2016 Transmission Update and Fluid Levels

@gearcruncher, If I want to check the ATF level myself, just want to verify what i have read previously:

1.) just get it to temp and open filler plug and see if it comes our or needs fluid. that's basically it right?

If so, how do you know when it is in the proper temp range, (115-145, I believe I read),
I feel like the dumbed down version would be to open the filler plug and stick a meat thermometer in there to test temp. Is there a better way?

 

Just dropped her off for oil change and tranny check. My truck has the tow package so we'll see. By the way, had them also check for TSBs and recalls and nothing showed up. Bonus pictures of an FJ spotted in their showroom.

 

Do you actually have the transmission problems stated?

 

Yes, I do. When going from reverse to forward especially when cold, there is a couple second delay in engaging into drive. When coming to a slow stop I can feel the transmission clunk down into first on occasion also. It definitely doesn't feel normal especially for a brand new truck.

 

So is it safe to ass-u-me all '16 v6 6speed auto is 3/4 to 1 qt low??

Mine shifts fine and knows what gear to be in. But coming to a stop mine does shutter. The rpms kinda fall to nothing then pulse up and down and rubbles untill complete stop. I thought it was the tires but they arent knobbies so i was confuses. The R to D thing isnt present at all though. Would it be dumb to just go ahead and pour about 3/4 qt in and just not "check" id rather be 3/4over then under.

Vin # starts with 5. Sr5 no trd.

 

The official transmission fluid check procedures is here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...rocedure-for-2016.415389/page-2#post-11808217

No, you do not open the filler plug to see if fluid comes out. The filler plug is there to add fluid. On the bottom of the pan are two other plugs - one to drain the fluid and the other to check the level. The one that you remove to check the fluid has a 5mm female hex head, not a socket head. Please follow the Toyota procedure. Don't unscrew the drain plug because it will empty what's in the pan.

 

Thank you for clearing that up.

 

Greased mine today, dry as a bone. All the grease zerks were pointing straight at the ground, was an easy quick job.

 

From what I have seen, all the trucks with the tow package is low, about 1 quart or so. Which makes sense since the tow package requires about an extra quart.

 

My truck jolts when downshifting, rolling up to a stop. It almost feels like it's Revving up and kind of a surge as it downshifts. Other times it clunks on the downshift. Strange indeed. I'm not noticing much hesitation from Reverse to Drive however and I'm not really noticing any trans slippage when cornering. It doesn't like to upshift on the highway when cold. It wants to hang at 3k RPMs and what I believe is probably 4th gear when doing say 60 to 65mph and this is on flat highway surface. My truck was built in Baja MX around 20th of November.

 

Hey Smitty

Your truck will " NOT " upshift into the taller gears until the pcm is notified that the transmission has reached operating temp
This is normal operation .
Now if it holds in 4th gear after the truck is completely warmed up , then there is a problem
I dont like your downshift complaints though .
First thing that needs to be done is a fluid level check . then research axle wrap
Axle wrap and clunking solved http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...-lurch-stopping-started-axle-wrap-solved.html

 

It's all in your head.

 

Just picked up my truck from Toyota. They said they checked the fluid and all was ok which has me a little concerned. On the way home though the truck felt like it drove differently. I tried to replicate the symptoms I had before and was unable too. No clunking when coming to a stop and engaging instantly into drive from reverse now. I'm going to keep a close eye on this and will be back to the dealer immediately if the symptoms pop back up.

On another note, my service advisor didn't charge my service plan with an oil change even though they did one as I requested. Basically gave me a freebie and can't complain about that.

 

Same thing here with the downshift when coming to a stop. The truck seems to use engine braking in second then, when it downshifts to first its like it "free spools" and there is no engine braking causing the truck to lurch forward. Catches me off guard almost every time and I end up jaming the brake. Not fun.

 

Just spent an hour getting the truck checked at the dealer... Came back to say the fluid level is fine. I do experience the lag from R to D when it is cold out though. The service advisor said I'm more than welcome to leave it over night if I want to/ if the problem still keeps occurring. He mentioned opening a case if need be down the road, if I bring it back in. He also said that it is common for the vehicles with these transmissions to lag between those gears when it's cold. I guess it's a waiting game to see if a TSB comes out or if the issue still keeps occurring.

 

got my truck back today also,i was told fluid was fine. going to test for the next few days. it did seem to drive better. time will tell.

 

Asked my dealer to check the ATF level. Service advisor said it was fine. Clearly not the case. I'm getting the slurred shifts, take a while to shift from forward/reverse, sometimes the revs flare during a 1-2 or 2-3 shift, sometimes I get the metallic crunch at slow speeds. I bought a quart of ATF and was going to do it myself. Then it occurred to me that this is not the right way to approach this. I'm probably getting tons of unnecessary transmission wear right now. I decided I need to get this documented and setup an appointment with another dealer. I told them that I pay full shop time for a tech to fill the transmission and I want to know how much was added.

I figure one of three things.
1) The transmission is full, this is truly normal, all will be OK and I've just spent an hours worth of shop labor for peace of mind.
2) The dealer BS'ing me again. There's no way the tranny is lasting to 60k miles and I'll just plan on getting a new transmission under warranty. Or buy an extended warranty.
3) I need half to a full quart. Transmission starts to behave normally and the world is right again BUT, I now have documentation from the a dealership that the transmission was low on fluid. May come in handy to try to get a free extended warranty or if there is a class action suit at some point.

Sigh...

 

I ask my dealer about this. He said its checked during predelivery check at the deakership. If it's low they fill it. If it's low after taking delivery, the predelivery check was not done before delivery. Dealership didn't do their job. That's what I was told.

 

gearcruncher, what kind of needle greaser should i buy to grease my u joints, Id like to go to the store and get the materials to do it my self. Thanks for the help.

 

Many dealerships most likely wouldn't check this and in their mind not there problem. If the tranny craps out due to low fluid, mothership Toyota pays. There are some good dealers and service departments, and those trucks are probably fine. But many dealers could care less and just want the trucks and cars to move of the lot.