2017 Low Automatic Transmission Fluid

Seems like the biggest issue to checking the AT fluid level is determining the transmission fluid temp. If one had (or bought) a Scangauge 2 (and programed it for trans temp in and out)would not that work well. Lots here have the Scangauge I think. Have not seen anyone referencing it's use for this - or maybe I just missed it..

 

I'm going to check mine. Is there a diagram or photo that shows the cooler thermostatic valve that needs to be pinned and where exactly it's located?

 

It''s located where all the cooler lines run to on the transmission.

IMO, it doesn't need to be pinned if you check it using "Temp Check Mode". I've done it both ways and there is no difference. It's my belief "Temp Check Mode" opens it.
If you're using a scan tool or thermometer then I suggest pinning it.

 

https://twstatic.net/attachments/dsc03197-jpg.948653/

 

That's what I used. Checked my fluid once my ScanGuage 2 read 115 degrees. I was only 100mL low.

 

Thanks! I intend to use the 'temp detection mode' procedure, I did a quick test by jumping the pins on the DLC just to make that I could get it to work properly and it seemed to enter the temperature mode properly and after a few minutes the D indicator came on solid.

Thanks for the photo!

 

Ive had an occasional bump from behind type feeling when the engine is still cold and transmission hanging above 60mph once in a while. Surprisingly the dealer confirmed the shifting issue and will keep the vehicle to properly check the ATF. There also giving me a free loaner! Didn’t think I’d luck out on my first attempt!

 

Well what did the dealer say?

 

Nothing yet. I’m assuming I should hear something in the morning/afternoon. Also, they gave me a 18 TRDOR Ext as a loaner. Not sure if it’s just me but does seem to get up to speed a little faster but maybe that’s because it’s not a DC. It also had the same issue as mine did where it didnt want to shift and the gearing would stick for longer then it should at 60mph.

 

So u have to push the pin and hold it with your finger as you unscrew the overflow bolt?

 

No. See the tiny hole on the side where the "button" is? Push in the "button" and insert a 1/16" drill bit into to tiny hole to hold the "button" while you perform the check.

 

Yes

 

So there window of what is Acceptable level. If ur 1/10 of a quart low will that damage the transmission? Like the dip stick on the oil. The engine has 6.1 quarts in it and that’s at the top mark and if it’s 1/2 quart low it’s fine like right in the middle of the two dots. Does the transmission have a window also? It holds like 12 quarts ( twice as much as the engine ) so would 1 quart be like right in the middle?

 

My transmission was clunking when shifting from Park to Reverse and from Reverse to Drive in the first 200 miles from new.

I added 1 quart and the clunking was gone.

I then did a fluid level check and about 4 ounces came out of the overflow.

In my experience, a quart or so can make a difference regarding different makes and models of vehicles and transmissions.

 

So they have had my truck for two full days and I’ve heard nothing from them. Was not expecting it to take this long. The joys of waiting.

 

so....if you have any "HEAVY" towing or hauling now is the time to do it, right? ;-)

 

Ha ha exactly

 

Drum roll for the dealerships answer....still haven’t heard anything so I called the dealership this afternoon. They said they thought it could be the “huge oversized tires” that could be causing the 6th gear shifting issue which are 265/75/16 ha ha. So they put on stock tires and still had the same issue duh. Then they grabbed a Tacoma from the lot and still had the same issue so it may be a “normal characteristic” of the truck. They created a case with Toyota and now waiting to hear back what they say. He said it could possibly be from the altitude which causes the truck to use the 6th gear more often. I live in Albuquerque which is almost 6000 feet but still a dumb answer. The advisor wasn’t sure if they checked the ATF yet or going that route. So needless to say I know how this is going to end. Normal characteristic of the truck and its the elevation and no ATF check. They’ve had my truck for 3 days so far so curious to see how long this charade plays out. The 18 AC OR seems to shift a little smoother and gets up to speed a little faster but does hang onto that 6th gear occasionally.

 

but does hang onto that 6th gear occasionally.

What does this mean.....Isn't it supposed to hold onto 6th gear at Hwy speed..??

 

It gets stuck in the 5th/6th gear vortex where it doesn’t want to upshift or downshift and just revs high.