Low transmission fluid levels in trucks with tow package

Just remember when doing the level check after slightly over filling the trans... When you hit 115 degrees FH and pull the check plug youl get a big rush of fluid coming out. As soon as that big rush of fluid goes to a thinner steady stream. Imediatley install your check plug. Dont wait any longer

 

Regarding the comment on page 1 about putting the transmission in learn mode.

Post #8 in the following provides info for putting a Camry's transmission into learn mode. The person providing this info spent many years in a Toyota dealership. I wonder if this approach also works for a 2nd Gen Tacoma?

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...nging-battery-erase-tsb-transmission-fix.html

 

Any reason you do this? Everything I've read from either Toyota or any of the members on here, they say to wait for a slow trickle.

 

That thin steady stream is your slow trickle. Don't sit there and wait till its barley dripping out.

 

My dealer recently told me that they are seeing low fluid on many new 16's. I had my '14 checked and it was < 1/2 quart low. Unfortunately there is no old school dipstick, the tech told me that it was to minimize the ability for the air get at the fluid.

 

@ColoradoTom

When you did the ATF fluid check, did you lock the thermostatic valve? I've heard this is required for the Tacoma with tow package due to the ATF cooler. I have the tow package and will be checking it, but was curious if this was part of your process and where the valve is relative to the overfill plug.

Many thanks

 

After my Altima came from the factory with the ATF level low and looking through this thread, I figured that it was time to check the ATF level on my Tacoma although I have never had any issues with the tranny. It was just a tiny bit low, about 100 ml. I do feel better knowing now but I do miss the dip stick.
2015 DCSB V6 Prerunner with tow package.

 

I haven't posted any updates in awhile,
Even after I had my trans fluid topped off(3/4qt), and the learn mode reset, I was still having shift issues, and slamming into O/D.
So I opened a case with Toyota Corp., my local dealer contacted me, and we set an appointment.
I discussed my concerns with the service Mgr, and he agreed to pulling the trans pan, it was surprisingly clean, the fluid was slightly dark, but I felt reassured that my trans wasn't coming apart.
The tech also applied a reflash to the trans ECM, overall I'm pretty satisfied, still have an odd shift once in a while, but overall better!

Still wish Toyota hadn't deleted the dipstick!

 

No. Don't know what that is.

 

The trans shift programming is clunky. You just have to get used to it.

On my 2015 V6 AT, I find it helps to not drive exactly at 40mph (I have stock everything) since that seems to be a sore spot.

And look at it on the positive side - Sudden clunky shifts are better than drawn out slow shifts. Slow shifts generate more friction which means more heat.

 

Took the truck into a dealer to take a check the ATF fluid. They said it was full but a software update is required that Toyota has not yet pushed out. Sounds like bs. Time to get under there and check it myself in case they didn't actually check it.

 

I can tell you this...for the dealer to properly check your trans fluid level,they would have to let the truck cool off for a couple hours
It would have to be under 115 degrees Fh to go through the proper level check procedure

I do mine with my bosses snap on scanner...Ive done a drain and refill probably 5 times in 10 years,I only have 63,000 on my 2005
But I tow allot

 

Thanks for the info. Do you know the name/brand of the scanner? They had it for about 3 hours before they called me back with the software update info.

Also, what do you think about this: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/t-sb-0077-16-shift-feeling-enhancments.441262/

This service bulletin came out today, which is what the dealer described. Still going to check the fluid but will take it in to see if this helps.

 

snapon Ethos plus...about $550 on ebay
If they had your truck back there for 3 hours long,then they did it the rite way...took long time because they had to wait for your fluid to cool off under 115 degrees fh

After the fluid has cooled to under 115 degrees they will slightly over fill your transmission by about 10-12 ounces of WS trans fluid
Then they will run the truck,shifting through all gears few times to circulate fluid. They wait until fluid reaches the desired temp 115-130 if my memory is correct tonight
once it reaches 115 they will pull the level check plug with the truck running and let all the fluid rush out until its at only a slow trickle,then they quickly reinstall the check plug. all done!

 

Thank you for posting re: snapon Ethos plus.

Agreed the timing felt right, they also put 3 miles on the truck so not sure if they test drove it too as part of the diagnosis.

 

welcome! this guy talks about the technical side of it---->https://youtu.be/cNcecuGzTDg

 

Why wouldn't all dealers have this Toyota equipment...