3rd Gen Automatic Transmission Fluid Level Check DIY

At the factory, they probably just put in a set amount and call it good. They’re pumping 800-1000 vehicles a day at those factories. I doubt they are warming them up to operating temperature and checking the overflow.

 

That’s normally how it goes. It takes an engineer to change a factory process. It’s an acceptable allowance to push them out as is and not change the process.

 

Just did a drain and fill at 30k miles with the rest of the drivetrain fluids. Drained 2 qts, put in about 3.8 qts to overfill it, and drained a little less than a qt in temp check mode. Therefore I think mine was a qt or so low from the factory. Seems my transmission is a bit smoother now as well. Kind of wish I did this sooner. Front diff drain plug was caked too so glad it’s all freshened up.

 

If no one (or very few) is notifying Toyota of the issue then Toyota might not know how bad the issue is. I have contacted Toyota directly after my stealership kept giving me the run around. I now have an appointment next Friday (1/26/24) for them to inspect the transmission (again), but this time do a transmission fluid level check. I will update here once I get the verdict. I am hoping it is low because my truck drives like crap. 2023 TRD OR with 28,000 miles on it, purchased brand new January 2023.

 

Noticed a leak under the truck this morning (2016 SR5 with tow package). Ended up being a leak from the transmission cooler line. They replaced the lines and leveled/balanced the fluid in the trans. I went under the truck and noticed this (pictured). Seems like they left the paperclip in the transmission thermostat? Can I removed it? Should there be an actual pin there? Not happy to see a 1 cent paperclip under my truck after paying $830. Thanks

 

Just pull it. It is a part of the check fluid procedure to pin the thermostat.
No harm was done.

 

It doesnt do any harm, some people intentionally do it to circulate the fluid and keep it cold.

You are correct that it should be done right for that price.

 

Nice, I'll be doing mine soon, Im at 72K miles now

 

Hey guys just had the check plug come loose on me while driving. lost about 2 quarts on fluid. drove probably around 30 miles like this on and off highway. only had two hard shifts happen. filled her back up and tranny is butter still. take away is if you have lots of poly bushings on your modifications make sure to over torque your bolts by a little because the vibrations make bolts come loose. i follow the torque spec and then give a little bit more but even that wasnt enough for this check bolt with crush washer.

 

OP, thanks for the excellent write-up and photos.

Your #1 post is included here as a PDF that can be printed.

 

Dealership Quality!! Check

 

Can anybody recommend the proper fluid pump for this?
I have an Amazon account and can order from there.

 

I have

$17 Slippery Pete Fluid Pump for Gallon Bottles and Wide Mouth Quart Bottles (Not for Standard Quart Bottles) - Transfer Gear Oil, Transmission and Differential Fluid, Antifreeze with This 30cc Hand Pump

this one

 

On 2023 model and maybe few years less the OBDII paper clip does not work , just omit the OBDII part and do the start engine and place E brake on then do your shift sequence just as would and all is exactly same . Soo 19 to 23 year may be like that , I tried the paperclip and it didn't show any warning lights or when did sequence it never went into temp mode , trued 3 times then decided to not use paper clip worried I was putting in wrong hole or might short out, first-time did without clip in obdii it did it and followed threw

 

I assume if one has a ScanGauge or OBD Fusion they can simply watch for the correct trans temp?

 

you could yes, mine went into check mode at 100deg

 

We are over 100 degrees every day... maybe no check mode required.

 

Its so easy to just go through the steps to have the indicator tell you when to check it, I'd just do that.

 

No joke, yesterday morning I ran a load of brush to the landfill, then I garaged it to do it's rotation, oil, differential, and a transmission drain-snd-splash. The truck has been "cool" for four hours, but the second I put it in check mode, I got the flashing D.


Also, putting the truck on stands and hulking wheels in 100 degree weather sucks.

I gave it my best guess and went on with my day. This morning I woke up at 6, brewed my coffee, and repeated it. It only took me 5 minutes to get into check mode, but at least it was solid. Turns out, yesterday's best guess was only a third of a quart too low. Not bad.

 

Hobo freight has a multi use pump for $3.99. Normal price $10, still worth it

Mine ate a quart, then added a second quart and it spit out about 600 mils. I only checked it after it started slipping on a new truck. I did not sell my clapped out Chevy to have the trans slip again

Guess my intuition was right to check it!