3rd Gen Automatic Transmission Fluid Level Check DIY

I guess that's the only constant. Is operating temp. "cold" would very by region and season.

 

Cold can be set to around 75F. Everybody, everywhere will have outside temp of 75F or can be easily done in a shop or garage.
Here is a procedure it can be easily accomplished by somebody with knowledge and right tools, AND make money!
1. make sure the fluid level is at perfect level (do whatever it takes as many time as needed to have the perfect fluid level)
2. do not remove any plugs
3. at 75F on a perfect level surface, drop the transmission oil pan slowly
4. put it on a flat surface and do not spill any fluid
5. measure the height of the overflow tube where the fluid is leveled (from what I understand, the transmission fluid is lower than the tube when cold. If higher, measure what would be the tube height)
6. cut the tube to that length or make a new one
HERE COMES THE HARD PART
7. find somebody with a CNC machine to make aluminum tubes the right size for when fluid is cold
8. SELL THEM!
...
Buy the new tube. Crawl under the truck and replace the OEM tube with the new one. Add fluid till drips slowly. Done. At perfect level. No more fucking around with shifting, parking, plugging, etc.

(feel free to add or modify if necessary)

 

Yeah but define 75*. Is that ambient? Is that oil temp? If so how can u be sure?

 

Ambient. Fluid will be also ambient. Get a wall thermometer.

 

How do u know it's ambient? Meaning, how can u ensure ambient is the same as oil temp?

 

Think about it. When we had dipsticks, there was not a requirement to have a certain ambient temperature. IMO, they have made a simple process needlessly complicated.

 

My 2wd didn't have the governor. 1/2 Qt low with 2800 miles! Glad I checked it. Thank You for the info.

 

Even with dipsticks, it was the norm to ensure the vehicle was at operating temperature. I wouldn't doubt that the lower temp requirement on these newer transmissions it to prevent one from burning themselves when checking/adjusting levels. With our current legal environment and the mindsets of many, I can just see someone doing their tranny fluid themselves, scalding their hands/arms/heads, and then filing a lawsuit.

 

I didn't see an answer to this. Can I use a Scan Gauge and skip the "temp check mode" by just watching the trans temp and doing the work within the correct temperature range?

 

^^^ In theory, yes that should be fine. One thing I would do is confirm that the temperature window in check mode matches what you are seeing on the scan gauge. Just in case there's a delta somewhere.

Why wouldn't it be the same, isn't it just straight ECU data? I've had some curveballs thrown at me over the years and since this system is pretty sensitive- (they only give you a window of several degrees to perform your check, right?) I would want to just verify for my own peace of mind that the scan gauge is feeding me the correct info. Yes, I understand that the SG is just regurgitating the ECU's data stream...

FWIW, it's really easy to put the truck in temp check mode by jumping those pins, waiting a couple of minutes, and then doing your check.

 

After you jump the two OBD-II ports, pulling the pin back out activates engine idle speed control mode. I'm not sure how this might effect properly checking the fluid level, but I'm going to trust Toyota built this mode into the truck for a reason and I followed the method they provided.

Although it is super easy to get your taco into temp check mode, I recommend trying a couple practice runs first before going into checking the fluid level so you get a feel for how it works.

I decided to do a full drain / fill following this procedure as outlined on this thread because I'm at 12,000 miles already. Pinned the thermostat (I have the tow package). I was a little surprised to see that the fluid was more of an Orange color, but looked much better after the procedure. Drained out 3 quarts, put in 4, and got 1 out so I had enough fluid out of the factory. I'll do a drain fill more frequently moving forward.

My wife and I feel that the original fluid smells identical to brand new fluid.

 

But does it taste the same?

 

Well I took a shot of each and I can definitely say they taste exactly the same. Haha.

 

Just followed this procedure over the weekend to check the trans level on my 2018 TRD Sport with 19,000 Km...added a total of approx 250ml. No noticeable difference in shifting characteristics or smoothness afterwards. Still glad I finally got to it. Super easy to do especially once you get yourself familiar with the procedure and location of the plugs.

 

What are the chances that self servicing the transmission will effect the warranty? This wasn't sonething I was even considering until I read a comment from someone on another transmission thread that cracking open the trans will effect the warranty because it's sealed.

 

It's not technically sealed (just a bogus term Toyota advisors use) and doing basic work like fluid check/replacement shouldn't have any impact on warranty - just ensure you use the proper fluids and do it right.

 

Good deal. I was wondering how they would even know it was opened unless damage was done in the process.

 

Rowsdower what does pushing the pin in on the thermostat do for checking the fluid level?

 

It just ensures that the thermostat is open and that the circuit downstream of the thermostat is full of fluid. If not, the fluid might be a little low once it opens. I believe this is just needed initially as once it's opened it's filled and will stay that way (unless you have a leak or swap the cooler)

 

You're good with that. Keep in mind the fluid is flowing throughout the system and slowing expanding due to increasing temps, so it's never going to just drip.