Mechanic who installed radiator spilled ATF fluid and other potential Issues - Need feedback

I recently had Precision Auto at 9009 Baileywick Rd #101, Raleigh, NC 27615 install a new radiator in my 2001 Tacoma V6 4x4. I provided my own OEM Toyota part for the job, which they agreed to install, and the final cost came to about $170.

Given their solid reputation, I expected the job to be done properly. However, after I left, I popped the hood and found a significant amount of ATF fluid soaked throughout the engine compartment.

I returned to ask about the issue, and they told me to call back in a few days when the technician who worked on my truck would be available. When I followed up, I was told the spill was due to an air bubble in the transmission, causing the fluid to leak. They offered to clean it up, but this explanation didn’t sit right with me. It seems more likely that the fluid was spilled while they were topping it off. I’m struggling to understand how an air bubble could cause such a large spill, and although I cleaned up most of it, you can still see traces of the fluid in the attached pictures.

While I know no one will work on your vehicle as carefully as you would, this felt sloppy. After further inspection, I have several concerns and would really appreciate some feedback on whether these are real issues or if I’m overlooking something.

1. The transmission fluid level is now dangerously low, even though I was charged for the fluid. Is this a sign they didn’t top it off correctly?
   
   
2. The fan shroud doesn’t appear to be flush with the radiator, which I believe it should be. Also, the bolts or toggles securing the radiator seem to be improperly installed.
   

This is really frustrating, and I’m considering asking for a partial refund since I’ll need to have these issues fixed. Could anyone let me know if these problems are serious or if I’m missing something? Where else should I inspect to make sure no other damage occurred during the installation? I’m really concerned this could lead to more costly repairs down the line.


The fan shroud does not seem flush with the radiator.



These toggles don't seem properly engaged


I cleaned up most of the ATF fluid with soap and water but there's still a substantial amount...

 

ATF fluid is flammable and if it's on the serpentine belt and pulley's you'll need to clean them and replace the belt. Low atf fluid is no good.

Find another shop or top off the atf fluid yourself. The fan shroud looks okay. Maybe get a second shops opinion. I wouldn't go back to that shop.

 

I thought the fan shroud should be totally flush with the radiator??? I'll top the ATF fluid...

 

fan shroud doesn't need to be completely flush.

 

Yeah, that is certainly a proper fit for the shroud, no issue there.

 

It’s been a LONG time since I owned my 1st Gen with 3.4.
But am fairly certain my truck had ATF cooler lines that went to the radiator.
The whole “air bubble” thing make no sense. I bet it was a sloppy cleanup.

The tech yanked the old one out.
Tossed a new on in.
Closed the hood.

@Speedytech7 is the 1st Gen guru.
He can correct me if I am wrong.
But I seem to recall mine having atf cooler lines to the radiator.

 

Yup they do

 

I thought so.
It’s been a long time since I was under a 1st Gen Auto.

Thanks for confirming.

 

They do and it doesn't hold a lot. But if you don't plug the lines it can probably lose "extra". But it sounds like they were just sloppy.

 

Sounds like they didn't replace the amount of atf fluid that was in the original radiator transmission cooler portion. But my shroud, same year and engine as yours, is tucked up tight against radiator. I always give one chance to make things right and hear their attitude about the situation. $170 not a bad price if that includes labor, proper coolant, tranny fluid and shop supplies.

 

Am I the only one not seeing ATF everywhere?

Idk what could even cause that. There are no transmission fluid lines above the radiator. There are two going to the bottom of the rad and are literally impossible to remove and plug without spilling some.

$170 sound like 1.5hrs of labor which is definitely fair

 

Looks really clean to me.

 

Even rusty bolts in Texas

 

Are you checking the ATF fluid when the engine is cold or hot? Just remember, if the engine is cold, it should be in the COLD range on the dipstick. If the engine is at operating temp, then it should be between the lower and upper HOT lines. ATF fluid expands as it gets hot.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/high-mileage-2002-prerunner-diff-oil-trans.833159/#post-29857418
Do your own check and make sure its filled yourself. Use the linked procedure. It's not difficult to do.

Also give your coolant overflow bottle a visual check. You should have coolant in there, somewhere around the mid point I believe. Don't want it higher than that. Look at it from the side.

I too am at a loss as to how the hell ATF fluid ended up all over the top of the engine bay. Maybe they had an open bottle of ATF sitting up there on the airbox and was knocked over?

 

Came here to say the same re the ATF check and to check the coolant as well..nice catch