2016 Transmission Update and Fluid Levels

Has anyone actually had their dealer say it was full or worse (What I'm afraid of) had the dealer tell you it was fine only to find out that it wasn't?

 

Easy - use less fluid at the factory. Dealer tops it off for PDI. Assuming (big assumption) that whatever top off they do at PDI is on the dealer ant not Toyota. I'm in denial that such a critical component like the transmission in a brand new model year is being overlooked like this. It seems like way too many Tacos are having this and it was a problem in the 15 too.

 

If it needed to be topped up at PDI, that would be charged back to Toyota, with a dealer markup.

:\

Jeff

 

Brought my Tacoma into Toyota of Naperville today, for its 5k mile service.

I explained my concern about the Automatic Transmission fluid level, and asked that they check it. I gave them a written explanation of everything I said, as well as a hard copy of the procedure (that I found here, of course).

They had the truck for a total of 9 hrs, and found the fluid to be 1 quart low.

They also topped off the Transfer Case and Differentials, and they changed the oil and filter (without me asking).

I'm very happy with the service I received from my dealer, though it is still annoying that Toyota let this situation develop.

Many thanks to everyone on this forum for alerting me. I did vote on the Tech Chat thread.


Frank

 

that is what my ex-dealer told me. i brought it to a other dealer today and it was 1 and 1/4 low and fine was the word my ex-dealer used!

 

I have the opportunity to own a 2016 taco , luckily I am a technician for Toyota, MY trans shifting problem was fixed when I finally got it in the bay and added a qt of fluid, so the ones that have hitches are probably low , but I would suspect a reflash is still coming.

 

Uggh. Doesn't help that my "Toyota service rep" had just switched jobs from Honda. When I asked if they really really check the physical fluid he was probably bull shitting me. Im guessing they hooked up tech stream and read the temperature.

 

they need to be checked between 95 and 113 degrees to get it that low requires the vehicle to sit a couple hours just let them know your good with time it takes .

 

When I picked up my truck today I got a chance to talk with the tech that did the PD work on my truck. They agreed to check the fluid for me. He said he was aware of all the posts about this on the forums short of specifically mentioning TW. Explained the process used that's been described here on TW as well... heat and check for seeping at the right temps. He said they had one that was low a while back and understands why customers are wary for the 4x4s with tow package. Said mine actually checked out good. They didn't have to add anything. I think the truck still shifts frequently and the computer may be in learning mode, but that might just be due to the extra gears. Over-all I think it drives well. Definitely designed to save MPG in situations that don't need full power, but more than enough when you're ready to step on it. As others have said, it seems ECT off definitely makes it drive with more of a "classic" feel. But I doubt I'll be able to keep pressing that button over and over. Sales guy said that is really intended for towing use.

 

add me to the list...
I asked the dealer to make sure the transmission fluid level was properly checked the day before my truck arrived. Couple days later he assured me it was done but I never got a service slip. I didn't get a warm and fuzzy feeling from him so I did it myself today. I had no fluid leaking out while in the 95-113 or (whatever) temp range. So I ran to the Toyota dealership in the Jeep and grabbed two QTS of WS.

Ended up needing 3/4 QT to get to full. I feel much better now. Also did the battery disconnect thing afterwards.

 

Has the low tranny fluid been linked to a certain build plant or VIN sequence? From what I read in another forum VINS that begin with a 3 were built in Mexico, 5 series in Cali I believe.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...be-low-on-fluid-directly-from-factory.405642/

 

Ok, so you, being an actual technician, are one I need to keep in contact with. Will you know as soon as they come up with a "reflash"? Ive checked and topped off my fluid myself and im still getting the delay after it's been sitting for a few hours. I've never had any shifting problems though. Im sure its just a software issue now so whenever you hear about it, hit me up. Thanks man

 

Did you disconnect the battery for 30 minutes to reset the Computer...?? Apparently that should be done, so it will re-learn your driving habits when it's properly filled.

 

Yeah I did. For a little over a half hour. Still have the reverse to drive delay. Never really had shifting problems though. Should I leave it disconnected longer? Like overnight?

 

Sounds like you may still be low... Did you "pin" the thermostat when you did the first check and fill..?? Was it up to temp??

Some guys are having the dealers do it twice to get it right also... Just saying..!

 

No I didn't pin it. Ive combed through every forum in this issue and im starting to think its a software issue and not just fluid. There was also one guy who purposely overfilled his trans and still had the delay

 

I don't know man.. I find it hard to think it's a software issue... Maybe just me... I'm an Old Grumpy Guy and software is what you normally get when you age.. right..??

Good luck with it. I'm checking mine later this week cuz I got the brushoff from the dealer... I've only got a minor issue with it staying in a lower gear while is cruise control, after passing using the pedal and then letting off......

 

What kind of problems were you having?

 

×2 here

Im also leaning towards software issue. I have noticed different vibs and roughness in the tranny depending on if im in "S"mode or just "D"... Seems like if it were mechanical it would be persistent regardless of what mode your in.