3rd Gen Automatic Transmission Fluid Level Check DIY

Are you planning on not using the check mode? The check mode also controls the idle speed and thus to some degree the level.

 

By the time the trans temp meets the minimum temp the idle is about normal. The dealer uses techstream to get the temp and did not mention anything about check mode

 

Check out the video at post # 517 , by 'Brian2sun'.
No jumper wire needed.
I don't think Tacos 2021 and after can even use the 'jumper wire' method.

I've checked the upper and lower trans oil temps when in check mode via ODBII doggel and Torque Pro on my tablet and they were within +- 1*F of what they should be.

 

Looking again in the service manual I did find "Select the Active Test item: Connect the TC and TE1 / ON." in Techstream before reading the AFT temp with "Select the Data List menu: A/T Oil Temperature 1." I saw elsewhere that 800 rpm is the check fluid mode rpm and post #517 video shows the tachometer looking about 800 so I'll do the DND procedure to be safe.

 

Precisely, the idle speed is “controlled” in the level check mode. This is what many people are missing when they say they will just use some other device to check the temperature when checking the ATF fluid level. How much does the idle matter? Do not know, but that is what Toyota has developed and it seems easy enough to do with or without Techstream. I do have Techstream and I have never opened it up to use when checking my fluid - seems way too much trouble on getting the computer out and such.

 

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