Trans Fluid - Need Help

Well I made a ridiculously STUPID mistake today, and I need help/confirmation on what to do next.

I was about to start an oil change, and I was in a rush (don't do this). Not thinking, I pulled the trans drain plug instead of the oil pan plug. SHIT. I was able to get the plug back in after losing only about 1qt of trans fluid. So two questions:

1. I assume it's ok to just get 1-2qts of ATF WS fluid and top off at the trans fill plug, replacing what I dumped?
2. Auto parts store is 2.5 miles away. Can I drive there to get the ATF, or should I wait a day until I can get there without taking the truck?

Any help is appreciated.

 

Got it. I'm going to wait and drive to the dealer later and buy the Toyota WS. I caught all the drained fluid in a pan and can measure it exactly, so I'll feel ok putting that much back in. Thanks for the reply - makes me feel a bit better.

 

Do not use a torque wrench on your transmission drain plug!
It will break! Just tighten like a normal person. There’s like 3 threads there

 

I do not know anyone on here that has changed the transmission fluid on their 3rd gen at home. These transmissions are more complicated to work on. You will most likely need to go to a dealer or a Toyota specific shop. Heads up, that oil is EXPENSIVE.

 

Are you saying it will break using the published torque spec?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...a-ws-atf-automaitc-transmission-fluid.373083/

As @Vbpiper says, I'd do the proper fill prodedure. While you can measure what you drained, you don't know if it was full to begin with

 

I would take it to the dealer and let them add precisely how much is needed. Unless you are willing to do the exact fill procedure and it's fairly complicated.

 

Yes, yes I am.

 

I got the Toyota ATF WS fluid to refill it. 1.1 quarts came out. I'm going to put 1.1 quarts back in and then get it to the dealer to have them service it properly for peace of mind. That said - is the fill plug in the same spot as on the 2nd Gen's? I can't find a picture or diagram of the 3rd Gen to confirm that the fill plug is in the same spot.

 

Quite a few people on here have checked and added transmission fluid from their home. There should be a few big threads on it. Sounds like OP just needs to add fluid and properly check fill level. A few good threads on here detailing how to do so.

Now if he wants to completely change out all fluid that’s another story.

 

You guys were a big help. I borrowed a friend's car, drove to the dealer and got the ATF WS. Measured what I dumped, and put back in same amount, plus a tiny bit assuming some was left in the catch pan. Buttoned up and test drove. Going to check fill level tomorrow, but it seems I'm safely back in business for the rest of the day. Time for a beer.

 

I used my Scan Gage II to check the trans temp

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...tly-from-factory.405642/page-45#post-14562021

 

Yeah that's what I was talking about. My neighborhood oil change shops don't have the tools to change the transmission fluid.

 

Yeah, I wouldn’t trust a neighborhood oil shop to top off my windshield fluid reservoir let alone my transmission haha

As long as you have some sockets, an allen wrench, funnel, and piece of wire you should be set. Plus fluid of course. Extra pair of eyes wouldn’t hurt either.