Transmission Fluid Question.

Hello everyone. Im new to the forum and I have a question regarding my 2003 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner TRD. It has the 3.4 L V6 engine.

I did my oil change and decided to check my transmission fluid for color and level. Since Ownership I haven't checked it (Aprox 7 months) My driving is moderate and average about 12,000 miles a year. No slippage or hard shifts noticed. It shifts positively, noticeable, and seems solid. It has never appeared abnormal.

I checked it when it was warm and did the recommended sequence to check the tranny fluid level (running through the gears after driving it for about 10-15 min). I noticed it was below the cold line by about 1" or so. I put 3/4 of a quart into the transmission of the ATF toyota fluid. The current fluid color is off red, not burnt or black that should spike concern.

It now reads between the cold marks WHEN cold. HOWEVER, when I do the same test it never reaches the Hot marks. It goes down slightly, then once cooled, back to the cold marks. Is this normal? Any suggestions on what to do? I dont want to damage my transmission by putting to much in. Any insight would be great! Thank you!

 

You didn't specify if you checked it while running or not. But to be sure, make sure you check it when its running. If its cold then go off the cold marks, if you drive it for 15 minutes it really won't get that warm. I'd just start it in the AM and check it with the cold marks. Drive it for a good while and verify with the hot if you want to.

 

I did check it while running. I'll do it again today and see what I get. I just saw it strange that the levels when down after driving it 10 min or so.if it's on the cold in the morning it should be okay right?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...sions-write-up-your-4-speed-automatic.325531/

 

Should be, but I'd check both to be sure. Just drive it enough that you know it's warm. My trans takes more than 15 min to warm up per my Scanguage. That link is good too. Read up if you can.

 

THANKS for the link to the thread. Im so unfamiliar with transmissions I may take it in and have them do a LIGHT flush and replace the fluid. The only problem is finding someone trustworthy to do it. If I drain it myself, how much does your tacoma take when you fill it up? Assuming we have the same engine (3.4L V6)

I checked it again today. In park and in drive with the hand brake on. It was slightly over cold. i get streaking and blotches up the dipstick so im only reading where the obvious line is. Im most likely overthinking this since during my 30 min drive today it shifted fine!

Thanks again

 

You sound good to go. It sure beats my issue of not knowing to check the fluid while running. I've been wrenching on cars for years, but this truck is my first auto trans vehicle. I removed the pan and changed the filter, and refilled to full. Trans slipped for a bit so I added fluid, and added fluid till it stopped. After I read to check it running I did so and still had to add a qt or so. I was low...sheesh man. No damage but still. Nowhere did I ever read in my manual, that you need to have the engine running.