3rd Gen Automatic Transmission Fluid Level Check DIY

Thanks for the detailed write up it really
helped! I was about 3/4 a quart low and felt a shifting/downshifting improvement after doing the procedure.

 

purchase a Scangage II. it will, when programmed, read your pan temp and converter temp, and a whole lot of other useful information. IF you are not sure that you are low, and if you have a tow package cooler - pull appropriate hose, add one qt of fluid, and pin the thermostat replace hose - or pull fill plug of the side of the transmission - add fluid, and replace plug if you don't have a trans cooled (then no need to pin of thermostat) - bring up to the mid temp of 109 - pull pan check plug and wait for fluid to flutter from a full stream - then screw back in plug - all good to go.

 

``

Where did you find this information, I am interested to see how Aisn Sieki changed things up

The reason Toyota removed the dipstick was because an overflow drain is much more accurate . This information is in the Toyota repair manual

 

https://www.transmissiondigest.com/diagnosing-an-overheating-condition/
"One last point regarding fluid level on these units: The GM engineer told us that the biggest issue is with the dipstick itself. The design makes it very difficult to get an accurate fluid-level reading. This, in combination with the fact that the new DEX VI fluid is very sensitive to temperature changes, makes these transmissions an easy target for the overfilling problem."


I'm sure Toyota and ATF-WS are no different.

 

I was looking to hear why these transmissions build a slight pressure and can pop a conventional dipstick out ?

 

They all have vents of some kind, so I am excited to see how that works as well.

 

Thanks for the info, I will check out the scan gauge. I never thought about using the cooler line to add fluid but makes sense since it returns to the pan.

Also, I remember reading something further back in this thread about the truck needing to be in “transmission fluid check mode” or something along those lines. Is that important to this process?

Thanks again for the help.

 

You won't be able to add a quarter that way.

Temp check is critical, in my humble opinion.

 

I’ll go through the fill plug then, thanks for the heads up.

Are you saying the temp check mode is critical? If so any idea how to do it on a 2020? I had no luck with instructions above.

 

the transmission fluid check mode is when it is in the proper temp range. I purchased a hand pump weed sprayer specifically for doing my transmission fluid items. It can be used to add fluid at the oem trans cooler into the return hose, or into the tans plug.

EDIT: content was removed from this post to keep the focus on fluid level check and not flush and fill.

 

Yes, u can do it but it needs to be forced in. That wasn't clear in your first post. Another important part of Temp check is the raised idle, wether or not that matter is TBD. Imo it matters.

 

Not to mention, temp mode might open/close certain solenoids or fluid circuit paths.

 

Some people (ignored) don't care about your opinions mannnnn

 

Ha...joke's on them.

 

I would be more concerned about starting the transmission pump up with a dry sump ( no oil in pan )
Not saying anyone does it this way , but you should have at least 3 quarts of fresh fluid in the pan before engine start up .
Spinning parts and valve bodies prefer constant lube.


A lot of you guys are still reporting low fluid conditions ????? ....unbeleiveable
I started this thread back in 2016
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...be-low-on-fluid-directly-from-factory.405642/

 

Likely you will need hand pump regardless of which approach you use. Add excess fluid- bring to temp- remove check bolt- replace check bolt when stream becomes flutter. And pump also connects to oem tow cooler return.

 

@thefatkid

??? Does TS have a function that does this vs jumper or scangage to know when you are within temp range? Seems like jumper method would not be the preferred go to method . What other than telling you that you are within the proper temp does temp mode actually do?

 

Yep. And some don't believe pinning your thermostat is a good thing. Even when you live in the desert. No joke.

 

Techstream can put you in temp check mode, yes.


I never said it was a bad thing. You're silly. You don't have to be passive aggressive, you can talk to me directly. If I said something that was a mistake I have no problem admitting I'm wrong or incorrect.

 

Oh shit your names nick too haha.


Fluid Extractor, Manual, 7-1/2 in. L

$27 Mityvac MVA6851 Fluid Extractor, Syringe Action to Extract and Dispense Fluids Into or Out of Small Reservoirs Including Master Cylinder, Transaxles and Power Steering and Coolant Reservoirs

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MPQ8RBG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_i_ud36Fb9A5YTPX


These seem to work better than the hand pumps, I've never had good luck with those. The always leaked. Plus with this you can do power steering flushes and whatnot. It also has a scale so u can monitor the amount u add.