3rd Gen Transmission Fluid level Check

Thank you. I checked it, it had a minor drip. Turned off truck, added a 1/4 quart, got back into temp check mode (it was already at temp), let oil drain to slight trickle and put bolt back in.

 

I see there's a thread for this in technical and the 3rd gen forums, figured I'd check in here too. My 2018 with ~600 miles had felt fine until this weekend when I felt shifting noticeably rougher when cold vs warm. I had it checked today and found out it was ~3/4 quart low.

 

Just wanted to chime in. It is a really narrow temp range for the check. It seems like just a few minutes where the MFD goes from solid "D" (minimum temp) to blinking "D" (maximum temp). You have to be really quick to get from your cab to see the signal to below the truck and unloosen your overfill plug to drain and then check the signal again and then tighten your plug.

I would recommend filling a quart first. Unloosening your overfill plug to finger tight. Go through the warm up procedure. As soon there is a signal, scramble to completely remove the overfill plug. If you lose a quart in the process as I did, so be it. This way, you only have to do this once. Because if the truck is signaling over temp, then you have to stop the flow and let it cool. And those exhaust pipes get hot under there.

In my case, I filled a quart and lost a quart and some time and aggravation. But at least I know there is the right amount in there.

Oh, and the service manual recommends to replace the plugs. Good luck finding a dealer that stocks them. Which tells me the techs don't replace them either. Ha.

 

So it was full from the factory.

 

Most likely. I had asked before I arrived that they make sure they check it. It is possible the tech did that. But, I don't think they had time in PDI. The call from the salesman and the time I arrived was only five hours. It really didn't matter to me because I was going to check anyway. Just didn't know when I would get to it.

 

So im planning on checking this weekend. I have a 2017 dclb offroad 4x4. It had 7500 miles on it. And from day 1 it has had rough shifts clunks when stopping and hard to get from p-r and r-d. Ive been 2 the dealer 2x and they say nothing wrong. Iwork in production amd have no time durong the week or weekend to drop it off for them to say the same bs.

So what i want to know is checking it myself going to void my warrenty
And what replacement parts do i need? I have not been able to find links yo o rings or crush washers. Any help will be appreciated

 

Service manual calls to replace refill plug and gasket, overfill plug and washer. Good luck finding a dealer that stocks them much less identifying the parts. That tells me the techs don't replace them.

I did find one that had a crush washer in stock that fit my overfill plug. That info was put in my file 13. Good luck, some parts clerks are better than others I have found.

 

Any info on warrenty if i check/fill myself??? Thats what i most concerned about

 

Don't know how they would know? If in doubt, pay the dealer to do it.

 

Ive had them tell me thwy wpildnt warrent my shocks because i tightened the control arms myself. (This was on my mazda)

 

With your typical symptoms of low ATF, I’d make time to take your truck to another known reputable Toyota dealership to check it and to properly document it if low. This will negate having a dealership refute your claims if you were to find it low (which it most likely is). Some members have negotiated extended warranties due to driving it off the lot with low ATF, which is fair imo.

 

That is the best option. I jist dont want 2 be out of a truck and take off some work for them 2 put me through thr ring around again. Maybe i should call toyota and tell them whats going on and maybe they can call the dealer and nake them preform what im asking of them

 

Yea, but it’s probably better than a new transmission out of your pocket since these things tend to rear their ugly heads right when the factory warranty runs out. I’d check your local forums on this site and ask which dealerships in your area have confirmed other member’s low ATF.

 

Just called toyota service they said the clames manager will call me and have me take it 2 the dealer to do everyrhing im askong necaise this will ne the 3rd dealer visit in 6 months

 

Why the hell didn’t Toyota just put a transmission dipstick on this truck? Why make us jump through all these hoops just to check our fluid level. Stupid...stupid...stupid.

 

When they check at the dealer, are they seriously jumping the obdii port? Or is jumping part of the "home" version of the fluid check?

 

That's the home version.... works the same...

Actually, I'd say the dealers DO NOT do anything but rely on their Tech computer to tell them. But it apparently does not work that way..!! They will refuse to an actual "check" most times.

 

My truck is almost new but after reading about low fluid - I'm going to ask the dealer to check the tranny fluid level. Will they do it for free - or if not what's the cost to me ....??? Thanks