Cost to check TM fluid level

Anyone have an idea how much a Toyota Dealership charges to check auto TM fluid level or how much time you would be charged for. I've read that Toyota doesn't compensate the dealer for the time it would take to check it properly when they put the dealership initially puts it in service.
Regardless, I want a Tacoma and have for a while any problems or not. Don't know if it is the best or not but I do know what I want. Tundra is pushing 320,000. Time to give it to one of my sons as a third vehicle for weekend hauls etc.

 

Not sure how long Toyota says the procedure takes. Labor rate is probably $105. That's what ours is but I guess it depends where your at. They might do it for free, or if you say you've had some troubles in the morning when it cooler going into gear or something they can use the complaint to "inspect" the fluid level" they certianly won't charge you if it's low

 

toyota of maui is checking all the tacomas they get in before they are released to the sales staff to sell and test drive. your dealer should be aware of the issue and do it for free.

 

"ALL FLUID LEVELS ARE TO BE CHECKED AT YOUR SERVICE INTERVAL"

Last time I checked, ATF is a fluid. That is what's stated in the Toyota paperwork,
its unreal that they refuse to follow their own promises.

 

It shouldn't cost you a thing. Its not our fault Toyota does not compensate the dealer, it is on the PDI sheet to check all fluid levels. Toyota decided to delete the tranny dipstick, not the customers, let the dealers work that out themselves. Let the dealer know you will not sign anything until you have watched them check it properly, not with the computer. If they want to finalize the sale they will work with you, if they dont, another dealer will.

 

Yeah, while I completely agreed with this, many dealerships will completely refuse to do it for free....I was fighting with a reputable dealer in my area for a couple months, even went all the way to the owner, and to corporate toyota and still nothing. instead, I just went to another dealer, and if it meant the 2nd dealer stealing the service from the 1st, they were happy to do it.

 

From what others have said on here Toyota dealers may make you this offer if they know about the issue. They will check it for free but if the level of fluid is full you will be charged the labor rate for checking the fluid. I have not seen anyone have to pay yet.

 

Yeah, they should as part of service before they give it to you but the mechanic and service manager are working under the constraints of the amount of time Toyota has allocated to put a vehicle in service. From info off this site I've read and seen YouTube video on the process to ACCURATELY check/correct fluid level. It is involved and time consuming. Also read various opinions of whether 1/2 quart makes that big a difference or not. I may just get (2) $50 gift certificates to Wal Mart and give them to the service writer and mechanic/tech. Truck supposed to be in around June 9th. Not that anal about wind noise, squeaking etc. but the TM fluid level seems to be an issue that the sooner corrected the better. Two or three cups of coffee, a tall glass of Metamucil, get in my new truck and ride along the beach and if anything needs tweaking, I'll just turn up the radio until the 5000 checkup. Ain't important if it's first, second or third generation.....just that it is a TOYOTA TACOMA......was considering getting one of those full sized Detroit monster trucks but the when I got my last yearly physical the Doctor said my pecker was too big to need a giant truck; he said a Tacoma would be just right for me.

 

Once it's properly cooled; 30 minute job, tops.

 

Again, you/we as customers did not choose to delete the dipstick. Don't worry about time constraints or who gets paid, you worry about your truck getting a proper service. Proper service involves checking all fluids, ATF is a fluid. If the dealer doesn't like it then they can deal with corporate. If your dealer refuses, then I suggest find a different dealer because that one does not care about the customer.

 

Can someone post the actual process steps to check at home? I have a scanner, tools, etc. and would rather do it myself. I have yet to see a legit thread / response that has steps 1-20 etc. saying how to do it on a 2016.

Thanks!

 

Very true and many that "agree" to do it to shut you up, do nothing and just say
they did it.

 

Bottom of first post.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...d-directly-from-factory.405642/#post-11356671

Though, I strongly suggest getting a dealer to check it so you have future recourse.

 

I know it is Corporate's responsibility but it ultimately falls on someone (Technician/Mechanic) that is just busting their butt to keep the wolves away from the front door. I've worked where it was just "do one more little thing" without any extra time to do it or compensation for it (often do it safe but why did it take so long). I bet most Tacoma owners can relate. I've fortunate to have what I have but don't want to ever forget where I came from.

 

My service advisory tried to tell me that there was absolutely no way to check the fluid. I informed him that it was sad that a History teacher (me) knew more about the service of my vehicle than he did. Waited to get the feedback survey from the dealer and ripped him a new one on there.. they now are going to give me a loaner for the day and do it for me as an apology

 

and we wonder why nothing is getting resolved. smh

 

I don't want to scare you but I bet they pull your truck in, put the computer on it and call it good. If I were you I would arrange to be there when they pull it in the bay.

 

I agree with this. But if it were mine, I'd do it myself first. If low, THEN I'd take it to the dealer. If it comes back 'good', then I'd never darken their door again.

I've taken vehicles with small problems I knew the answer too to independent mechanics before. Carefully described the symptoms, and chosen whether to use them for service work or walk away based on their findings and recommendations. A test as it were. It has served me well.

 

I bet they will too.. that is why I am going to climb under and mark the plugs with a little anti tamper paint.. and then call them out when I slide under after they should have done the job and call them out if it hasn't been tampered with.. Also I am going for a really long drive that day into the mountains with my loaner

 

Damn... I had the exact same thing happen...!! DR. said I don't need the long box, but I went for it anyway..!

I ended up with a new Taco as well..!!