3rd Gen Automatic Transmission Fluid Level Check DIY

I did this service couple months ago, see if this post helps you out.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...3rd-gen-today.399305/page-12395#post-28013511

 

12/6/2022
My experience for checking the Trans Fluid temp and level for a 2021 Taco TRD Sport DCSB.

Previously, I set up the Torque Pro app for use with the Tacoma ODB II and had it engaged via Bluetooth to my Android tablet during this procedure. I used the Engine Coolant, TC 1 and TC 2pids for the dials on my tablet. The Pids formulas that I entered came from the TacomaWorld discussions. TC 1 was the pan temp.

My Procedure:

1) Attached ODB doggle into port and opened the Torque Pro app for the Tacoma and made the Bluetooth connection.
2) Made sure Truck was level.
3) Went under the car and
a. Opened fill bolt. Added 1 quart 32 oz of WS. Closed fill bolt.
b. Loosened the check level bolt
c. Pinned the Thermostat OPEN
4) Started the truck procedure according to Post # 230. (Finally got it to work.)

5) The D went away. Ambient temp was 64F. Time was 11:43.
Coolant temp=76F, TF1 =61.2F, TF2 =61.2F.
6) Felt the Trans oil hoses attached to trans cooler in the radiator. Top hose was definitely warmer than the bottom.
After 12 minutes at 11:55, the D appeared and was not blinking. Coolant temp=156.2F, TF1 =97.2F, TF2 =100.6F
7) Went under the truck and removed the check bolt. So, 25 oz came out till the stream trickled. That means it took about 7-8 oz. About ¼ quart.
8) Inserted the check bolt and tightened to 15 ft/lbs. Used same washer.
9) Went back to the cab. Torque Pro temp TF1 =104F, TF2=109F. Time was at 11:59 at end of trickle.
Kept truck running 5 minutes more till the D started blinking. Coolant temp=174.2F, TF1 =115F, TF2 =117.4F. Time was 12:.03.
10) Turned off the Truck.
11) Went under the truck. Unpinned the thermostat

12) Results:
a. With the D not on, coolant temp was 76F at 11:43, , it took 12 minutes to get to checking temp for TF1 pan.
b. At 11:55, at D reappearance, checking temp per Torque TF1 was at 97F and TF2 =101F.
c. Went under the truck. Took about 4-5-minutes of fumbling and draining. When at 11:59, got back in the truck, TF1 was 105F and TF2=109F. Left truck running.
d. About 12:03, the D was flashing, TF1=115, TF2=117, Coolant =174F.
e. Appx 7-8 oz added. (32oz-25oz= 7oz)

Conclusion: You have 8 to 10 minutes to CHECK/DRAIN the trans fluid.

These procedures work on the 2021 Tacoma models. Get tools, your procedures and parts organized beforehand. Hardest part was manually pumping the WS into the Fill hole while lying under the truck.

Second hardest was getting post #230 to work –.

When shifting P to S to P, feel the shift points engage the trans.

Then, when back at the (2nd time) P, shift from here more quickly now to the ‘N and D shifting’ portion of the procedure – do this quicker than the P-S-P shifting (say 5-8 times) and the D should disappear from the dash.

Then, when you see the D go away, shift to P (nothing showing in the indicator now) to start the trans fluid level/temp test.

 

2018 TRD Sport 2x4, drained a little over 2 quarts, put in 3quarts, did temp check and 600ml came out, so 400ml short from the factory.

 

I have a 2021 sr5 4x4 but I can’t get the temperature to work cuz my obd4 is different on the pin I don’t know how to do it I already put 4-1/2 court noting come out gushing after 8 minutes of idle I just have 1/2 more I have the front yack up

 

It takes about 10 minutes for engine to reach temperature required for fluid level check. From room temperature. even with engine running you have several minutes where fluid remains in range. If you have a laser temperature gauge, check trans pan for exact temperature reading.

 

Here's a link to the process for 2020 & newer trannys:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-level-check-diy.547455/page-12#post-22645913

Mine took about 12 minutes to reach the proper temp for the Level-Check Procedure.

 

thanks I’ll do it when I get home

 

Olso o

this one more help full I’ll try it thanks

 

sorry but I don’t get it after starting the enguine I have to turn off o what it mean

• Turn off electrical and mechanical loads

 

Should be able to see temp with a scanner, correct?
What temp should be used? Pan temp?

 

Turn off any/all lights, the fan, the radio, etc.

 

Correct me if Im wrong, but is the amount to drain and refill the automatic 3.5 quarts ? If so , couldn't I just park the truck on a level surface , and while it's cold, pull the drain plug ? And if 3.5 quarts is the measured amount that comes out, can't I just put in 3.5quarts ?

 

Sure, if you knew for certain, your truck was at the correct level. if you add 3.5 qts. and you were low to start... you would still be low. or the flip side, if you were too full. only way to know for sure, is to check fluid level correctly. Would be nice, if there were an easier way though. Ski

 

Thanks Ski

 

Last time I did this, I used a funnel from above and a piece of 1/2” clear poly hose to fill.

I hate using those darn pumps

 

I made a video this morning of me checking my trans fluid at 20K miles without having to jump the OBD port (my ‘21 doesn’t even have a pin in hole 13). My level from the factory was good…

https://youtu.be/XTU_Jt7OJZk

 

Can anyone suggest a good fluid pump. Thanks

 

If I didn’t have so many pumps, I’d be looking for one that fit the bottle of the ATF you are going to be using. The Toyota WS I believe has a non standard screw on cap. IIRC

 

I bought this one off Amazon and it works great. You can fully disassemble it to clean so you can use it for other oil types. My only complaint would be the tubes. If you don’t cut them down to side, they are unwieldy.