Toyota Just Called, Because of LOW ATF From Factory Giving me The 10 Yr Platinum Warranty Free!

At least they didn't give you the run around!

 

How can an Owner tell the difference between the infamous "gear hunting" transmission issue, and low ATF?

 

I'm shocked that the dealer even entertained the idea. Wonder what the chances are they said it was a quart low to make the OP happy? I just don't see a quart of ATF making any noticeable difference.

 

With 10% ~ less fluid being circulating and therefore uncooled, it makes sense that the temps would be at least slightly elevated, but I too find it interesting that it would affect drivability. The pickup in the pan, after all, is still pulling fluid..
However, many have perceived or believed that there was indeed at least some affect on performance.
I've been a quart low on many a vehicle with no short term affect on performance, but since the Tacoma hasn't been one of them, I can't and shouldn't comment on this vehicle in particular.

 

I took my new Off-road DCSB in at 1000 miles because it had a transmission fluid leak. They said that the gasket on the transmission pan was folded over. They replaced the gasket and filled it with oil.

 

I agree with less fluid giving the potential for higher temps, but we are also in the middle of winter. I have towed on 100 degree days and not seen any difference in the way the transmission performs. I would be shocked that an unloaded winter day would create a difference just being a quart low.

 

If you have a scan gauge you can monitor the ATF and TC temps. But if it is still under warranty just bring it in and have them check it.

 

I requested a specific tech that I trust do the test. He took a video of the entire process. Showed the Techstream screen run up to correct temp, then him pulling the check plug and nothing coming out, then him adding ATF until it was at the correct level.

This tech is about the only person who touches my Toyota's. He has even let me in the bay before to help try to diagnose an issue on my 2nd gen.

Plus, I always bring him Boudin and Cracklin's

 

Or hit the pan with an IR temp gun and add a 3° ~
Folks have made checking tranny fluid levels in these truck out to be rocket science.
While Toyota didn't do us any favors removing the dipstick, it ain't all that..

 

I'm glad you got the warranty, but not entirely sure you deserved it. Keep in mind that nothing is free. It is costing Toyota and Toyota isn't a charity organization. Anything they give away is reflected in higher costs for everyone else. Now your free warranty probably reflects in about a .00001 price increase for everyone else so keep that in mind when anyone says you didn't deserve it!

 

It is official. I received my Platinum Warranty Card and booklet today. Here are the highlight...

 

I just purchased one from Jerry. Although not free, a very good price for 125,000 miles/10 years with no deductible. Just peace of mind for me.

 

Good for you dude. Did adding the 1 quart of fluid correct all your issues? The dealer had to add a half quart to my 2023 to get it to the correct level, but I still have a torque converter slip, which was why I had them check it.

 

What temps were you seeing via your scan tool?

 

Yes, once they put the correct amount of ATF it did help alot! From what I am reading a TUNE is needed to totally fix the weird behavior of the transmission. I am looking for a local shop to do mine.

 

200+pretty steady when it was 30 degs outside. The biggest issue was when I was driving obviously the ATF and TC temps would go up, but when I would get off the freeway and either stop at a stop lights or start driving on surface streets at like 35MPH, the temps were not dropping as fast as they should. Especially the TC! I could watch the ATF fluid temp start dropping but the TC temp would stay high. Once they added the extra ATF, then the temps would drop proportionally together and unless its hot outside and I am running it hard I am rarely over 200 degs and if it does get that hot it drops immediately once I let off.

 

Low on transmission fluid = 10 year warranty. Now, if someone wanted to be nefarious or crooked...

 

My manual shipped ALL quarts low on ATF from the factory, I wonder if I could get this…