How to Drain/Refill Automatic Transmission

Yes, the fill plug has an o ring style gasket.

 

just picked up a 2015 V6 4x4 w/ 189k miles, has a very detailed Carfax record w/ dealer services at every 5k miles for it's entire history. I always DIY my vehicles service items including ATF, have done several "lifetime fluid ATs" and they always perform better after drain & fills. Also is the factory ATF much different than Valvoline MaxLife, i plan to do this often so if I can save some coin along the way that would be nice, but not if it's detrimental.

The ATF was never listed in the Carfax as being changed out so i assume it's never been done. That said, would you recommend a 2x drain & fill ASAP, or just a single drain & fill followed up with another one like 15k miles later? I plan on doing a drain & fill every 30k miles once I get this initial one done, does that sound reasonable with 189k miles on this Tacoma? Thanks for help w/ this, this is an epic thread and would love to read many more postings but hopefully someone can save me some scouring time lol.
TIA!

 

Drain and fill once and again later on with the next oil change.

This will ensure the level is set, the crazy part about never doing the fluid, means its never really been checks.

Just be aware the first page shows a typo for temp, it should be done at 104F or 40C.

 

Thanks! Would that Maxlife be ok since I'll be doing this often?

 

Up to you, its a better choice, but I would use WS simply because I have access to it.

 

97-115F is the proper temp check range.

 

Use WS
It’s not that expensive.
Don’t buy a monster or Red Bull twice this week and that’s the difference.

 

I use Maxlife. Make sure you use the Maxlife that is WS compatible. (Label on the back of the container.)

 

My only gripe about WS is that (AFAIK, I could be wrong) it is conventional or maybe a blended base stock lubricant.

Maxlife you can get as a WS compatible full synthetic, which would be better for people who do a lot of towing/hauling/crawling.

But really either is fine if you just change it out regularly damnit

 

Seems pretty straight forward, more so with an Ultra Gauge, spring project!

 

It’s really not that hard and using something like the Ultra Gauge to show the temp is the way to go. I used this to pump the new transmission fluid into the transmission:

$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

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DTS8N7P

I found that much easier than filling the tranny by running a hose from the top side with a funnel.

 

Has anyone here changed their ATF drain and fill frequency to every ~25k miles and using the Instant Shudder fix/protectant? Do you think it would be okay to use it each time? Thanks for your help. Going to weather the cold this weekend and do this service.

 

My truck is a 2005 Tacoma 2WD 4cyl Access Cab Long bed, and i have not been able to find the fill port and over fill port (just the drain bolt). They dont seem to exist? ... I did look under the pan multiple times and came back and referred the pictures here.

So, if i drain, how would i fill? And i still need to jump for the set temperatures? I do have a ScanGuage for my other vehicle.

Please help!

 

Do you have the 4cyl? If so I believe you have a dipstick (use that to fill w/ ATF) and just a drain plug. If you have the V6 then it's the full procedure w/ drain and fill ports and a level tube in the pan.

 

Yes, a 4 Cylinder and has a dipstick.

 

4 cyl only has a drain plug, you fill it through the dipstick tube and check it with the dipstick with the engine running in park.

 

Thanks much. And, I guess i dont need to do any of the pin/wire jump procedure? on the OBD connector, as i dont happen to see the A/T Temp LED/bulb on the dash

 

There is no temp check mode on the A340 trans, it should be in the cool range on the stick when cold and in the hot range at operating temp (158-176F).

 

Just be sure to get one of those long thin funnels for dipsticks.

 

Thank You very much !! ... That page is helpful.