Dealer refused to check transmission fluid at 5k serivce

so unless there is a visible leak, no need to check?
If the customer has a complaint about the way the truck shifts, then he should advise the service dept, & they should check the shifting issue as a customer complaint.

 

Toyota's way of thinking Yes, reality, No.

 

You did. Right in the post you quoted.

2nd gens don't either on the v6 models.

Dip-stickless is a new 'feature' for the 2.7 in the 3rd gen lineup, as it was included in previous gens.

 

yeah from cold, which its not when you drove to the dealership. and if its low you have to fill it, which is a pain in the dick with out a pump or a lift. takes more that 30 minutes. no need to make it sound like its super easy. not impossible to do yourself, but its not beginner level simple.

 

it is beginner level simple. Ok my bad you need a pump to hand pump the fluid in. If you change your fluids you should already have that anyways.

I was more saying it’s simple for the dealers to do

Since the dealers stated you need to remove multiple bolts and stuff, which is a lie.

 

It could have been underfilled from the factory?
Which is very common

 

under filled equals, slippage?

 

One possibility. Or clunky shifting, either up or down.

 

that sucks!

 

What exactly is the purpose of this new "feature"? Is there any benefit to not having a dipstick? One less part to fail/leak from maybe? Because all I'm seeing are problems.

 

I have absolutely nothing worthwhile to contribute to this conversation other than this: your Edward Abbey quote is excellent. I read his stuff growing up on various backpack trips in the 4 corners area as a kid. Desert Solitaire was and always will be one of my favorites.

 

IMHO it's a play to force consumers to dealers or service centers. But touted as maintenance free, lifetime fill.

Can't imagine what it would be in 99.99% of cases. Could make up some wild possibilities I guess.

I've been banging around vehicles for lot's 'o years, and many of them were automatics. From powerglides of the 50's to electro whizz bang stuff of today. I've never had a problem on a trans or trans axle dipstick.

The problem isn't being stick-less at the moment. It's being under filled from the factory and making checking accurate fill levels more complicated.

 

I had a 2016 3rd Gen SR5 4X4 with the 2.7L 4 cylinder and had zero issues with the AT. I never had the fluid checked, but also never had a reason too. Sounds like definitely the AT fluid needs to be checked. BTW the ECU software has only been changed once on the 4 cylinder trucks and the last update was back in Sept of 2015. So not likely a software issue but a fluid issue.

 

OP, I would try again, but this time go in person and ask the front desk receptionist to speak with a dealership manager or even the owner. Make sure to detail your symptoms, explain what has happened so far without being nasty or accusatory. Tell them you request a master tech or other qualified person to ride with you to verify the symptoms. If they cannot reproduce any symptoms, they won’t want to manually check the fluid level because it is a pain to do right, and will want you to pay for it. Let them know that you are afraid it is low on fluid and may have damage going on. If they see you are calm, and reasonable to deal with, they will want to keep a customer. If they still won’t do it, then leave, do it yourself, and never return to that dealer.

 

My wife's venza has no dipstick, no issues 110k miles. All makes are going this route, nothing to do about it. I bought a Tacoma (long time V8 Chevy truck owner) solely on the build quality of my wife's venza and Tacoma's resell/build quality. My 2016 v6 limited was used but only 25k miles. After owning it a few weeks I noticed the hesitation from P to D and R to D. Years of working on cars (shadetree..not a pro) I thought "low tranny fluid". After finding this site, I read about the TSB. The TSB did solve my issue. The service writer at Toyota was not willing to manually check fluid level...said the computer said it was ok. I was upset but I let it go for now. I didn't bring paperwork proving I knew proper method of checking fluid. I am experiencing no other tranny issues like slipping, hard shifts etc. If I did after the TSB reflash, I'd be going to corporate too. Heck, even a private tranny shop for advice/service. Tranny fluid needs to be checked while its temp is "in range". Fluid level expands and contracts based on temp. My question, if those who found it a quart low, could it be temp related? Was it slightly too warm? It's tough to guage...again I am with 99% of the owners here. I want a dipstick!

All I all, I really like my Tacoma. It's not as big and doesn't growl like my previous trucks.

Really like this site, lots of great people with real life feedback and tips.

Leon

 

Take it to another dealer and ask nicely.