Automatic Transmission Dipstick Issues (2000 3.4L V6)

I attempted to check the transmission fluid in my 2000 Tacoma (3.4L V6, Automatic, 4x4, SR5, 200k miles) and the dipstick broke off. The dipstick was always very difficult to get in and out, so this wasn't too surprising. But I didn't like the idea of a large piece of metal circulating in my transmission somewhere.

I found a video showing that the transmission tube comes apart in two pieces. Turns out, you can remove one bolt and then pull the upper half of the tube apart from the lower tube. I did this, and was able to remove the broken, lower portion of the dipstick.

But, I still needed a dipstick.

So, I turned to Toyotapartsdeal.com. Unfortunately, they display two part numbers for the transmission oil dipstick - even after entering my VIN.

I started off by ordering part #35103-34060. But when it arrived, it looked different than the original one. It only had 2 bends in it, both towards the bottom of the dipstick. The level markings were also in different locations.

I decided I should have ordered the other dipstick, so I ordered part #35103-35350. This dipstick didn't have as many bends as the original dipstick, but it did have a couple more than the first one I ordered. The level markings were also in the same locations a the original dipstick.

For good measure, I also ordered a replacement for the upper half of the transmission dipstick tube (part #35013-35290) hoping that it would make sliding the dipstick in easier.

Nope.

So here is where I'm at now. I have a transmission dipstick again, but it is still very difficult to get in and out.

This leads me to wonder... was the original transmission dipstick even the right dipstick? The plot thickens knowing that the transmission on this truck had to be rebuilt at only 150k. Perhaps putting in the wrong amount of fluid caused premature failure?

These are the thoughts that keep me up at night... maybe this info will be helpful to someone else.

 

Sounds like it's time to manual swap 'er.

Sorry I know nothing about auto trans, so that's the best advice I can provide.

 

The transmission dipstick is always a pain in the ass on all A340 transmissions. They are also always a pain in the ass to read accurately.