Just dropped her off for trans issues.

This is the same experience I had. They could not replicate and the service manager said if they can't observe it, they won't even waste time to check the fluid because it's an expensive service for them to perform without observing the problem. He also said Toyota will not allow them to check the fluid if they cannot observe the problem.

Then they warned me not to touch the transmission because I could risk voiding my warranty (typical). They said if it gets really bad and to the point where it can be observed by them, they are willing to take a look at it.

 

Yup. This kind of happened to me. I told them I had some shifting issues and mentioned the tow package low transmission fluid problem. Of course he had no idea what I was talking about and then said if I wanted to get the transmission fluid checked, I would need to pay to have them do a flush.

 

What I don't get is, why doesn't the dealer just check the level the same way others have done here. Wait for the right temp, and open the inlet and see if anything comes out?

They insisted they have to drain the entire transmission. Hell I couldn't even get them to check the zerk fittings on the drive shaft!

My adviser said, "Well it is a new truck." My point exactly, new engine, new transmission, ect. So wouldn't the logical thing be to log this concern, and the dealers report back to Toyota which would help them discover a possible flaw during the manufacturing process, ie not putting enough transmission fluid in a truck with the tow package?

But then again like most car manufactures, the bean counters run the show at the customers expense. I just told them when it blows up we can revisit this, but at least a paper trail has been created.

 

My fear is our transmissions will burn out after the warranty expires and they'll refuse to do anything about it.

 

Toyota is dropping the ball on this gen 3 stuff. I realize forum magnify small problems but virtually everyone I've talked to about the auto has the same complaints.

 

how do i identify the ATF check plug? my luck i would remove the drain plug!

 

The 14mm bolt is the drain, the 5mm hex bolt is the check plug. Pretty sure it has check stamped in it too.

 

I dropped my truck off this morning as well. Gave them a decent list of things to check.. I've been getting the Reverse to Drive hesitation on cold mornings as well as harder shifts when cold. I also get a weird vibration when braking that occurs around the 20mph mark. Also had a drivers door panel rattle and wanted an oil change.

Dropped it off at 10:30 and called them at 6:30 this evening before I left work and wasn't able to get a hold of the service writer I have been working with. I figured if they went through and checked out everything and didn't find an issue, they would have let me know the truck was finished so we will see what happens in the morning.

I worked at a subaru dealer as a technician last year so I know how big of a pain the warranty process can be so hopefully they just do what I asked and we can get through this. I now manage a performance shop so worst case, i'll fix the problems myself.

 

Last year before or about the same time your new trucks were released to the dealerships I posted this.
I try to jump into these newer threads so we can keep all the answers contained in one thread . Its difficult to keep up
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...be-low-on-fluid-directly-from-factory.405642/

 

Such is life with new mass produced models. Toyota is using a trans designed for a 150 HP 4 cylinder in a 278 HP V6 to maximize their profits.

 

I wish we could say such is life . Toyota transmissions have been under filled for a couple years now . Its becoming an epidemic that they knew about but did nothing to rectify the issue . Look at the link I provided for proof and you will see why I can make this statement without any hesitation

 

As soon as I hear back from the dealer/get some answers, I'll add my answer to your poll.

Other than these small little issues, I've loved the truck so far. It's been hard to decide which I like better though, the 15' I had previously, or the 16'.

 

Oh, please. That's nonsense.

 

Does anyone have any idea why this is happening though? It seems odd to me that Toyota would do something like this on purpose with all the bad press they received the last few years for other issues. I'm not saying Toyota isn't without their faults, but it would be interesting to know the reasoning behind it (if there is one).

 

At this point in time , we blame the dealers that sell you the truck . It may not be the actual reason but they are the last line of defense before the truck leaves the property .
Until Tacoma World comes out with the reason why so many trucks are low on fluid , all I can suggest is to continue logging in and checking up on the latest posts . There are a bunch of members here trying to figure this out . Toyota has been very quiet about the issue

 

Thank you! I'm still waiting on my truck, so I'm reading other people's experiences with theirs during the waiting game. I'm not sure the dealer I'm working with will check this, but I'll ask when the time comes just to be on the safe side.

 

My trans was slipping at various times and doing some strange stuff in general. I took mine in to have them check the trans fluid and drove it with the tech. 7 hours later i get the dreaded "couldn't replicate the problem" even though the tech witnessed it. I asked if they checked the fluid and they said, twice, YES we check it and its at proper levels. After i got the truck back i went under and looked at the trans overflow plug, drain, and fill bolts an nothing was touched. I did the check myself at home and nothing came out when i pulled the overflow. Went back to the dealer and gave them hell. They finally checked the fluid and said it was a quart low and said they topped it off. Not sure if they actually did fill it or if they were just BSing me. I am still having shifting issues, slipping, and delay from reverse to drive. What is up with these lazy ass dealers. Not sure what to do now. Im at 5k so i need to bring it in for service but not looking forward to bringing up trans issues and having them keep my truck for like a week. So frustrating

 

You are documenting all of this, right?

 

Looking up the side of the tranny on the passenger side...is the fill plug. The check plug is on the pan and is easily identified as the only one with a 5mm hex head.

 

Guys,
You have to call Toyota Directly and get a case # and start complaining about this. If the only thing you do is going to the dealer and not documenting anything, we may not see any fixes on these problems for a while. We have to communicate toyota of all the problems we are experiencing. Called 2 weeks ago and got a case # as well as a case manager. I will advise you to do the same thing and basically complaint.