3rd Gen Automatic Transmission Fluid Level Check DIY

Question:
For those with scan gauges and had low levels from the factory, did you see any temperature difference after getting the level correct?

 

I did not, but mine was probably only 1/2 to 1/4 qt low

 

Just did a drain/fill of my 2017, with tow package, for the 2nd time, at 110,000kM. FWIW, it took 13 minutes to heat up until the check temp, at an ambient outside temperate of 22C. Truck was parked overnight.

 

I am want to check my 2022 TRD Off-Road tomorrow.

I am planning on following the OP's instructions but am curious about the following step and if it's necessary:

"5. Using a small screwdriver, push in the shaft on the transmission thermostat. Then, slide a 1/16” drill bit through the hole on the side of the housing to hold the shaft in. The thermostat is located toward the front of the transmission. Some say this step is not necessary, others say it is. It takes 15 seconds to do it. Supposedly this thermostat only exists on trucks with the tow package but I can not confirm that."

Does anyone have any additional tips? I've seen that using a paperclip is no longer necessary and getting into the temp check mode is a little trickier but other than those, is there anything else that changed on the newer models?

Thanks!

 

Just do it, it is easy and takes no time at all to pin open.

 

I use a mighty vac, great for brakes too, particularly working alone..

$52 Mityvac MV8000 Automotive Tune-up and Brake Bleeder Kit, Selectline Hand Pump (MV8010), One Finger Vacuum Release, Ergonomic Design, Gearless Diaphragm Gauge, 4.5oz Fluid Reservoir, 4 Tapered Adapters

https://www.amazon.com/Mityvac-MV80...=1724953466&sprefix=mighty+vac,aps,124&sr=8-4

 

Are you really trying to say you use that to change transmission fluid?

Please explain how.

 

Your '22 won't need the paperclip in the OBD port. The spot to pin the transmission thermostat is under the truck, towards the front/passenger corner. Everything else should be the same. I would recommend going through the temp check procedure at least once before starting any real work, just to get a hang for it.

 

I plan to use my working OBD Fusion on the iPhone to reach the temp check point.

 

Try this to get your tranny in temp ck mode. Post # 517. It works for me.
Yes, I understand you need to pin the T-stat to check the Trans fluid level.
I don't think you can use the paperclip for getting into Temp ck mode on the newer ones.

I have a 2021 TRD Sport, DCLB, 6 cyl, Automatic, Tow Pkg,

 

‘use it to add fluid, simply fill the container, place small short hose on the input side of bottle lid, attach other end to the vacuum pump, then attach a longer length of hose to the downstream side of the bottle lid, and squeeze the pump.
The vacuum pump is a push/pull design, depending on which nozzle on the vacuum pump you use, in this case, it’s the one at the “barrel” end of the pistol.

To bleed brakes you would use the opposite pump nozzle, creating a vacuum, hook the bottle up in opposite from above (for vacuum), and add a length of clear hose to the caliper bleeder valve. Add a loop to the hose, and pull a vacuum before you crack the bleeder. ‘just keep the master topped off with fluid, and do each caliper, I like to start in the back first as the longer lines make the other ones go faster as you pull fresh fluid down the length of the system.
It’s a handy tool working alone, or if you have to fill things from the side..


larger amounts of fluid can be added with a garden hand pump

 

On my 2023 SR v6 4x4 pin #13 appears to be a blank. Pin #4 which is a ground is there but no pin #13 which is a mfg pin according to the standard. Anyone else have this problem? I could not get it into check mode with a jumper wire. A dealer said he checked it but the receipt did not show any warranty parts and there should have been at least a crush washer.

Post #589 mentioned OBD Fusion but when I emailed them last month after trying last year, they still did not support trans temp on a 2022 or 2023. Maybe scan gauge will work but not sure about the missing pin. My Actron OBDII works fine for basic info an cat temps but AT temp is not part of the OBDII info. My TPMS tool also works fine but most not use pin #13.

 

Lie to OBD Fusion, by telling it your year is a 2021.
I did this and it works just fine.

 

Thanks,
Is yours a 2023 also?

 

Yes

 

I use the Torque Pro App on a Samsung Tablet with the attached ODBII and get Trans oil temps at the Pan and Converter.

I checked the Torque Pro temp reading with/when the truck went into its check mode and found the readings, when it entered Temp Check mode and when it was exited Temp Check mode, to be within 1 or 2 degrees F* of what the check range should be.
So, now I validated that the Torque Pro readings were somewhat accurate. Of course the sensors that send the info in the car were also sending the readings to the ODB/II and Tablet .....

 

Their is a video of a guy putting his i think it's 2023 . I searched for 2023 is why think that but he put his into check mode by just cycling the gear shift and didn't put any paper clip in obd to jump anything , I disnthe same just shifted threw neutral and drive until the D flashed and came up and disappeared put it in park but didn't shop p for park , few minutes the D popped up solid I drained over flow and was done before it blinked I sat and waited for blink and it did in short time . Pulled thermostat holder and was done . My question is does pitting the jumper only pertain to older models , did dude and I really even put it in trans temp mode maybe it was another type mode yet it did same result for shifting in N D back and forth . . No other lights came on like when jumping with wire I'm sure making ecu freak out but you pull the wire anyway . I'm gonna bet that just going between gears entered the temp mode and same continue with procedure . But in back of my mind that little question of did it for sure docthat mode maybe it was a different function . If anyone knows for sure 100% that would ease my mind , also I did try to do the jump thing and it almost looked like their wasn't even a wire to that port hole on connector I did it amd nothing happened on dash then I researched again and ran across video without jumping

 

Hey I seen your have ott and medium spicy . I have one too but forget the name of level I have

 

Jumper is only required in earlier 3rd gens, 2020+? I've done the level check in my 2020 with more wire, no problem

 

I did get my 2023 with no pin #13 to go into check mode without a jumper. I don't remember the extra lights flashing in the instrument cluster. I bought a ScanGauge 3 and plugged that in when already in check mode. The lower temp when D lit up was exact per service manual at 95 degrees but did not blink until 118 degrees though the manual said it should be 115. I'd prefer to finish the check by the lower temp so it won't be under filled.

I plan on using the ScanGauge since I have it when I get a chance to actually check it. Need to confirm that the dealer actually gave me the correct fill plug o-ring as different Toyota dealers online sites gave different part numbers for that. Shifting from drive to neutral 13 times seems hard on the transmission especially if it does not go into check mode on the first try.