Leaked Transmission Fluid Concern

I have hit the 100k mark on my 2015 V6 and had the transmission fluid and the coolant changed (not flushed) last Wednesday. Today on the ride home the truck really let go some fluid go with no previous signs of a leak. Most of the underside is covered in thin red fluid and there are drips all over the place; although, I wouldn’t say it was steadily leaking now that it is parked.

Question 1, is it Trans fluid? I feel it is coming from there but there is that small chance that I don’t know what I am talking about, or the truck has red coolant...

Once it cools I can look closer.

Question 2, can I drive it twenty miles back to the shop that did the work? Is there an easy way to check the fluid to know if it is ok to drive? Or is it a chance to big to take?

Thank you for any help you can provide

 

Did you get under and reach on top and see if the fill plug is in there ?

 

Not yet, it was still pretty steamy as I posted and have to look up where the plugs are. Are there one or two?

 

One almost on very top.

 

You may want to refer to this thread for the DIY and check the fill level.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.63851/
At a minimum check the level and check the plugs for leaks.


For the coolant I guess keep a close eye on the reservoir. I’m sure others will chime in.

 

Looks like trans fluid. If it's oily, it's trans fluid. Wipe some w/ a paper towel. As others have said, check the plug. They may have over filled it and it's shooting out of the vent tube.

 

If plugs or level aren't it have the place that tried to do the servicing correctly come get it and flatbedded back to the shop and make them figure it out. Good luck......that sux either way.

 

I’m struggling a bit to find where the fill plug is. Leak is definitely trans and on the driver side

 

Shouldn’t be that far forward. It’s more middle of the truck

 

It doesn't take much fluid at all to make a mess. A bit of highway driving is enough to fan it out all over the place.

Did they drop the pan?

 

Here is your fill plug. My memory was off. I knew the 2wd was on the back i guess it’s just more forward.

 

Could have also left a hose undone or not clamped fully. Either way not knowing how much fluid you truly lost I’d have them come get it at their expense. It wasn’t leaking prior now it is.

 

I don’t believe they dropped it, no signs of that happening. The leak doesn’t seem to be coming from any thing obvious, drain bolts and pan gasket are dryer than other parts. It is all on the driver side, around the exhaust and driveshaft As shown in the last picture.

No new drips after I wiped the frame down so it’s only coming out when driving. I can check later tonight for any fresh stuff to be sure.

I think I found the fill plug, it’s a big guy on the passenger side, right? I Took a picture and called it out with the arrow

 

I bet they disconnected a line, hooked up to a machine to exchange fluid and either made a mess or the line wasn’t properly reconnected. They need to be contacted and they need to verify . Don’t let them tell you it’s safe to drive back.

 

Yep

 

That sounds probable, I can’t imagine it being anything else now. I’ll call them up in the morning and make it their problem.

thank you everyone for jumping in so fast and helping me though it!! Much appreciated!

 

Yes, that is the fill plug. You can also see the drain plug and check plug in you first pics and they all look good.

Check back later and let us know what happen.

 

Morning update

I called the shop, a Jeep dealership next to my work, and within an hour they were at my truck with a flatbed and loaner car. They are totally owning the situation, which is very relieving.

I’ll report back when I get an update

 

That’s great that there being responsible, but It’s also important they actually know how to service a Toyota transmission.

When you get it back, ask a simple question or better yet ask them to put on your receipt the temperature of the fluid when they confirmed it was at the proper level.

There should be no hesitation on there part. Then you will know if they know.

 

Jeep dealership.... thats worse than letting a toyota dealer work on your toyota.... oof.