3rd Gen Transmission Fluid level Check

Guys.. He cannot do that... Does not make any sense for him at all..!!

I applause you JoCoQS, for your integrity..!

 

So after taking my 2016 SR5 Access Cab Taco into the dealer where I purchased it and explaining the slight slipping in cold weather I'd been experiencing and possible low transmission fluid (with some print outs from here) they checked it and it was indeed 2 quarts low. They filled it and I got them to extend the warranty to 7 years or 75,000 miles. Hope that's the end of it!

 

I have the Torque Pro paid program and a http://www.amazon.com/Panlong-Bluet...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00

I used Torque Pro today on a 2016 Tacoma . In the program I chose add a check -scrolled to transmission temp .I chose transmission temp . check 1 . and transmission temp check 2 and added them one at a time . Transmission check 1 gave me readings for the temp while driving of 188 to 192 degrees F. The trans temp check 2 gave no data . Is trans temp check 1 the check and data I can use to bring the trans up to 95 to 113 for checking the trans fluid level ?

I also posted this in the scan tool for 3rd gen also . I was not sure where to ask .

 

someone posted it before and believe they came to the conclusion it is giving you coolant temps not trans temps. Dont think anyone knows how to get the 16 trans temps yet

 

how can i check the fluid level by my self?? is it too complicated?? my ride is smooth but i read this and i just want to double check..

thanks!!!!

 

JoCoQS, your post is saddening, as I also have a Toyota Field Specialist coming to see my truck this month for the same low speed vibration/rumbling issue. I was pretty happy at first that corporate was listening to me, but am now prepared to get the always dependable "it's a normal characteristic" spiel. Since Monday has past, did they make any progress?

 

Sadly, no progress. I am so disgusted with this truck it's unbelievable. I, personally, removed the front drive shaft yesterday to see if the rumble remained. I thought it would be gone, but it was still there. I don't know that there is much left that could be causing this issue. CV joints, maybe? Imo, it is being caused by the (insert expletive here) Goodyear tires with kevlar. I've been advised by several non-corporate, Toyota employees that Toyota corporate is aware of this issue. Good? Guess we'll have to wait and see how long Toyota sits on their thumbs about this issue. Suggestion. If a Toyota Field Specialist has not looked at your truck yet, demand a write-up from HIM. All I was provided on his "opinion" were two, scribbled hand-written notes, on a sheet I took to the dealership.

 

Point out in the Warranty/maintainance manual it says "inspect and adjust all fluid levels". As in ALL! It doesn't say except ATF.

 

took my 16 tacoma sport 4x4 to have 5000 mile service. everything was ok on it, even the transmission fluid. no i didnt see them check it, but your local toyota service is like your spouse. if you dont have trust or faith in them, you should get another one. my build was in texas in september.

 

Worst analogy ever...

 

My thoughts exactly.

 

^^ x3

 

I'll pile on the bad analogy.

Maybe this will help somebody:
I checked my transmission myself TWICE, once unpinned and once pinned, after thoroughly reading the Toyota procedure linked to another thread. I used the onboard procedure (no TechStream). A few observations:
1. Mine was a little over 3/4 qt low which seems to be very common.
2. Pinning thermostat made no difference.
3. When underfilled, it will leak a very small amount of fluid (about 1-2 tablespoons) - what was in the tube, then a drop now and then.
4. When it is overfilled it will gush out like an open faucet.
5. When it is finished "gushing" and shifts to a heavy drip - Quickly insert the plug, then quickly make sure the "D' is still showing solid (not blinking) on your dash display. At that point, open a brew, you're golden.
6. The heavy drip will never stop because as the engine runs, the fluid continues to expand.
7. I now understand why the procedure is done while the engine is between 95 and 113 degrees. Ambient temperatures vary greatly and if it was done at operating temperature, you'd burn the crap out of hands while inserting the plug.

My suggestion to anyone thinking about checking their own transmission fluid, don't buy fluid and pump until you first go through the procedure. Once the "D" shows on your dash display, pull the plug and see if more than a couple tablespoons flows out. If it does, you're good to go. If not continue to watch as the fluid continues to warm up and while checking the "D" on your dash. If fluid starts to flow before the "D" starts flashing, you're still good to go, as long as you quickly get the plug back in. If the "D" starts flashing (fluid is now over 113 degrees and too hot to check) and there is no flow, quickly insert plug and turn off engine. Your truck is definitely low on fluid.

It's not that hard to do it guys - for peace of mind. I trust dealerships to try and hire competent technicians, but have had enough experiences to know they don't always get it right. PM me if you are unsure of the procedure.

 

waiting for Youtube video of how to perform the check on a 2016 Tacoma.

 

Hmmm! Sounds like a challenge. Damn, I lent my GoPro to a friend. The hardest part would be showing the jumper wire connection since you have to pretty much bend over upside down if you wear bifocals or progressives. I guess I'll whimp out and say if you can't follow the instructions, you probably shouldn't try it.

 

Have my truck in for 5k service right now. Sitting enjoying complimentary coffee and bottled water. I made sure they know the check the ATF in the correct way. After sitting for a while they come and tell me that to properly check the ATF it's going to take some extra time due to there not being a dip stick. I said I'm comfortable waiting to have it done right. He then made a point to say if the ATF was low, I'd get a CEL. Which doesn't seem to be popping up for anyone else who has reported low ATF. I just told him to check it right to avoid issues later down the road.

Has anyone gotten a CEL from low ATF? Maybe it has to be REALLY low for that to happen. They're also checking on the hood vibrating issue, and the service guy said his '16 had the same issue, so I know they don't think I'm crazy.

 

No CEL from 1 or 2 quarts low

 

Update: they wouldn't check the ATF. Said truck either needs to be there all day or overnight. Also, they won't check it under warranty without it throwing a CEL, and it would cost me $100 to have them check it. Not to mention I would need a rental if I don't want to live at the dealer for that day or night.

Should I try a different dealer? Call corporate?

I'm not having any transmission issues other than the typical gear hunting here and there. But seems like those with the Tow Package have reported most frequently about having low ATF.

 

The most up do date info is within this first post . No check engine light with low fluid
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...be-low-on-fluid-directly-from-factory.405642/

 

You may wish to point them to page 38 of the Warranty and Maintenance manual that came with your truck. It states "Inspect and adjust all fluid levels", not "all but the transmission".