3rd Gen Transmission Fluid level Check

Ok update:
Finally did the check in front of me...not a drop came out!
Mechanic added some fluid and said it was only down 200 to 300 ml...?
Not sure if they did it right or not as it happened so fast...
After 5 hours waiting there I just wanted to go home...
The best part...when I went for my keys they charged me 67 dollars for my "service #1"...which I never even asked them to do! I only asked for my complimentary computer options adjustment. This service number 1 sheet has a checklist...turn signals, wiper blades, horn etcetc...I never asked for this! Its a brand new truck! I should hope the lights work and the wiper blades are still good! Oh And they rotated my tires, also not requested...67 bucks to rotate tires and look under hood? Yikes!
I paid the money and went straight home to call toyota canada...I have the first visit sheet where it says at level good, now a new receipt proving it was not...so waiting on a call back from a manager at corporate...
Unbelievable!

 

Tried out the procedure to put the transmission in check mode and never got the the "D" to stay lit to verify it was in check mode. Anyone have any other pointers or suggestions to try to put the transmission in check mode?

 

Insert jumper. Start truck. Move slowly from P-R-N-D-S then back to P. Drop it back to N, and this is where you go from N to D six times ending back in N. So, N-D-N-D-N-D-N. These shifts have to be done in less than 6 seconds. Watch the display and D will pop up for about 2 secs then go away. At this point you can put it in P and pull the jumper. Wait for 10-13 mins (est) and when the D reappears adjust level.

 

Pulling the jumper isn't needed. Nevertheless, this single post should be stickied since everyone us always asking about how to do it.

 

I think you do have to pull the jumper. The first time I checked mine, I left the jumper and I waited 20 minutes and the temp light never came back on. I shut it down and ran through it again and pulled the jumper and the temp light came on.

 

My '16 DCSB OR was not showing symptoms, but after reading about all the cases of low fluid on TW, I didn't want to take a chance. I debated taking it to the dealer, but really wasn't in the mood to work around their time frame so ultimately decided to check the fluid level myself and ended up adding about .75 qts. It only had 1K miles at the time, so hopefully no damage has occurred, especially since I bypassed Toyota and the dealer. I think I will go ahead and call corporate and tell them I found it to be low and that I addressed it myself so at least it's documented somewhere in case there is tranny issue with my truck later on.

 

I really hope Toyota comes down on that dealer and refunds you the money. If It was me I would have walked out and said I did not ask for any of that with a new truck. I just wanted my fluid checked and walk away.

 

Please forgive my ignorance. I have an infrared laser thermometer. It is accurate to -/+ 1/10 of a degree. If I aim the laser at the bottom of my transmission pan until I get a reading between 93 and 113 do you think this would be sufficiently accurate? The ambient temp of the pan should reflect the temp of the fluid? Just seems easier than the jumper shift method. opinions?

 

That would be close, I'm sure... but it's so easy to stick a wire in the ODB thingy...why would you..??

 

Procedure is the same; you still have to do all the jumper BS, if you're trying to avoid that.

 

It is not necessary just six times. From TSB-AC60F - "While observing the D shift indicator on the combination meter, move the shift lever back and forth between N and D at an interval of less than 1.5 seconds for 6 seconds or more." see - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...and-fluid-levels.418424/page-10#post-11959844.

The jumper wire should be removed once the check mode is activated.

 

someone did this and when the temp reading on the infrared gun read 100 the D started to blink in check mode meaning was passing the 113 mark. So I think if you do the check with the reading at 95 with the laser you should be good. I wish I could go to toyota and have them plug it in and read the temp and I had the laser on it so I can get a more accurate at what range it would be

 

Mines scheduled for tommorrow mornin...
Lets see what happens

 

how many miles on it? how long have you had it? that crap should be covered
under the 5k/6month check. Hope you get some resolution.

 

Just giving info that has worked for me several times, and trying to make it easy for other folks. Cliff Notes if you will.

It may not be necessary but the pdf mentions pulling it, and something about engine speed and proper warm up. It's probably fine either way.

 

The jumper thing sounds a lot more complicated than it really is. Honestly it takes no time at all to do it. I wouldn't go with the IR, just because it will take a bit of time for the heat to transfer to the pan.

 

Bought in November 2015...6000KM on it.

 

did you already have your 5k/6month check and this was right after? If not
I don't get how they wanted to charge you a dime.

 

Where should it indicate that the 5k six month check up is free?

 

Couldn't fluid level be checked without going through all the jumper and shifter crap? Isn't that procedure just to verify temp is in the right range?