2017 Low Automatic Transmission Fluid

Yep, thanks. I flagged it just to have it handy for when I get the time to check it and my diff myself. Not that I don't trust those guys down in TX, but.... I don't trust those guys, nor my dealer for doing the thing that they should have done and probably didn't bother with because it was harder than reading a dipstick.

 

Why not just drain and fill to the correct amount?

 

That's probably what is happening at the factory... they're just putting X value in, probably some metered gun that gets it "close enough" The problem with that is that there is variances in the assembly process and human interaction. You do not want to have too much fluid in an AT, it can lead to some bad things. It may be that guyX prefills the torque converters well before assembly, and guyZ isn't so good at it. The result is low fluid, because the rest was just premeasured. No telling how many ways they can mess this up without actually checking using the new "method". The downside is poor performance as insufficient pressures in the valves keeps them from activating like they should. The bands are at least being lubricated.

I guess it's better than all being overfilled.

 

It's a sealed system, so you can't 'easily' drain and fill. You'd have to do a partial drain and top off multiple times.

I think someone found out that it was some robot issue on the line that was not filling it correctly. I do know that even after they said was fixed they still had VINs after that date that were low. I'd get it checked... like Gearcruncher said, there were a ton of us that complained and many got extended warranties.

 

So here's the update... dealer found my transmission "1/2 quart low". I was able to talk to the tech so I 51% believe them that they actually checked it.

 

At least with new fluid an overfilled transmission has a chance to live . There are chemicals in transmission fluid to prevent foaming should the transmission be slightly overfilled . In fact , its a common practice to slightly overfill transmissions when installing aftermarket recalibration kits .
Engineering department sit in front of a computer desk all day thinking the world is flat and dont compensate for trucks that go offroad or uphill ??
Its much prefered to have a slightly overfilled transmission rather than underfilled .
There are no properties in transmission fluid to compensate for a transmission thats low on fluid

 

Agree wholeheartedly. I always carry an extra quart of transmission fluid in my vehicles, as it can be substituted for motor oil if necessary. It has more detergents and a lower burn temperature, so it’s only a short term fix as it will slowly vaporize in the motor. It is also a great way to clean up the oil system on an abused motor before the drain.
The reverse is not true (motor oil in transmission).

 

So called Toyota customer service today to open up a case.. The Toyota dealership i bought the truck called me to set up an appointment to bring it in. (they were not too happy i called Toyota customer) And offered me to check the transmission fluid, they say no need to keep my truck overnight and that they have a computer they use to check the transmission oil..
I am taking my truck in Tuesday.. Any advise as to what to say or do to make sure the dealership do it right???
Thank you,

 

First time I took mine in I put an index mark on the drain plug, dealer said trans was full. Index mark not disturbed. I had “discussions” with dealer and Toyota Corp. Second time they checked it, was low and I think they really did go through correct procedure.

 

That's a good idea.. Do you by chance have a picture showing where exactly is the drain hole? thanks,

 

In my experience, it takes at least 4 hours for it cool enough to perform the check procedure described in post #18 of this thread.
Witnessing said procedure is the only way to be sure.

 

Some how i missed post 18... I copied the procedure and will bring with me to the dealer on Tuesday and hope they do it right this time.. Thank you..

 

Don't have a picture-sorry....I did familiarize myself with the procedure so that I could be informed when talking to dealer and dealer knew I knew what was up...they had me drop off truck night before so could cool completely.

 

No worries. post 18 has everything there is to know on the procedure. i am taking a copy of it to the dealer and make sure they do it per procedure. i hope they don't give me excuses and do it right..
Thanks man..

 

I posted this in technical chat but will post here as well:
I am doing this just for peace of mind. My dealer is 50 miles away and don't want to wait till the 5000 mile service. Currently there is 1550 miles on the truck. Occasionally, I hear a clunk when it downshifts coming to a stop. I have 2 quarts of oil coming from Amazon and intend on checking this myself. I've already practiced putting it into temperature detection mode. Currently, I have no idea if it is low and only want to do this once. My plan is to put a quart in before putting it into detection mode and then remove the overflow plug. I only have 6 1/2 minutes to do this and figured pre-loading a quart would give me more time. Thoughts?

Mike

 

Hey Mike .
Yes , adding an extra quart will do the trick for you . A lot of members check their fluid this way .
Do you still get the clunk with weight in the bed of the truck ?
That 2 piece driveshaft could need some extra lube or possibly an axle wrap issue as well

 

I haven't tried it with weight in the bed. You think the clunk is not Transmission related? Does it get lube at the center bearing hanger? How do you check for axle wrap? Thanks for the reply.

Mike

 

Took mine in for transmission shifting issues and they said my levels are fine ... however on the service report that says what they did, the words "adjusted fluid levels" is shown so they might be lying. Beware

 

2017, 3 quarts low. Spoke with toyota corporate multiple times, no extended warranty given.

 

I don't hear a clunk in the back, but i do feel a harsh down shift when i come to a stop only when the engine is cold, this goes away as the engine temperature gets to the normal level... Not sure if this is due to low transmission fluid??