Transmission Max Temp - Toyota Answers

I recently asked Toyota for the number that turns on the A/T High Temp light on my 2013 V-6 Tacoma with the tow package. I have a Scan Gauge and I have seen as high as 230 on the Trans Temp so I was curious. Here is the answer:

Dear Terry Tubb,
Thank you for your follow-up email.
We apologize that the Owner's Manual does not include the temperature in which the automatic transmission oil light will illuminate in your 2013 Tacoma.
If you are towing with your vehicle, the automatic transmission oil temperature light may illuminate at 302 degrees. If the light comes on, it indicates that the auto transmission fluid temperature is too high. If the light flashes, it indicates a malfunction in the auto transmission system.

For further evaluation, information and assistance, we recommend you contact your local Toyota dealership.
Regards,

Kym Strong

Toyota Customer Experience

Now we know.

 

300 plus sounds very high. The fluid should run around 165 normal driving. Towing up to 220. When you get above 220 you start shortening the life of the transmission fluid, some claim as much as by 50%.
Personally I would add another cooler that was big enough to keep it under 200 even under heavy towing conditions.
Here is an article you might want to look at. Even though this is not about a Toyota it does not change the facts about the fluid and the transmission.
http://www.roscommonequipmentcenter.com/news_notes/nn15.pdf

http://waynestransmissions.com/2010/07/20/the-secret-to-extended-automatic-transmission-life/

 

Thanks for the info! I'm driving froma Alaska and was curious on when the light turns on. I got up to 240 in 20 degree weather. 300 def sounds high. I pulled over when I'm driving over 200 to let the tranny rest. Thanks again

 

Holy crap..... 300!?
That's not a warning light, that's a $5K lightbulb!

 

I know this is old, but thank you for gathering this info

 

It is not a sealed system. Remove the drain plug and do not remove the inner sleeve. Squirt fluid into the drain hole until it starts coming out. You are now full. There is also a temperature range this should be completed inside

 

Does pinning the transmission thermostat open help?

 

I didn't know that it had one

 

I had a long conversation with a mechanic that I trust and he said that with synthetic transmission fluids are able to withstand higher temperatures without breaking down and ruining the transmission. I would definitely not want to see the 300 deg. when the light comes on, but I would think 230 deg. would be fine. I put a larger trans cooler on our 2012 Tacoma and have seen 225 degrees on the Scanguage when towing in the mountains.

 

Yes, as long as you monitor it. These trucks want to run at 190-200F. Pinning it open in the winter can cause 120-130F constant temperatures.

Third gen has a transmission thermostat, second gen does not. I often pin it open when towing in the Summer. It allows the fluid temperature to start lower before hills than the 195F that the thermostat opens at. But the cooler works too well im most other conditions to keep it pinned open

 

During the winter, mine stays at 130 and it doesn't get that cold here. I have a 2nd gen

 

Did you have the thermo pinned?

 

He's got a 2012 so he doesn't have a transmission fluid thermostat