Failing Torque Converter

As a neckbeard virgin, such as yourself, i cannot comment

 

https://parts.toyota.com/p/Toyota_2...nsmission-Oil-Cooler/66803060/3349360020.html

This thing. There are 2 hoses going to it that bring it coolant. It bolts onto the transmission and has 2 holes that when mated to the transmission give it the transmission fluid.
There have been issues with the Camry’s and ravs with these leaking coolant into the granny fluid. And I’ve replaced 3 torque converters on tundras with the same cooler and the same issue too. Haven’t had a 3rd gen act up yet, but don’t doubt it’s not the same problem

 

Still confused. My 2nd gen truck has the tow package. There’s ATF lines from the trans to the lower radiator and to the external trans cooler in front of the radiator. So there’s an extra puck somewhere like the sandwich plate type motor oil cooler/heater?

 

I'm having a hard time following you on this.

My understanding is that with the tow package since it has an external cooler, the trans fluid doesn't run through the radiator, so not sure why you mention that this part could be a reason for the failing of the transmission?

 

Second Gens do not have the puck

 

As far as I know all of the 3rd gen trucks have the cooler puck the tow package is an ad on external cooler to help cool on top of the coolant based cooler

 

Win

 

Hmm. I'll trace my lines and see.

I need to drain a good portion of my trans fluid this weekend. Do you know which line I should pull to get out about 6qts? Is it the top or bottom line that goes into the t-stat?

 

I would just do two drain and fills. Once you start messing with the lines you’re running to the chance of them leaking

And it’s easier to catch the old fluid do you want to make sure you have the fluid level right

 

word

mine started shuttering this past Friday and Saturday, but has not done it since those two days. it was very infrequent, so i figure the fluid is nearing the end of life.

going to drop the pan and replace the filter as well. i have 7qts of fluid on-hand.

 

It’s usually about 3-3.5 quarts when you drain from the 14mm plug.

Do it cold.

 

Well, that’s assuming that the level was right to begin with.

 

I've never checked my fluid level, it's probably low if I had to guess

Can't be too mad, since I have not been proactive with proper trans maintenance...I was planning a full flush at 90k anyhow, but apparently none of the three dealers around my AO do full flushes anymore, I just called them all to try and get quotes. They all said that a full flush can cause unforeseen problems they can't be responsible for.

 

Lol, maybe using a flush machine. If you use the transmissions own pump (jut never let it run dry) it won’t hurt anything and still gets all the old crap out rather than just mixing it which is what a drain and fill does

 

@Empty_Lord stated above it's best not to remove the lines to let the pump do the work, as it could lead to leaking lines...that is what I was planning on doing, to get about 3-4 additional qts out.

 

Since you have a 16, I would answer 2 questions first:

1. Have you had the CPS recall done? I ask because a shuddering engine or shuddering transmission may not be discernible to someone who is unfamiliar with the symptoms. I wouldn't give a Toyota tech the benefit of the doubt when talking about an $8k repair.

2. Before this, was the fluid level ever checked? Some earlier units were allegedly shipped with low fluid from the factory. If it's documented as being low, you may have recourse against Toyota.

I agree with most people here on your possible courses of action. My wife's Mazda 3 transmission started acting wonky at 78k miles, just 3k past the 75k extended warranty. Brought it in and had the fluid changed, and it's run like new having just over 100k currently. A fluid change is a relatively low cost, low risk solution and may solve your problem. If it doesn't, the torque converter should be next unless Toyota has direct evidence that it's trash, other than it being an Aisin. If you need a remanufactured or used transmission, look at LKQ first, as someone else mentioned. If Toyota sells you on installing a used transmission instead of new one, this is where they'll get it anyway. I used to work for LKQ and still have friends who work there. DM me if you need some help navigating the process. Lastly, if you can manage it, find a reputable mechanic that is not Toyota. Outside of warranty work, the dealership only exists to charge you 2-3 times as much as the work actually costs. Just because it says Toyota on the outside of the building does not mean they are the most qualified to perform the work.

 

Drain and filling with drives between will get a majority of the fluid.. in all honesty that’s what all the dealers including ours do. Flushing it with the trans pump or a machine can lead to issues.

 

What issues would you create using the internal pump? Since it does what it does anyway.
Leaking lines? I don’t think so, they are rubber hoses, just don’t let Edward scissorhands do the job. And for what it’s worth I’m talking about dropping the pan, cleaning/replacing the filter and then pumping out the remaining old fluid usin the trans pump

 

If you remove the lines those spring clamps get weaker as they age. Replace the clamps.
The issue with using the trans pump to flush it out is trying to keep the trans full through the full port faster than it comes out.

 

This is the cooler. You can see the thermostat under it.