How to Drain/Refill Automatic Transmission

Before you get too worked up over it, I’d check the fluid level correctly.
The info can be found here.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.63851/

It may be as simple as too much fluid. Follow the steps above to check the fluid.
Then drive it, no need to “worry” or try to figure anything out just yet.

I’d maybe start worrying AFTER the fluid was correct, IF the problem still remains.

 

Just so you know I am pulling the correct plug..... me pointing to the "over flow check plug"

 

Yes, that’s the correct plug.

 

When service people don’t know how to service a Toyota tyranny they will most likely drain the pan, refill the pan until if flows out the overflow plug, plug it and call it good. That’s probably what happen.

 

It may be that if the truck isn’t running the fluid collects back in the pan. If that’s the case you are probably low now. Easy fix. Do the proper check procedure and adjust level as needed.

 

You don’t seem to wrap your head around the fact that when the engine is running, the fluid is circulating everywhere and that is the correct time to check the fluid. When the engine is off, the oil drains back down to the pan and the level will be higher than when it’s running.

 

There are 4 common ways this is done (there are other way but these are the most common)

1. Drop pan, clean magnets, replace filter, correctly fill system.
2. Drain pan, and correctly fill the system.
3. Drain pan, measure the amount that came out, and add that amount back to the system.
4. Drain pan, fill system with amount indicated in a service manual.

I’ve found the cheaper in price you pay for the service, (For anything) the more corners are cut.
Not always, but it can be used an an indicator of the level of service you’ll be getting?

 

Sweet...... thanks everyone...... I will get this done..... I could go with OEM AT fluid..... but I would like to hear what you guys use or prefer as a better replacement AT Fluid

 

WS or Maxlife

 

Its done with truck running...

 

Learn the correct fluid check procedure you did not do it properly.

 

Yes, if you are NOT going to do a complete system drain. I would stick with WS, just because I do not like mixing fluids. If you are going to do a complete system drain, I would NOT use it.
Why? Because, well I’ll let you read about it.

I’m not correcting you, please take no offense.
I agree with you on the Maxlife.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...e-get-it-out-of-your-transmission-now.331521/

 

You can only repeat yourself so many times haha

 

because you pulled the plug with the truck off. the truck needs to be running so the pump is cycling fluid. when its off, the fluid collects in the pan.

 

I realize this is a few years later, but to still deserve a "thank you". This was a lifesaver. Sharing how to get into the diagnostic mode for level testing was priceless. Thank you.
Any input as to how to get the 4x4 indicator to stop flashing? I went into 4x4 mode, got unstuck, then when trying to get out of 4x4 mode, I believe it "clicked" out of 4x4 but the light is still flashing. What do you think?

 

I guess first ensure you’re not still in 4wd. After that, probably a new post with the questions will get more eyes and better next steps.

 

You need to post in the 2nd gen forum. This is just a DIY thread on transmission fluid change. You'll get little action here.

That said. Try backing up. Maybe that will help. But if you are stuck in 4WD, you need to be very careful. Driving on pavement can cause damage to components

 

using the jumper method is certainly one way to do it but I went the ultragauge route for determining the transmission fluid temp when adjusting the fluid level after a drain and fill.
Haven't done any towing yet but I can tell that the max temp I have so far seen is about 165F so the factory cooler is doing a good job... I have an additional cooler installed but the oil cooler thermostat I installed wont open till 180F so its not even at play at 165F.

Added benefit is that I can see the temp any time I want and have available all the other hundreds of gauge function this thing has.

 

What was the temperature you used, as read out by the UG?

 

115F pan temp...

The UG can also monitor converter output temperature but the fluid level measurement temp is supposed to use pan temp.