06 auto trans question

drained about 2 quarts of tranny fluid out of the drain plug, put 2 back in, till a small trickle comes out, when all back together and running, I pull the fill plug, then the overflow plug, and maybe a drop comes out. pump in more till comes out the overflow. same thing 3 times already.
can I just pump it in while its running until it comes out the overflow?
thx

 

You have to make sure the trans fluid temp is at a specific temperature. It changes in volume as the temp changes and the amount is critical.

See here :

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-full-flush-for-automatic-transmission.68462/

 

hmmm....i was told by someone that doesn't work at Toyota that the Tranny flush is not recommended on the 06's......It's a sealed unit.

 

That’s not correct

OP sounds like you’re doing this completely wrong no offense


You must properly do the fluid temp check.


Put the truck into temp check mode and pull the overflow while the truck is running....when it reaches a small trickle you are good to go

 

First and foremost, if you want to make your transmission last, change the ATF every 60k. Next, the temperature check is not that critical. You don't need to go through any elaborate testing method. You can put a laser temperature probe on the pan and get the temp to the 80-100f range. You could also just put your hand on the pan to get it in the ball park. It should be warm to the touch but not too hot that you cannot hold your hand on it. The important point to note is don't let your inability to do the book's elaborate temperature testing method stand in the way of changing the fluid.

 

True. We did my buddies that way and it worked fine, but you must leave the truck running to check it.

 

Yes, absolutely must be idling in park. You cannot turn off the motor with the fill plug open or the fluid will run out. All so called "sealed" transmissions work this way.

 

Don't want to start a debate on this, and maybe you are correct that it is "not that critical" but people do come to this forum looking for accurate answers. If someone sees your quote and just dumps tranny fluid in there while the fluid is cold, they will likely end up with a transmission that isn't operating at its full potential.

Might as well do the temp check, takes 5 extra minutes for s service that is not needed often.

 

If you have a ultragauge it requires no extra effort

 

First, nowhere did I post "dump in tranny fluid cold". Also, sometimes the trans temperature check procedure does not work. My truck was one of those. Search the forums and you'll find it's a common issue. At that point I had a decision to make and chose to do the hand test. My transmission has been flawless ever since.

The main point I was trying to make was not to blow off trans fluid replacement due to procedure complexity. If you can do the idiot light temperature check then yes that is the preferred method.

 

I do most routine maintenance myself, but I spare myself the heart burn of changing out the auto trans fluid in these trucks. My shop charges about $98 bucks and that includes fluid. It's good for 60k until it needs it again.

 

I understand the whole procedure, I just wanted to check the fluid so drained what came out, it looked discolored so I wanted to change it. Only 2 quarts came out so that's what I put back, but I know its low because on hard braking if I try to take off right away its like its in neutral for a split second. I just want to make sure my tranny full. So, that being said, If its up to temp and nothing comes out the overflow while running, then its low,
but if I shut it off to try and put more fluid in, it flows out like its full. should I be filling it while its running or is it full?

 

Fill it with the overflow plug IN and check with the truck running

 

Yes, as I posted you must have the motor idling in park when you remove the fill plug and you CANNOT turn the motor off until the plug is put back in. If you turn off the motor with the fill plug open or open the fill plug with the motor off then all the fluid will run out of the torque converter and out the fill hole. The motor running is what keeps the fluid in the torque converter. That is the state in which you check the fluid level - motor running.

 

I think what he wants to know is if the temp is at correct range while the motor is running and he has overflow bolt out can he pump more fluid in the fill plug until he sees a slight flow coming out of overflow. It would seem to be an efficient way to get level correct. Need some expert opinions on this method. Tia

 

Beer to ya Beerline123, that's exactly what I'm saying,

 

Just curious.....why does Toyota (and other manufacturers) have to make things so damn difficult. What was wrong about the tried and true dipstick method. Even "factory trained technicians" don't appear to be able to check the level in these transmissions.

 

I got a dipstick in my transmission.

<--- 2.7Liter 4 banger.

 

Put the check plug back in before you turn the truck off. Then add more fluid. Then start the truck and remove the check plug at the appropriate temperature.

This is stupid simple after you've done it a few times. I now prefer this method (temp-check) over having a dipstick.

 

So, somebody please tell me why I can' fill while it' running?