Automatic Transmission Fluid Refill

I know this has been talked about a lot but I am replacing the fluids on my 07 tacoma and started to drain the AT fluid and when I removed the overflow plug more then what I thought would come out came out. upon filling it back up all I got was 2 Quarts in and it started flowing out of the overflow plug already.

I know I have to fill it up and get to the right temp but most people say fill till its coming out of the overflow then put that plug back in, fill it about a 1/3 quart more get it up to temp and drain the rest via the overflow. Most say its about 4 quarts dealers said like 3.8.

Any Idea why I was only able to get 2 quarts in? Advice on what to try?

Thanks in advance.

 

What was the specific procedure you followed?

To my understanding, the only time to remove the overflow is when you've added the new fluid and gotten it up to temp...

 

mostly this;

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.63851/

But I didn't have a way to measure how much came out really so I ready where a guy said you just fill it till i comes out the over flow then follow the rest. maybe that's wrong? should I just dump another quart and them get to warming it up?

 

Okay, keep in mind I'm no expert and pretty new to the Tacoma quirks myself! Transmission fluid expands quite a bit as it heats up so if you have already filled it, while cool, to where it is coming out of the overflow, then you are already "over" full. DO NOT add any more fluid!

Do you have a way to measure the temp?

 

Proper procedure to do a drain and fill is: drain fluid, fill fluid, run until fluid is at proper temperature, with the truck running pull the overflow plug, drain until flow slows, replace and torque plugs.

 

You should follow those directions to a tee in that link, what you did wasn’t the correct procedure. As expensive as a transmission is, you really want to get this procedure right.

 

Yes, you MUST follow the procedure.

I did a fluid/filter change on my '06 last Fall. Drained roughly 3 quarts, removed pan, changed filter, closed it. Added 3 quarts, ran temp check, removed overflow plug, nothing drained. Let it cool off, next day, added 3 more quarts, ran temp check, removed overflow plug, about 0.5 quart drained.

In short, my tranny was running about 3 quarts low before I did the fluid/filter change. Shifting was a bit sharp prior, now it shifts like butta. I have to watch the Tach to notice the shift points.

My point, do it right. No short cuts. Ignore what people say, read and follow the procedure.

 

Step 1 - with the engine off, fill until it comes out the overflow

Step 2 - turn the engine on, fill until it comes out the overflow

 

wrong.....just wrong.

 

Ok fine..

Step 3 - cycle through the gears and check again

Step 4 - get it to temp and check again

 

Your process probably works for the Manual Transmission.......I believe the OP has an Automatic Transmission......

 

I'm curious here and confused. It states he just removed the overflow plug. Did you actually remove the trans drain plug? On my 2010 there are two plugs one to drain the trans and one for the overflow tube.

 

The fill problem comes from the Torque Converter and all the fluid passages draining or partial draining when the engine is shut off. It is also known, many transmissions are short fill.

So, the best path is to follow the Level Check Procedure. Its a simple procedure, really no reason to skip over the process.

Running short on fluid will result in sharp shifting (not smooth), possible overheat, poorer transmission performance and potential for increased wear. The transmission is 2nd most critical component with the engine being 1st. It is also expensive to repair.

Is it worth the risk to run short on fluid to save a few $$ and a little time?

 

There should be zero confusion if you follow the write up .
Add 3 liters or 2 quarts to the empty pan , then start the truck . This prevents running your transmission pump dry .
Pull the overflow tube bolt on the bottom of the pan " with the truck running "
While the truck " remains running ",fill through the fill port until proper temp is reached and fluid slowly trickles out the overflow tube and you are done.
With the truck still running , put the overflow bolt back in place


Do not worry how much fluid comes out when you initially perform the drain.
You can compare how much extra you added when you are finished properly filling
Whats more important is leaving the truck running while you fill with new fluid . The truck must be running in order for the transmission pump to charge the torque converter and valve body with fluid .

 

From a guy that owns a 4.0 AT..... knows how to count ounces....knows how to jump the pins and get in check mode.....has done this twice before...... your drain and fill will take exactly 3.0 qts. If it was properly filled before.