Transmission 2016-2023- 6 SPEED AUTOMATICS COULD BE LOW ON FLUID DIRECTLY FROM FACTORY

Well, I wish I had checked this out earlier. I found TW trying to see opinions on motor oil (not going into that) and found the issue w/ the low fluid. I even read about the passenger side temperature control knob being hard to turn and low and behold, mine was the same!

Just to add to all this, my 2016 4x2 TRD Sport Double Cab was nearly 2 quarts low (tech put in 2, but some did run out). I was calling Toyota corporate and finally got the ear of the Service Manager and he finally got things rolling. I wanted to watch them check it this time (which he was cool with) and not a drop came out when the tech removed the overflow plug.

Build was somewhere in 4/16 in TX, but can't find a Julian date in the VIN, just a sequence number (14399 if you're wondering).

I have about 5,700 miles on my truck, so next call is to update the case number w/ Toyota corporate (have 2 open already) and argue for an extended warranty on the transmission.

It does feel much better after the fluid got added, but that could just me being happy it's finally right. I had the TSB for the shifting issue 2 weeks ago and they even gave me new brake pads and rotors (I complained about the vibration when braking - it wasn't all that bad, but I'll take the parts), but funny that I specifically asked them to check the ATF level and they said they did, but obviously did not. Even the Service Manager and Service Writer noted the tech told them both he checked it.

Thanks for all the great info on this site and to those folks helping us get this fixed. I'd never even know this was the issue if not for this site, so I am very grateful for everyone's input.

 

Just wondering, but wouldn't the transmission be filled at the Toyota factory when they mate the engine and tranny together? I used to work Aisin USA (the sister plant to this one - Aisin Drivetrain) when it launched and was thinking of calling some old buddies to see if they have heard anything. Issues like this are the reason I got out of automotive... too many like this that I can recall.

 

It makes sense to fill them at the factory because it would prevent the gears from gnashing against each other dry when being shipped to the factory for installation.

 

Since I had the transmission software update, my transmission does not hunt for gears. The mileage has dropped by 1/2 MPG, but the improvement in shifting is worth it.

 

True, but I was thinking that since you would have to put the cooler on after the motor and tranny were installed that the fluid would be put in afterward. I figured the shaft would be locked down, so no real movement. I'm still trying to find some old buddies up there, so maybe I can find out.

 

Update - Toyota gave me an 8 year / 100,000 mile platinum warranty after all the issues w/ this and the dealership.

 

I had insisted that they checked the transmission fluid before delivery. The service department was closed at the time, but they kept it overnight and told me it was filled to the proper levels.

Just had my 5K service done. I suspected that they didn't really do it, so I talked to the service rep and he knew what I was talking about. They checked it again, and I know because I had to wait for it to cool down, and then he explained what they were doing.

Turns out it was overfilled. Service rep said that it makes it feel sluggish when over filled and under filled it will give you jolts. I don't know, but it does "feel" more responsive on the accelerator. It could all be in my head too.

 

This is excellent news !!
Its good to hear that some of the members here are persuading Toyota into extended warranty .
If you haven't received an extended warranty and you were low on fluid , continue fighting them

 

GOOD JOB on this thread Gearcruncher, it was a lot of work and you don't even own a 3rd generation too.

 

So our turd gen is going in for its first service appt tomorrow to do the 6 mo/5000 mile service (only at 2500 miles currently). The thing has shifted like crap since day 1 and now acts like it isn't in gear once I put it in drive, then after pushing the gas and waiting a few seconds it finally goes...

I called the local dealership and told them it needs the service and they need to check fluid level in transmission as well as do the TSB for the transmission. I talked to the service tech and they acted like I am the first person to every bring this up about transmission issues. I am sure they play dumb because they don't want to admit that the truck has issues.

Any suggestions from people that has dealt with this if the dealership tries to blow it off like nothing is wrong?

 

Mine went in twice... first time, they said they checked and said it was fine, but it shifted worse than before I took it in. Second time, I talked to the service manager and made him let me actually watch them check it and low and behold, 2 qts low. It all depends on how good of a dealership you have. Mine sucks now that it got bought out by a huge group and is no longer a "local" dealership.

One thing, call Toyota and get a service number from them. Make sure to tell your dealership that number as it does help in that they know you have already talked to someone about the issue. Hopefully, nothing is wrong, but if it is, you have the documentation and you can argue for an extended warranty. I ended up with an 8 year / 100,000 mile extension.

 

It went in Saturday. They claim the fluid was fine, could be true or a lie, not sure. I should've checked it myself but forgot. They did the TSB and it does shift and drive a lot better now.

 

Almost a quart low on mine

 

You may be Ok then... when they did the TSB to mine, it shifted a TON worse than before, so it really showed the issues w/ the low fluid.

 

Damn! Picked up my new one yesterday. Got under the rig with the tech and did the U-bolts on the rear axle (all checked out at 52 ft./lbs) but totally zoned out on this! Why in the heck did they do away with a simple ATF dip stick? Now I got to search out some drain plug in around the AT? Jimminy Xmas miss'us Clause, can ya help me with that flashlight?

BTW, Gearcruncher U da Man! A big thank you for your exhaustive help to our members here on the Forum on this issue. Much appreciated!

 

Toyota knows this is an ongoing issue, even on mine which was built last month. How long is it going to go on before they make sure trucks have the correct amount of ATF??? Two years of trucks now and still an issue.

The dealership that actually checked mine said about 60% of those they check are low on ATF

 

Had my 2017 TRD OR checked yesterday and it was fine. Dealer told me that they don't see this being an issue with the 2017's.

 

My 17 was made in November, still an issue. Hopefully they finally got it figured out... but like I said my dealership is finding 60% of those checked are low.

 

Thanks Gearcruncher, et. al., for the heads up on this. Took my 2017 in today (I have the tow package). All OK on the ATF. Pretty exhaustive process to check the ATF. E.g., get the fluid temp with in the prescribed range to pop the drain plug and check.

 

My 2017 TRD fd2wd was low 1/2 qt toyota agreed to 8 yr 125k mile warranty extension but I still have a clunky hard downshift when cold After 23 yrs in the auto repair business I know for certain it will fail prematurely.