3rd Gen Automatic Transmission Fluid Level Check DIY

That reminds me, Toyotas send coolant to the trans to heat the oil up faster, I wonder if that's another factor as well.

 

Okay, I'm going to give checking my trans. fluid level a try using my ScanGauge II to determine that the fluid is the correct temp. After putting fluid in the fill hole, pinning the thermostat, loosening the check plug and have the crush washer handy and allowing the fluid temp. to reach 95°F do I then go through the gears briefly hesitating in each position or is that not required when using the ScanGauge II. If I need to go through all the positions what is the exact sequence. I realize the check mode thing is used when jumpering the hookup near the steering column but I'm using the ScanGauge. The moving from park to drive to S to whatever is all that is unclear to me. Sorry I seem dense but I want to do this right and I don't want to spend any more time at it than is necessary.

What I really need is the total sequence to follow when using the ScanGauge to determine fluid temp.

 

if using scangauge.
Once started the truck, move shifter from P to S and back slowly. After that, sit and wait when pan1 temp gets to 95°f.

 

Thank you!!

 

So, I'm to use the pan temperature reading, not the torque converter temperature? Correct?

 

Yes, AT Oil temperature 1 (pan 1)

 

Thanks again!

 

thinking about this more .... I wonder if you trans. thermostat is frozen in the closed position - even though you have it pinned? Not sure if this is possible but if so it would explain the reason you see no drop in temp. ??? maybe give the thermostat housing a tap with rubber mallet. ?? Is you additional trans cooler flow directional specific ?

 

I don't think so because I can feel the heat coming to the cooler and feel the temp difference in the in/out lines goin to the cooler. It's funny you mention directional, I've actually tried it both ways because another member recommended that as well.

 

maybe then it is the thermostat being frozen closed ? Seems totally un-logical that it would not drop the temps a good 20 degrees if working correctly.

 

I would imagine I wouldn't feel the external front cooler get hot if the T stat was stuck?

 

Our's acts exactly like Skydvrr's and I'm also feeling the temp. reduction contrast between the inlet and outlet of the aftermarket cooler so there is no question as to whether there is circulation through the cooler and that it is dispelling heat from the fluid. I will also add that I installed the largest cooler that would physically fit in the mounting area available. The TruCool 4490 is 12" X 11" X .75" and is rated at 22,000# GVW and 20,000 BTU. You can't effectively mount a cooler much bigger than that in the space available. I am quite surprised and disappointed that I'm not seeing much lower trans. fluid temps.

 

I think I've just accepted it and got good at spill n fills haha.

 

Maybe it is TruCool issue ? I had installed the noted TruCool initially before the Hayden. The TruCool shit the bed almost immediately and made one hell of a mess. So much for their pressure testing. I told them to throw the junk back over the border and got my money back and installed the Hayden. Guess I lucked out. My temps are a good 20 to 30 degrees below 200 in normal driving during the summer and always below 205 in worst case towing and that is only for small non extended durations of time - then back to about 195. Anyway like has been said it is what it is.

 

That blows my mind lol. Just cruising down the freeway in 5th I'm easily 200*. I need to by pass the trans coolant heater and the radiator as well. I bet that would help a bunch.

 

I will take a pic of my ScanGage II next time when I tow and under normal no-tow and post. I also helped @johntoyota install the same Hayden unit and he has similar results. He has a lot of armor and bigger tires but still runs cooler than stock.

 

I actually have a morimoto cooler and not the tru cool. I think I just need a bit bigger / more efficient unit maybe. Idk lol

 

I think my Hayden is 20K btu. The OEM Tow cooler is puny and undersized for sure. Don't know much about the Morimoto.

 

Oops, I said morimoto. It's mishimoto.

 

HAHA! I'd blame auto spell correct! In any case I still don't know much about them but have heard they make quality products.