Your new 2010 - 2015 truck -Auto transmission could be low on fluid directly from factory

I don't know if anyone will be willing to be the 1st guinea pig - new or used pan. Maybe so.

For those of you who might be contemplating this, also consider going over to:

http://www.t4r.org -- 4 Runner forum

and ask around. Maybe someone in the 3rd/4th Gen forum can tell you how many bolt holes are in their pan(s) and may even post a pic of the bottom of the pan. It's a start.

Next comes the issue of the dipstick. Are the dipstick mounting plate hole(s) used in earlier 1GR-FE engines still on the '05-'15 1GR-FE engines? If not, how will you "neatly" fasten mount plate(s). What about a pathway from the side of the transmission pan upwards? Anything in the way that can't easily be relocated?

This situation reminds me of what one can see at t4r.org regarding Toyota's relocation of the oil filter from up above like it is on our 2nd Gen Tacoma's to down below. A replaceable paper element is swapped out during an oil change. No more spin on cartridge.

If a transmission is using fluid it's either burning or leaking it. In the former case - high fluid temps; in the latter - messy garage/driveway floor. Both cases easily monitored.

For me it's just not that big of a deal to jumper 2 OBD ports - shift gears a few times; then slide underneath to loosen a 5mm allen head.

I wish you all the best in your quest for a dipstick tranny pan.

 

You said it. These are contained systems and transmission fluid is not "consumed" in the way that an engine can consume oil. For this reason, a dipstick doesn't make a lot of sense.

I mentioned it a few pages back but the OBD jumper and overflow hole method is actually quite convenient. You do it once and then tighten everything up and don't worry!

 

Mine went to the dealer today to get everything checked...Ill post results!

 

I was told 100k was the first service interval for mine I know that can't be right.

 

So I FINALLY got the dealer to check my trans level (long story but the first one lied to me) and it was dry when they removed the bolt. They added a quart and a half and drained for 5 min until it stopped coming out.

I put 17,500 miles on it. How much did that jack up my trans?

 

I'm going to call Toyota headquarters and complain in a couple weeks once I verify that the shifting issues are completely resolved, since it took over half a dozen trips to two separate dealers before the oil was checked (even though I specifically requested it each time and was told it was checked through a sensor the first time).

 

As long as it didn't overheat you should be fine. At least you now have a record of the trans being low in case you have a problem in the future.

 

Glad I found this thread! I'll be checking mine soon.

 

mine went in and turns out my 2015 is good to go , pretty much the only thing that hasnt broke on the drive line yet

 

How would you check if you dont have a dipstick I have a 2011 Tacoma with 91k miles and I really want to make Shure everything is ok don't want to pay for whole new transmission

 

I did a drain and fill yesterday with just shy of 3 quarts drained. When refilled, I used about 1/6 over 3 quarts to fill with a little draining after top off so I'd say I was right on for fluid level. 28k on truck with tow package and could slightly tell the fluid was used from color comparison between new/old fluid.

 

Good research data!!

Sounds like good news

 

Read the first attached link in post one. It will give you instructions on how to get to temp and check level.

 

After finding Tocoma World and reading this I thought it a good idea to have my fluid level checked. I had 1,000 miles on it. It does have a trans cooler. It was 1 quart low. The tranny seems a little happier now. Could be my imaginationg. I will be calling Toyota corporate to ask for an extended warranty on the transmission.

Thanks everyone!

 

I would move this post to the 3rd Gen section

 

Contacted Corporate a couple days ago, complained about the low fluid/their responsibility, and the rough shift, 20k miles like that, plus towing cross country 2x, so they opened a case.
Dealership service mgr called yesterday, wants to set up an appt. with me, we talked, and I told them I want the pan pulled to check for any debris/materials that would show damage, and he agreed to it.
I also expressed my frustration with the lack of a dipstick!
So next week, we'll see what happens, the service mgr seems real interested in getting this resolved.
I'm headed over to their parts dept to see if an older trans pan with a dipstick has the same bolt pattern as a new one, might get one and ask them to install it when they pull my pan off!

@gearcruncher

 

subed for dipstick info.

 

I think I found the dipstick solution!
From the FJ forum:

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/foru...n-aids/142540-dipstick-a750-series-trans.html

Post #3 V

Re: Dipstick for A750 series trans?
Here's a picture of a 4Runner Pan:



You would need to get the dipstick tube which inserts into the stub in the pan and the dipstick itself. The pan would be easy to buy from a parts supplier like Slauson transmission parts in LA and the dipstick and tube can be bought from Toyota parts. You could buy the pan new too but it would be expensive and you would just be cutting it up anyway so just get a used one.
Attached Images


Post #4 V

Good ideas and info, along the lines of what I was considering.... but it looks like Toyota beat us to it. For one or two years, the 2003 Land Cruiser came with the A750F.... and a dipstick! In 04 Toyota went to the WS fluid and no dipstick. So we might have a bolt in solution for about $150.

Looks like the older model pans do fit!

 

if someone actually pulls this off, I will buy them beer and lunch! I dont have the time right now to do it or I would do it myself.

 

I'm getting close...