Question - Transmission 2016 /17- 6 SPEED AUTOMATICS LOW ON FLUID DIRECTLY FROM FACTORY

Just bought a 2016 Tacoma SR5 Access cab 4x2. Scheduled to pick it up Saturday. I wish I had learned about all the 2016 Taco issues before I made this purchase. Anyway, I had a question that I couldn't find the answer to after pouring over the numerous posts regarding "low tranny fluid from factory", so, here it goes:

Does this "possible low fluid level from factory" issue also apply to 4x2s w/o tow package?

If so, I was going to ask the dealer to check fluid before I take possession. I'm also planning on asking the dealer to apply the following TSBs:

TSB-0077-16, T-SB-0079-15

What a great resource this forum is....

Thanks to all who take the time to share...

 

Herr Ulrich,
The answer is yes. I just got mine back today after the dealer added a quart of ATF. Not happy about the 4600 miles I've put on the truck with a low fluid condition.
Check out this thread and vote:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...be-low-on-fluid-directly-from-factory.405642/

Auf wiedersehen -- Yojimbo

 

Ich danke Ihnen.....

I suspected as much. I'm a little discouraged after reading some of the other poster's experiences regarding this issue. I'm not sure I want to blindly trust that my dealer will actually use the correct procedure to check the tranny fluid.

regards

 

Demand a physical check of the fluid...!! Also ask to watch them do it..!!

 

There is a pre-sale checklist that the dealer "should be" going through. Doubt that dealers do a good job at this.

To answer your question - YES, ask them to physically check the tranny fluid and remind them to give you a copy of the checklist.

 

They DO NOT "check all fluids" as outlined on that checklist...!!

 

I found my checklist in the glove box, nothing physically ticked off on it!

 

Siznarf and Over60 are right. I would (and am currently myself) follow the brain trust here. These guys are much smarter than I. I'm in the process of contacting Toyota about my problem. Be nice if there were some consumer advocates we could turn to. I guess Ralph Nader is otherwise occupied. I started with the link I posted earlier.

 

I just got an SR5 4WD and told the sales person/service manager that a condition of purchase was that I watch the teck check the fluid. I went back the day after I picked up the truck, a long wait for the tranny to cool down and then the computer check for tranny heat and the fluid was a qt low. In my case the service manager was great. A warm day tomorrow in CT so I'm going to check the read differential. If it's low, I'll bring the truck back to have the transfer case and front diff. checked and have them all filled.

 

Why would they check the fluid on a sealed transmission? The dealer is not going to check it unless you pay for it or have a concern where warranty will cover it. I work as a tech at a toyota dealer if that helps. There has to be a concern for us or sales is going to pay almost 1 hour labor to check the fluid. I checked mine 17 TRD OR i would say it was maybe a quart low but i slightly over filled it, i've had better luck with World Stranded fluid being about 200ml over and it has improved the shifts.

 

...because there's a history of transmission fluid level issues with this truck?

I'm having all of the listed issues on the latest TSB for the transmission. Taking it in Monday. I had read a user here marked the cap/seal whatever where they would need to open the transmission to check the levels in a way it would be scuffed if the check was actually performed. I can't find it though. Anyone know what I'm talking about?

 

Not good enough sorry.

 

If you are having issues indicative of tranny problems due to low fluid they will check it under warranty. I was having some obvious issues, they did the full physical check while I waited 6 hours, and it was found to be 2 quarts low. After the tsb and fluid level fixed, it runs just fine now.

 

This has been well documented with the ongoing poll and this thread as well as others:

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

My main purpose for posing my question was to see if the issue also affected 4x2s w/o tow. All who replied have made valid points. I haven't even taken possession of my truck, and I'm already having concerns about driving around with a possible "low ATM fluid condition". I presently have a 2006 access cab 4x2 that has been "rock solid" for me. And, I thought that after 10 years, I'd treat myself to a new Tacoma. Now I'm thinking - some treat huh??

The first sign of any issues, and I'm going to the dealership/service and get it addressed and documented.

Thanks again to the others who invested time with the above post....

 

You can refuse to take possession until they have checked it, and provided documentation. Good luck in whatever you decide to do!