Transmission Fluid check procedure for 2016

Hi all,
Just wanted to share my story.
I just bought a used 2016 TRD sport and love the truck. I noticed that I'm getting low mpg(15-16) and ever slight delay in engagement. The engagement wasn't as bad as some people describe. Mine was a fraction of a sec delay when going into D compared to other cars. Followed the direction on this thread (what a pain) and add Valvoline max life, about 0.5-1 quart.
Almost immediately, I can tell the tranny is shifting smoothly and no delays. I'm getting 18-19mpg now which is normal.
Thanks to all you guys.

 

where are these OBD pins you guys are jumping located?

 

Under the dash/steering column, just right of latch to pop the hood.

 

I just got it I'm a little slow OBD, stands for on board diagnostic. now I know what I'm looking for. thanks

 

I finally got it into test mode to check the fluid and it was not low. I did have it in for 5000 mile service 2 weeks ago, not sure if they had added tranny fluid then, but they didn't tell me they did.
Thanks you your help guy!!

 

How did you determine it wasn't low?
The only real way to be sure is to get into test mode in the right temp range and add fluid until it runs out the overflow.

 

While I was under the Tacoma doing my pre fluid check, locating all the plugs I would need to remove I noticed the catalytic converter was going to be really close to where I was going to have to get to the fill plug. So I decided to add a quart of fluid before I started the truck. Then after I got it in test mode and up to temp I removed the plug to check the level and I drained almost all of the fluid I had put in it, minus a couple of ounces.

 

Anyone see problems doing it this way? I want to check mine and it seems like it's a way to avoid a potential burn working near the converter.

 

My only concern would be the potential for the trans fluid to foam due to an over filled trans. I'm not saying that I am certain it would foam, just that I wanted to avoid adding another problem.

When I checked my trans fluid level, before starting the truck I removed the fill plug, loosened the check plug and pinned the trans t-stat.

The Plews el-cheapo pump I bought had a very short piece of vinyl tubing attached. I replaced it with a section of clear vinyl tubing that was long enough to insert the delivery end into the trans fluid fill hole and still have extra hose to allow me to change bottles if need be. I secured the vinyl tubing to make ceratin it wouldn't fall out while running the engine, pumping fluid and changing/moving the trans fluid bottle.

After the check/fill/drain excess procedure, I shut the truck off, let it cool a while then reinstalled the plug and removed the pin from the trans thermostat.

 

I posted some pics of my set up in this thread - post # 207:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...on-fluid-directly-from-factory.405642/page-11

 

Thanks for the input and the pictures.

 

nice work on the write up

 

if i have a scan gauge...is it still necessary to do the "shifting process" to get it into check mode?

 

Could take 15-20 mins for "D" to illuminate indicating temp. check mode. Be patient.

 

Hello my fellow "Taconauts". Before I share my experience I strongly recommend to watch this video so you understand why it is very important to get this right:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNcecuGzTDg

I checked my tranny fluids today following the instructions previously posted and mine was 1Qt. low. So I filled it up until fluid started dripping just as described in the procedure, but I'm gonna give it a ride tomorrow and post my feedback on it. Anyway I wanted to share my experience and so far everything went exactly as expected, and around 3 mins. after I finished the "D" indicator started blinking. So I finished right on time. That being said, I suggest to have everything ready and in place before starting the engine, so you don't waste time, because right after you reach the right temperature it won't take that long to get above it. So plan your strategy well or you will end up having to wait it cool down again and well... you get the point. Just plan ahead.

PD.
Bad news I got too confident under the truck and burned myself with the catalytic converter, so be aware that even the trans fluid might not be at the right temperature you exhaust will be hot enough to give you a good burn.

 

Hi guys, as promised here's my feedback after adding almost that 1Qt. of tranny fluid.

Well, I can say it really improved shifting, it feels like a different truck. I mean, I never thought almost a Qt. could make such a difference. Why? Well I was getting 23MPG sometimes more, So I thought the delay engagement and lugging was just shitty programming, I even got the truck for the TSB for R and D thing and they supposedly "checked" for fluid levels ? Now I know they really didn't or not as it should.

But once again this forum proved again its value. Thanks everyone for sharing your knowledge and experience.

 

Wouldn't it be easier / faster to drain the AT fluid into a bucket to measure it. Then put in the known right amount?

 

Hi, I thought of that at first but keep in mind even do, let's say you "got the amount of fluid right". The only way to make sure is to measure it, and in order to do that is at the right temperature. Otherwise you'll assume it is at the right level. It is like changing you motor oil, even do you have done it thousands of times, you always, always check the dipstick. But hey, it was my first thought as well and it is valid, but I don't like to assume, I like to make sure.

 

In the other hand, this is a lot easier and less work. Even do it sounds complicated, but it is not really.

 

Nice write up.