3.25 quarts low

Checked my AT fluid for the first time today, at 15,500 miles....

My master tech found it 3 1/4 quarts low....

As a service writer for Toyota, I do have to tread lightly, however customer care will be getting a call about this negligence.

 

how much should it have at full?

 

Did you not notice any issues...??? Or did you actually fall for the "it's normal" crap that you were told to hand out...??

I smell something bad...!! Is it Bullshit...??

What do you guys think...??

 

I noticed issues from day 1. However, was told by a previous master tech (at my previous dealership) that it was full from the start. After changing dealerships within the past 6 weeks, I've spoken with the master tech who just looked at my vehicle and was more than willing to look at every potential issue.

 

Full is anywhere between 12-14 quarts from what I've been told, so 3 1/4 is a SIGNIFICANT amount low.

 

I have asked every Tacoma owner at my new dealership if they have these specific issues to try to alleviate their stress down the road. This forum helps so much for me and my customers, who I take great pride in providing "truly exceptional" service.

 

So how does it drive now?

 

On my drive home from work, it certainly seemed smoother to say the least. Looking at other known problem tomorrow (lower control arm kazoo noise). I am very thankful to have a knowledgeable master technician working on my taco.

 

I would call corporate and ask them .... if you had under filled the transmission fluid when you changed it, and you had an issue/failure, would they deny a warranty claim. If the answer is yes, then ask them for an extended warranty on your drive train.

bottom line...get a platinum warranty from Toyota. It's fair and reasonable at this point.

 

does low fluid feel like a clutch slipping or engine missing when truck shifts into 6th and you hit a very mild incline.??

 

does the truck buck a little? like a fish hitting a line? if so, that's typical, not normal

 

yes.. then little more gas it will down shift and go.... only happens once awhile... I figure it was just how a 6 speed auto feels ???

 

i hate to tell you this, but welcome to the new norm. I'd like to blame toyota, but I'm sure it's the EPA BS.

 

Is it a hassle to ask them to check it at the 5k service? Do most dealerships own up to Toyotas issue with low fluid or deny and say it is fine? Just wondering how to go about having it checked without getting a run around or hassle

 

How long does it take them to check the levels? I thought I read somewhere to do it correctly it takes time.

 

yeah.. I can live with it,, I just have to learn to be a little heaver on the gas sometimes I guess. I thought the 5k was a fluid check?? and what would they benefit about not filling it if it was low???

 

5K is a fluid check point just not the fluids that really need checking. They will peak into your windshield washer fluid and maybe the coolant bottle and the brake fluid bottle. They wont look at the differentials, transfer case or the transmission fluids. You know the stuff that needs checking.

 

huh,,, so a waste of time for me and them then.... I'm going to try to get them to check it just for peace of mind. if they will.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...be-low-on-fluid-directly-from-factory.405642/

 

i wish i had all of the answers. i will be contacting toyota corporate to discuss this matter. im just concerned it was found so low, I've not read anyone else's fluid that low. will update with results when ive spoken with toyota.