New to forum, trannsmission trouble

Hey guys, I'm new here, looks like a good place for valuable info and help. I have a 2001 3.4L AUTO 4WD Tacoma, got her brand new when I turned 16 and, despite some seriously rough treatment over the years, she's been goin strong ever since. I'm nearly 26 yrs of age now and the taco has 210,000 miles on her. A couple of weeks ago the transmission started slipping and stuttering when downshifting going up a hill. Right when it shifted down it would stutter twice with about a second between stutters. Over the past week and a half it's been more of the same but much worse. I'm broke and can't afford to take it to somebody, so I think I'm about to just change fluid and the filter, but I've never done it. I know the basic process, same as oil and I always do that myself. I just want some feedback from somebody who has done this before. What's the recommended amount of fluid for a drain and refill? Is the filter located just inside the pan after I take it off? Somebody please gimme some info so I don't go and f this up beyond repair.

 

Welcome to the forum and since I haven't messed with an auto tranny before, what he said ^^^

 

10-4, thanks for the input fellas. I'll read a little more and try to figure out where the filter is before I do anything.

 

yep....unbolt it...drain it out, and clean real good with brake cleaner. reinstall everything, and add tranny fluid. you'll probably add about 5 quarts or so with removing the pan. otherwise, its normally around 3 quarts with justa drain and refill.

 

If you're going to drop the pan, don't forget about the dipstick tube. It can be tricky to get off & back on sometimes.

I only get 2 quarts on a drain & fill.

Sounds like you've never changed the oil? If yes, at this point a complete flush might make things worse. Just a do a few drain & fills & see if it gets any better. First off, pull the dip stick out & see if the oil smells burnt or looks burnt.