Tacoma Blunder

Happens to the best of us. I've done 99% of my own oil changes, and told my girlfriend I'd just change her Fit's oil in my garage instead of her taking it to the dealer. After grumbling about how the drain plug had a weird square-drive head(foreshadowing), i popped the drain plug and marvelled at how clean the oil looked. Then noticed how much it STANK. Then was horrified at the sudden realization that I drained the CVT a completely unknown amount. I went through all 5 stages of grief in 2 mins, followed by frustration that I couldn't just top it back off. Had to rent a uhaul dolly and tow it an hour and a half to the honda dealer for a refill, because sealed CVTs are picky and need special fittings/pumps that neither I nor nearby shops had.

The different plug should have tipped me off. Total brainfart. As well as the fact that I was on the wrong side of the car. In my feeble defense, I've owned many vehicles, and none had been a transaxle in over a decade. Trans plugs are usually at least behind the front wheels lol.

Also, never get CVT fluid on you. Holy shit, the smell. Took weeks to wash off and some of my tools still reek of it

 

Because the bellhousing.

 

Shit happens, especially if you've done something a million times.

Another example (although less serious): this morning I dumped old coolant into my windshield washer fluid. Label your waste containers...

Another oil change story: my girlfriend was interested in car stuff, so I was going to show her how easy an oil change is on the 4.0. I couldn't get the filter loose, and ended up mangling and basically beating it to death with some channel locks and a screw driver, and turned the whole thing into a two hour job.

 

Another plus of a fumoto valve: Once you install it, you know 100% you're draining the correct thing.

 

How much does it stick out beyond the surrounding frame/plates?

 

I work in automotive and you wouldn't believe how many "trained" mechanics do this to people's cars. Recently had a pretty reputable shop drain 2 fluids out of a rear sport diff and only filled 1 back up.... $10,000 later car is back on the road.

 

and you still made it to Boise! Gotta love these trucks!

 

Mine is covered by a regular skid plate.

 

Why would Toyota do that? They want you to ruin your truck, they don’t like DIY folks like us…

 

I did that once, and noticed the transmission slip after driving about 5 miles. Parked it. Got it towed to the dealership, and let them replace the transmission fluid. I felt so dumb, but it happened, because my mind was elsewhere when I "changed the oil". Lesson learned.

 

I don't know about the OEM skid, but mine's tucked in at least a half-inch above the aftermarket plate on mine.

 

WTF would they put the OIL Drain Plug on the transmission pan?

 

Just need to remember that "engine" oil drains out from under the engine... not in the middle of the truck.

 

Yeah, I wonder if people who have this issue crawl in from the side (behind the wheel) vs. the front. From the front, I can't see how you'd mix the two up.

 

That's exactly it (for me). I always crawl under directly behind the front tire on the driver's side, and from that vantage point the first drain plug you see is the transmission. The oil drain pan is out of view, and further towards the front than expected. You have to pull yourself much further under and towards the front than you think should be needed.

Having made the mistake, I always have to tell myself, "Nope, not that one. Keep going towards the engine, and you'll see it."

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/halp.33318/

 

I read these threads and understand THAT this sort of thing happens.

I just dont understand HOW this sort of thing happens.

 

I don't feel as silly now - did that on my son's '95 Subaru Legacy years ago. It was still a bonehead move because before that I changed the oil on Subarus for years. I probably still have a Fram PH3593 filter in the garage.

When I refilled the Subaru with transmission fluid, I had bottle (quart?) left over. Probably because it wasn't completely drained.

 

Glad your truck is ok. Check that dipstick next time.

 

Or how about we all take notice that 1) Burnt motor oil doesnt come out red or 2) the motor doesnt have a bell housing hanging infront of it where you would normally see a radiator or 3) the motor doesnt have a tranfercase and/or drive shaft hanging directly off the back of it.

I understand being in a hurry/stressed/rushed or even working in a place thats uncomfortable/unfamiliar but still.