has to be level there is plug w/the letters WS fill it up until it spills over, almost the same as changing the oil on your differential, be careful to make sure there is oil in it or else

 

It's very very important that the tranny is 'up to temp'........you can't just crack open the fill hole and top it off.

 

On transmissions with dipsticks, there is a HOT level and a COLD level so if you get the Taco 5-speed up to normal operating temperature, I would think that adding oil until it runs out of the level plug would be pretty close to correct. It's hard to believe that the exact level is that critical and Toyota's proceedure for checking sounds like a lot of hype and an attempt to keep the do-it-youself guy from doing what should be a simple job. My two cents.
Spillwaybob

 

I callled a few different dealerships and got the following information:

If you tow with your truck, have it serviced every 30,000-45,000 miles.

Otherwise, they consider the ATF to be lifetime and tranny does not need service. However, all of the dealerships suggested I bring the vehicle in at 100,000 miles to have it flushed and replaced.

There is no documented service interval unless you tow???

 

I bought the Taco because I grew weary of maintance.
Let the dealer worry. He sees it every 5.000.