Transmission 2016-2023- 6 SPEED AUTOMATICS COULD BE LOW ON FLUID DIRECTLY FROM FACTORY

Is this a known problem with the 2020s as well?

 

2019 SR V6 Baja, Mexico build here. I did have some gear hunting issues when towing a light boat (<1000lbs) up inclines and just learned to use sequential shifting to keep it in 4th or 5th gear. When I changed my rear differential fluid I found it to be 1 quart low.
I wondered what other fluids might be low and read through this transmission post and others, then decided a transmission check was in order. Yesterday, I was only able to drain out 2 quarts (64 ounces) cold. Added 3 quarts (96 ounces) back in and ran the temp calibration check using my Scangauge II. At temp, I had 18 ounces come out, so it looks like my transmission was 14 ounces low.
Going fishing tomorrow, so I will be able to see if I feel any difference when towing.

 

@gearcruncher (or if anyone else might know) I’ve got a 2020 Trd off-road I bought new w 400 miles. I agree the dealers are not especially helpful— at 5000 mile maintenance they checked the box for all fluids verified and even verbally said they checked the transmission fluid level, later walking it back saying it was a sealed system....you know the drill. So, I bought a scan guage and have a constant reading, and the temps seem to be good range (mountain climbs not going over 192). Just wondering — if the temps stay good do you think that’s enough of a sign that the fluid level is good? Thanks so much- this thread is really helpful

 

I have a 2018 SR on 33’s, OVTune and with 4.88’s. Was downshifting when braking and making each descent kinda jumpy - not a smooth deceleration. I decided to check my ATF level and it was about 3/4 of a quart low. I can happily report that since I added the fluid it downshifts perfectly and overall is a smoother shifting experience. I truly believe the low ATF was causing my rough downshifting. Check the fluid! Finally happy with the way my truck drives.

 

@gearcruncher also wondering if there are reports for 2021's low on fluid. Sorry to nag!

 

I Dont own a 21 , therefore i rely on the members here at Tacoma World to post up the results of their new trucks . Less members are posting in this thread so I assume the issue has been addressed by Toyota . There was never a bulletin released for low on fluid and less members are complaining of low on fluid symptoms

 

Thank you so much for the reply and all the work you laid out! I really appreciate your input. My transmission has seemed fine but I figured it couldnt hurt to ask. Thanks for doing your due diligence!

 

After reading all the post re: transmission fluids being low. I checked mine. I bought the truck used with 4000 miles. We are planning on towing a small travel trailer for an extended trip next summer. Next week we are going to take a short trip 200 miles from the house to try the truck out. When I checked the fluid, there was no fluid coming from the overflow port. Put in over a half a quart thinking I had over filled the level and would adjust at the correct temp. Not good. Still no fluid at over flow at temp. of 109 degrees. Put in another half quart of fluid and repeated the process. Still no fluid coming from the overflow. Added another 1/2 quart and finally got a flow at temp at the over flow. Pretty scary thinking we were going 400 miles with a low level transmission. I plan on calling Toyota to at least get this issue with my truck on record.

 

Thank you for checking your fluid and updating this thread . I wish more new owners would do the same

 

Cheaping out on no dipstick to chk fluid level is such lame BS.

 

Wow that’s really low. After all this time I still haven’t checked mine but was assuming (perhaps incorrectly) so long as the scan guage temps were normal there was enough fluid and no risk. Thinking I should probably check it just to be safe.

 

Very good information thanks a lot man.

 

Are there any reports of the 2020 tacos with low trans oil problems?

 

I rely on you guys as members to update this post .
I dont own a new truck so I rely on new members to update this thread .
I do however follow a few threads with the 21 Tacoma . The fluid level is still hit and miss .
Nowhere near the 2016,s mind you

 

After reading through this tread, researched and found few videos, but this guy has the best detailed instructions.
Kinda long, but shows why the dealership would have to charge for the service. I ordered scan gauge, case of fluid, pump, and a trans cool & filter system.

Toyota Transaxle Fluid Level Check - No Dipstick - Bing video

 

Mine was a full quart low, and looked like shit. Drained just what was in the pan, refilled with toyota atf and lubeguard, and it’s so much smoother now. Pretty ridiculous Toyota didn’t formally address this and from what I have heard they don’t even properly check the level if you ask them to (I don’t trust them anyways so moot point for me, but still).

 

mine feels low...going to check it as soon as i get some fluid.

 

i couldn't even find a thermostat when i checked mine

 

About to Receive my new 2022. after a long battle of ailments with a 2016 TRD off road I've owned since new I'm more paranoid then ever. I already called the dealer ship and asked there procedures on PDI's and was basically laughed at. Unfortunately I need a vehicle, cant pick and choose dealerships right now. in New England you don't just walk into the store and buy a new Tacoma anymore. you get to play the game and wait or put 500 dollar deposits down... Always have owned a MT and this will be my first AT

Any updates on 2022 fluid levels?

Cheers,
Chad

 

I asked about this in the comment section of this vid. And in his vids he seems to know what he's talking about.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBBUQJKTaiM&lc=UgzvTeiBr04yOcEUTfB4AaABAg.9XHZg67fz3o9XHuB9P6JkY

question - Great videos, my Tacoma SR is on order. I've read of several Tacomas that have come from the factory low on AT fluid. Some recommend having the dealer check it before taking delivery. Do you think this is a good idea? Thanks

answer - Hi! You can. The ones that came low it was slightly low and unless you live in extreme cold weather it won’t be an issue.

The dealers today around here almost seem to have an attitude of take it or leave it. I'm not sure if I even want to ask about the trans fluid.