2009 V6 auto - first real problem - trans

The A750 series transmission enjoys being filled to capacity . They will do strange things even being an ounce low on fluid

 

What symptoms do you see when you are low?

 

Well, I am due for new fluid so perhaps a drain and fill isn't a bad idea. Still wish we had a dipstick, but that would just be too easy for us TacmoWorld masochists. I guess I could be losing some fluid evaporatively via the overheat vent... I dunno. But this will certainly be easier than dropping the pan to check the solenoids. I have always been impressed with this transmission. Early on it took me a little bit to get used to its programming but otherwise has been flawless and bulletproof.

 

It's really not *that* hard. Once u do it a few times it's really no that crazy. Get one of these if u do the oil change yourself

 

One more question: are the tranny plugs washers the same as the oil pan drain plug washer? I already have a bunch of those but would need to go to the dealer if they are different. I HATE going to the dealer.

 

Exactly what you are explaining .
Turning corners is usually the first concern . The transmission pump starves for fluid causing line pressure to drop to very low pressures . In very low fluid situations , the transmission will take a very long time to apply in drive range first gear as well as reverse .

What would I do in your situation ?
Verify the fluid is full by topping it up and re-road test .
If the problem still occurs , move on to the SLT solenoid . Have a new SLT solenoid , a fresh pan gasket and at least 12 quarts of new fluid ready to go .
Pan has to come off for the SLT solenoid but in reality , it should always come off during a transmission service for a complete cleaning

 

I've got something similar. I also have a Motive Power Bleeder kit that I use as a pressure source with some fittings for various containers to install fluids. Been awhile but I'll have to see if I have something that'll work.

 

Makes sense. In fact the first times it happened were in turns and does it far more often in turns than otherwise. You burst my bubble about the sealed transmission. But I am pretty sure you have nailed this.

 

never hurts to see if the issue cant be Duplicated
then U have a better idea what U are chasing

get to backside of a mall/shopping center
turn left........right
i find it odd it doesnt happen in a straight line.........when it might be coasting under
neutral throttle..............then back on the gas

at any rate try all three scenarios
note speed / rpm that it occurs

good luck

 

OK , I would suspect the transmission is low on fluid rather than the SLT solenoid .
Those solenoids are incredibly pricey .
Hopefully , you can save a couple bucks by topping up the fluid .
I would still consider servicing the transmission mind you . A full pan drop and fresh fluid

 

Been there, duplicated that! It has happened in a straight line, but more often in turns, especially slow turns. Either due to the fluid sloshing or the off throttle, then on throttle action sequence. I have replicated it in a straight line but easier to do in turns.

 

Yup, it's time. I suppose I need a filter, gasket and washers. Got to go look up parts. I also plan to use the Maxlife ATF.

 

Top off fluid and road test first .
Did I mention Lubeguard is good stuff ?
Read those links we provided

 

Will definitely top off first.

 

Well, I have good news and bad news. The good news is that the transmission is fine. The bad news is I DO have a leak... which I didn't have a few weeks ago when I changed the oil. One of the tranny hard cooling lines has rusted out.. and the other isn't far from it. There is a steady drip with the engine running... I believe this just started Sunday and has been steadily been getting worse.

I made up a kludged temporary patch with JB Weld Quik, some tubing and clamps. So far it is containing the leak. The transmission ends of these lines are easily accessible but I haven't gotten the truck into my tiny garage yet to be able to lift it and get a look where they clamp to the soft lines. I hope that is accessible. Otherwise seems like a simple job. Need to find the parts.

I added a quart of fluid and the trans is behaving much better, but not perfect. It could be down a good bit more. I am not going to go through the fill procedure until I do the full refill. I may add another quart in the interim but it is such a PITA without a dipstick and fill in under the hood. Won't be driving much anyhow...

OK, you guys can say "I told you so" now!

 

Local dealers don't have these in stock so I ordered them from Toyota of Greenburg as noted in the other thread I found for this same issue. P/Ns 32921 and 32922. I need to study the drawings some more and/or get under to see if those rubber lines connect up to more hard lines that may also be on their way out. Damn, I hope the hard brake lines aren't headed this way also.

Edit: looks like another set that goes across the front P/N 32907A

Here is that older thread:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/replacing-leaking-transmission-cooling-lines.583887/

 

I don't know much about transmissions so this thread was informative for me. Glad you found what probably is the problem. Seems like you could probably afford to put in a bit more fluid for the time being.

 

That's exactly what I did. The leak probably began Saturday or Sunday when I first noticed the shifting issue whilst returning from a road trip. By the time I found it the the leak had had gotten pretty bad so I figured I had lost a good bit of fluid. I added just another 1.5 qts making the total added 2.5 qts. Trans is working perfectly again in all respects. And my JB Weld/tube cooling line patch is still dry after driving another 20 miles or so. Should easily hold until the parts arrive.

I also learned something else... The ScanGauge 2 has a programmable Xcode for trans temp that will make doing the official fill much easier. Unfortunately my Scangauge 2 is so old, like about 10 years, the firmware won't support that... and to get the new firmware you need to ship the device to the mfg. What a PITA. Only $25 so I will probably go ahead and do that.

 

My scangauge is like 13 years old and remember going through one of those updates with them. FWIW, I thought the turn-around time was pretty quick (especially since I live in Hawaii). I can't recall the wait time, so I'm no help there. Since getting the update though, I do monitor my trans temps at the TC and pan.

Unrelated to your issue, I recall the 3rd Gens had issues with not having enough trans fluid. Some were 2+ quarts low. My 2017 was about a quart low. People were having shifting issues because of that (beyond the normal shifting issues 3rd Gens have).

 

The turnaround isn't that bad, they say 1 week plus whatever the round trip shipping time is. So total might be up to 3 weeks. But I'd like to get this done next week when the parts come. My firmware is v3.15. I might go out and pick up another Scanguage locally and can use one in my other vehicle. The linear Logic site says that firmwares 4.45 and 4.5 included updates to Toyota Xcodes so I suspect you'd need those for the trans temp. Autozone has them locally but I am not sure the F/W version will be displayed on the packaging. I won't buy one if it isn't. Hard to buy one online, could easily get old stock... none of which would matter if they had a regular firmware update process where a user could simply pull it down online and install.