3rd Gen Transmission Fluid level Check

There is no fluid level reading through techstream, just sounds like some bs they say to make you feel better.

And you can use a paper clip to jump the pins.

 

Hey Pink .
Are you positive there is no level reading ? I could have swore I saw the fluid level parameter listed on the TIS program ?
What TIS version are you running ?

 

gearcruncher,

I have 10.30.029 (minimum version which supports 2016 taco I believe) and cannot find a tranny level reading on any of the screens. If you know of a specific screen / menu navigation options to traverse to get there let me know and I'll try. Also, I believe the most current Techstream version is now 11.00.017 (Feb 2016). Maybe someone has that version and can check?

 

Thanks !!!!!!
Hoping someone will help us out here . If there is " no " level reading on the techstream application , I have to make some serious changes to my poll thread . Going to wait for a bit before I make the changes . I need some feedback from you guys with the latest techstream
Why would dealerships lie to you guys about checking the fluid with the Techstream ? I guess anything is possible in this day and age

 

No doubt there is no level check through techstream. not much room to put transmission level gauge there which is what would be needed.
Now whats funny is that some Toyota dealerships simply lying to customers.... Smells like class action in the making.

 

Will update when I get home from the road trip I'm on (in Ardmore, OK, on my way to KC area from San Antonio, TX). The road portion of this trip is a story in, and of, itself. Just spoke to "Daniel" at the National Toyota number and he stated after discussions with the Regional manager & tech reps that my transmission problems are normal for a new truck!
I advised Daniel I would see Toyota in court. DEFINITELY my last Toyota vehicle.

 

I think its more of the techs way of thinking, No codes, No problems. Not to offend anyone here, (Screw it, if this offends you, then it probably describes you), but most ¨techs¨ now days rely too much on the computer. You could give the majority of new techs out there an old Holly 4 Barrel, and they would just look at you with a blank stare, and ask where do you plug the fuel injector in? That´s why most are just scanning these trucks and saying ¨no issues found.¨ You have to take the tech out for a ride to duplicate the problem. Now, its not all the techs fault either, part of it is the time it takes. A tech getting paid flag time will complete the job as quickly as possible to make the most money for his day, therefore, a quick scan, no codes, no problems, next job boss. If Techstream does have a level check on it, then it needs some serious calibration, and nothing can replace the visual procedure.

 

My transmission was slipping initially when cold (so I had a legitimate symptom). Dealer found it to be one quart low. I gave them copies of TacomaWorld threads stating the low fluid issue with tow package. I could have topped it off myself, but was thinking it is better to have the dealer do it and document it. Kudos to the service dept at Toyota of Gladstone, Oregon for taking care of my concern and covering it under warranty.

 

Here is one for you guys. I initially noticed the cold shifting issues from Reverse to Drive, The loud clunking on Deceleration when cold and even leaving a red light/Stop sign with the vehicle revving up really high and then lurching almost causing me to get in an accident. I took mine to the Dealership for these issues and opened a case with Corporate at the same time. The Dealership told me my truck was a quart low and topped it off after keeping it all day. I still continue to notice the same issues a few weeks later and I call corporate again and reference my existing case. I tell them that my tranny could be damaged since my truck came low from the factory and want to check what my options are.

Today a Second level guy (David Hein(sp)) called me and started to tell me that the Tranny shifting issues are caused by the atkinson Cycle engine and That if I use the ECT button that it may shift more like a typical truck but it will be at the expense of more fuel usage.

Im like are you seriously telling me this!!?? I mention that the increased fuel economy is one of the reasons I traded in my 2014 Tacoma and that he is basically telling me that a programming/software issue is why my truck is malfunctioning and this is the best workaround you (Toyota) can give me. He went on and on trying to convince me that it was normal and that my truck was really in gear while the motor was revving but the truck was not moving.

I dont know about you guys but Im planning on taking this as far as I can because I refuse to accept what this guy told me when I paid 37K for a truck that is suppose to be problem free from the factory upon me taking delivery.

Has anyone escalated their case to this level and been told something similiar??

I was livid when this idiot told me this BS!

 

One thing you need to do is get some video of the rpms vs when the truck starts to move. If it is revving that high that it jumps when it catches, that is a big safety issue, and doesn´t seem like that would be better on gas either.
How many miles were on yours before they discovered you were a quart low, and make sure you have a copy of the service ticket.
Maybe we have a use for the go pro mount now. I am thinking put one on the rear window so you can record the whole dash, gauges, and windshield now. You can´t deny video, that´s what you need to take this further.

 

my truck had around 1800 on in when I first took it in.

