3rd Gen Transmission Fluid level Check

typical. the only thing the "case" will do is get you a call back, telling
you to return to the dealer. Good luck. I was told for the 4th time that
returning was the only resolution I had, I said, don't bother calling the dealer
I'm done wasting my time with you morons.

 

First post here - new member. I just spoke with a service manager at a local dealer here in the Phoenix area where my dad just purchased a 2016 TRD OR with tow package. I told him about everything I've seen / read here, and that I'd like to have the fluid level checked in my dad's brand new truck. He was actually very cool, and said he would be happy to do it if it would give us peace of mind. BUT he also told me a couple of things that I found interesting. First, he said the dealership does not get reimbursed by Toyota for factory issues if they find nothing wrong with the vehicle, so many times the tech will say they added a quart or essentially that SOMETHING was wrong in order to make sure they get paid for the time in doing the service. Not sure if this is true or not, but I assume it's possible. "We get paid to fix it, not to check it" He also said that the transmission in these is very sensitive to fluid levels. If the level is low it will exhibit odd shifting behavior almost immediately, which he has heard about and seen happen, so if it's shifting fine it is very likely correctly filled. Lastly he said if it is low and shifting funny, it's really not doing damage - it simply needs to be filled to a correct level to get it back to shifting correctly. I could see a few of the points and may just have dad drive it as is. If he experiences odd behavior then we'll take it in.

 

To determine if your problem is related to the transmission or differentials , select neutral at 25 mph and coast to a stop without using the brakes .This will eliminate the transmission from downshifting as the truck slows down . If the rumble strip feeling is gone , the issue is within the transmission and driveline . I dont own a 2016 but for what it takes , I would remove the battery cable for 1/2 hour and re-road test your truck

 

If the transmission is low , it needs to be filled to the correct level . Low transmission fluid causes all kinds of damage . There is " NO " happy medium with transmission fluid levels . It is either full at the correct level or it is low on fluid . For some guys not noticing symptoms , consider this-Your transmission is brand new . All the clearances are within specification . The transmission pump is brand new along with all the aluminum valves within the valve body . Drive around with a condition of low fluid for any period of time and it will wear parts twice as quickly as a transmission that is filled correctly . Just because you do not feel the symptoms from the drivers seat , doesn't mean that damage is not being done .

 

Just got back from picking her up at the dealer. Spoke to the lead service tech and my father-in -law was with me. The tech seemed like a nice guy and was patient and listened to me very well. At first he stuck to the script about it being normal and that's the way Toyota wants it to shift to save the MPGs. Call Toyota if you have further comments about it.

After talking a bit he did give a bit more info. Toyota told him they've been getting a lot of calls on this, but so far they are defending it and it's got to be about fuel economy regulations. He also talked about computer adjustments in the past for shift changes in other models. He can't guarantee that will happen and gave me no indication to expect it to happen. But did say it might be a possibility down the road. It kinda seemed like they are as frustrated as we are.

I asked, and He didn't recommend resetting the memory by disconnecting battery because it would just start the learning process all over. It might ride better for a few days, and then start going through the shifting learning all over again.

My plan is to give it a while to marinate as I try driving as normal as possible for the next couple thousand miles. Throw an oil change in there somewhere then see where I'm at. I'm going to call Toyota if the shutter gets any worse or doesn't improve though. Shifting early shouldn't result in shuttering.

 

Yes, its complicated isn't it? We must be geniuses.

 

Strange thing with my morning cold starts are...R to D has a 2-3 second delay before engaging in D...always. BUT, if I go straight to D in the morning I have no delays whatsoever. Can anyone explain this?

 

Did anybody anytime anywhere somehow maybe test drive the truck?

 

Go away..!

 

Your so grumpy..!

 

Yup..!!

 

Did you purchase this initially or is this offered as an extended warranty?

 

I did test drive an A/T 4x4 DCSB Off Road before I ordered my manual just to get an idea of how it drives even though it won't be the same and I never had any complaints about the drive or shifting

 

@gearcruncher,

I apologize if you feel like I'm using you, but you seem to be the only person with knowledge on this matter that makes trustworthy statements about the shifting issues with this truck.

I did as you suggested. I coasted to a stop with the transmission in neutral and all three times the "rumble strip/aggressive M/T tire" sensation was present during deceleration. The sensation begins at approximately 30 mph, but is most noticeable from 25 mph to 20 mph, although it continues all the way until the truck stops.

What do you surmise could be causing this?

Thanks.

 

Don't sweat it. "Grumpy" doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about this piece of $35K scrap metal on wheels.

 

All new vehicles purchased from this dealer (Hendrick Toyota of Apex) come with the lifetime power train warranty at no extra cost.

 

"lifetime" of what...?? the truck, the tranny... the driveline.. you...??

Not too sure what that means...

 

You'd be more Grumpy, if you were in Canada... I paid way over $42,000 (CDN) for it...! Taxes and shit...etc, etc..

But I got free health care and cheap maple syrup..!

 

That's awesome, I'm jealous.

 

Now you're just rubbing it in. I LOVE maple syrup and we pay through the arse for it, at least here in Kansas.