Did I mess up my Transmission? 2012 TRD Sport

I did the first time drain/fill on my '12 V6 TRD sport a few days ago. It had 115K and was running great, but I thought it was time. In any case, when I did the drain, I did not get the 3.1 quarts everyone reports. Only a quart came out so I started the engine, shifted through the gears and killed the engine. 30 seconds later, another quart gurgles out. I repeat the process a third time and got my third quart. I don't understand why I didn't get the 3 quarts like everyone else and wonder if I waited so long something was clogged.

Moving on, I put back the same amount I took out and then used an ODBII reader to make sure the level was correct when the transmission temp got to 120F. Like clockwork, right when I hit 120F a little bit of fluid came out of the overflow drain. I figured I set the level perfect but...

Every now and again the tranny jerks into gear when when I leave from a stop sign. I've also had it give me a kick after coming to a complete stop. If feels like someone lightly hit by rear bumper.

From what I've read, it sound like the fluid level is set too low. Is it possible that I damaged something when I cycled the gears during my weird drain process? How sensitive is the fluid level? Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

You didn't kill it, but are low on fluid. How much fluid was trapped in the torque converter and the fluid in the transmission cooler play into affect. Don't worry about everyone else, add fluid (I would only add 1qt to start) then check fluid level at temp 115-130 IIRC and ensure the "small trickle" is coming from the drain hole. Also, double check the level your truck is sitting at prior to conducting the fill. You obviously want as level as possible.

 

Its good practice to overfill, that way you get more out of the over flow to be 100% that you got the level correct. If only a tiny bit came out of the overflow, then that may have just been residual that was in the overflow tube. Put in an extra quart of fluid, run the trans through the gears while parked, then get to operating temp to check again. If only a very small amount comes out, stop and repeat with another quart of fluid until you get a good amount to drain out. @gearcruncher has better info on trans if you look up his threads.

 

Temp range is 115*f to 130*f for the check.

 

Read till your heart is content...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...th-pics-for-second-gen-4-liter-trucks.289913/

 

You were likely low from the factory. You drained the only quart in the pan out. then proceeded to pull air into the system while the trans pumped another quart or two back into the pan.

You are still probably low and probably have air in the system.

 

You didn’t follow the directions and you now have air and low fluid in the system. Start over after you understand the directions and don’t revise the steps.

 

Your story is a good learning experience for everyone else. If you take out a certain amount of fluid, don't assume that is the exact amount that needs to be put back in. Obviously the fluid could have been low before you drained anything.