3rd Gen Automatic Transmission Fluid Level Check DIY

Idle

 

@MyWifesTaco...

 

Just bought my 2020 v6 SR model, should I check mine as well? Truck only has 53 miles on it.

 

Is it shifting "normal"

 

Yes, don't see any clunking...but this is my first truck so not sure what I should be expecting from the transmission with low fluid.

No harsh shifts that I notice, keep in mind I just picked up the truck yesterday so I might need to drive some more.

 

I still need to do this but i am intimidated by the instructions. I also have to remove my aftermarket skid plates

 

Yeah, I got a Toyota for a reason so I don't have to go through these kinds of things...just was not expecting to these kinds of major missteps to happening on a new car.

But if it has to be done it has to be done.

 

How about a informal drain and fill post from the members who have done a drain and fill

And yes yes assuming that it was checked and re checked and once again assumed to be at the correct level before said drain and fill

I would give a good guess that it's going to be 3.25 quarts or very near there give or take a few ounces

Therefor giving a much easier method of simply draining the pan drain bolt and pouring in 3.25 quarts as a
"Standard " or "accepted" or "approved"or dare I say "official " Tacoma world trans fill level and call it a day

 

Checked my fluid level after adding a aux trans cooler(

$52 Hayden Automotive 678 Universal Rapid-Cool 9.5” x 11” Add-On Transmission Cooler – Not for Direct Replacement of the OE Cooler

Hayden Automotive 678) for my trip over the mountains towing a heavy ass TT. Between the cooler and factory fill being low it needed just shy of a full quart of Toyota WS.

As a FYI 2020 Method for putting truck in level check mode is different and doesn't require the jumpers on OBD2 port.

 

Just ran into this...ready to do the temp check mode step and can't get it. Do you have any instructions for how to do it on the 2020?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-level-check-diy.547455/page-12#post-22645913

 

OP, thanks for this thread! My 2020 sr5 v6 AT was a quart low. Glad to see Toyota fixed thus

 

As for the jumpers I used them on my 2020 but didnt see the warning lights, proceeded per instructions from OP and all went well.

 

I suspect the tendency to find a low fluid level in transmissions could be the result of them being filled to the full mark at the factory, and then the discrepancy occurs when fluid flows into the cooler and hoses upon first start.
I checked my level with the tranny warm and in neutral with the engine idling. Later, I caused a debate at work with one guy saying this transmission should be checked running in park and the other saying it should be turned off in park.

 

With as many units as they go through, they have to have some automated way of dispensing the fluid into each unit. No one is standing there with WS quarts pouring them into the tranny. Just like dealers doing oil changes; comes from a 50 gal drum and has a preset on the pump nozzle. So it being underfilled is completely a fault of not calibrating it correctly. Maybe between vehicles with/without cooler. Either way, whoever actually manages the process won't ever see or hear complaints about each one... ever.
You had it right with idling! Did you replace the washer or just cracked it to see if fluid came out at the proper temp?

 

I bought new washers and Toyota fluid. I changed out 6 quarts with the drain_fill_run_drain method I learned from this board.

 

I've been told by the dealer that the transmission was "sealed" and couldn't open it until i suspected something was wrong. But, fluid does go bad over time. I bring this up cause im about to do a complete fluid flush (Engine oil, brake fluid, Differential Fluid, coolant, and transmission) it's at 75K. What yall think i should do?

 

The dealer is full of it. If you want to flush all fluids, do it

 

Drain and fill no flush

 

I have a 2020 TRD Sport that shifts a little hard and was curious to check the level. I tried the instructions above with no luck. Has anyone got this to work? Not sure what I am missing but tried three times with no luck. Start truck, p to s, s to p, n to d for 12 seconds and then back to p. Am I missing something? Where should the shifter be while waiting for the d indicator to come on?