 

1800 miles, so you went through the whole break-in period with a quart low on tranny fluid. That would concern me.

Edit: Also, do you happen to have or can get a copy of the PDI sheet the dealer completed when you took delivery of the truck. I am sure some-one checked off the box for transmission fluid level o.k.

 

According to what I read in the service manual, there is no level sensor to check with techstream. Techstream is only used during the ATF level check to monitor ATF temp.

 

11.00.017, latest version. I have never seen fluid level on the data list, but Ive never really looked either. It takes only a few minuets to properly check fluid level if the transmission is cool enough.

 

Where were you able to get a service manual?

 

WTF!? How are many of us being told "level is ok" if the only method they
used was Techstream and didn't physically look at it? This is very concerning.

 

I have been in contact with two Toyota Dealerships in Ohio (Voss and Toyota West). Both service managers were made aware of the transmission issues by corporate last week. Give it another week or two and I'm sure there will either be a TSB or your local Toyota dealership will be up to speed on what's been happening and not give you a hard time about actually checking the fluid.

 

Now there is a statement I can relate to because all Toyota has been trying to dish out to me is one BS excuse after another. All I wanted is before I picked up my truck is for the service department to check out my transmission fluid and make sure the U joints were properly greased and torqued. From the response I got you'd think I was asking for the crown jewels! Worse is to have to educate these clowns that I know what I'm talking about concerning these issues. Maybe, it was the email to the owners wife that finally got me a response with a phone call from the Service Manager......hmmm? Yet even with this guy I had to prove I knew what I was talking about and that after paying them an insane dealer fee and that Toyota also cuts them a check to do a pre-delivery inspection is it to much for you to do what I asked? I think it all comes down to one word....GREED! The quicker they can push a vehicle out the door the more money the dealership pockets. It's not about customer service it but its all about getting as much money as they can and then move on to the next sap. I couldn't believe it when he told me on the pre-delivery inspection all they do is wash it and do a safety inspection which proved to me these dealers are not only ripping off you and me but also Toyota! At least maybe now the Service Manager knows I can't be BS'ed by him or his dealership anymore when he told me that he personally promised they would check both the transmission and U joint on my next service check. Until then as I told this wizard of a Service Manager if the transmission melts down to metal or my driveshaft falls out they can eat the damage.

You would think for as much as we have spent on these Tacoma's that there is no excuse for Toyota dealerships not doing their job until you have to push and shove them but apparently these dealers don't think so. Sad.....

 

I just pasted this on about 75 Posts of Toyotas USA Facebook page.


2016 Tacoma TRD Off Road. I initially noticed the cold shifting issues from Reverse to Drive, The loud clunking on Deceleration when cold and even leaving a red light/Stop sign with the vehicle revving up really high and then lurching almost causing me to get in an accident. I took mine to the Dealership for these issues and opened a case with Corporate at the same time. (1603181667) The Dealership told me my truck was a 1 quart low on ATF Fluid and topped it off after keeping it all day. I still continued to notice the same issues a few weeks later and I call corporate again and reference my existing case. I tell them that my tranny could be damaged since my truck came low from the factory and want to check what my options are.


Today a Second level guy (David Henkenius) called me and started to tell me that the Tranny shifting issues are caused by the atkinson Cycle engine and That if I use the ECT button that it may shift more like a typical truck but it will be at the expense of more fuel usage.


Im like are you seriously telling me this!!?? I mention that the increased fuel economy is one of the reasons I traded in my 2014 Tacoma and that he is basically telling me that a programming/software issue is why my truck is malfunctioning and this is the best workaround you (Toyota) can give me. He went on and on trying to convince me that it was normal and that my truck was really in gear while the motor was revving but the truck was not moving.


I refuse to accept what this guy told me when I paid 37K for a truck that is suppose to be problem free from the factory upon me taking delivery.


David told me that he would have the local service manager call me and this has never happened. This guy Basically talked to me as If Im an idiot and offered no resolutions except to drive the truck in a way that it is not intended to be driven on a daily basis.


This will be my last Toyota if Toyota does not make this right. Im told my Vehicle probably sustained damaged to the Transmission due to being underfilled from the factory!!

 

I have a regular v-6 SR 5 w/tow package and my truck is experiencing the rumble from the automatic tranny when slowing to a stop. I also feel like there is a lot of gas pedal movement to get the truck to kick into s higher gear when needed. I also read on another thread about shifting into drive after backing out of a drive and having a delay before drive engaged. I had that happen tonight for the 1st time. I hope I'm not ruining my transmission while waiting for my 5K service appt! WTF?