3rd Gen Transmission Fluid level Check

Solved my issue but the tech wants me to bring it in in a couple of weeks to review again. Toyota of Orange has had to replace three transmissions this year alone. So when they see the issue they have to run the work on it now to cover their ass if something goes wrong.

 

I had my 5k service today, mentioned the slipping trans and took a shot at the u-joints. Service advisor said they couldn't replicate the slipping and did nothing else. I said "ah so it's still a quart low then?" and he got pissy with me quickly.

 

hahaha nice!

 

Just bought my first Toyota truck ever after reading all the post I thought to my self not another lemon!
My truck is a 2016 Toyota TRD Sport4x4 with tow package al the bells and whistles got it about 3 weeks ago now has 400 miles on it.
Anyway did the transmission check for fluid followed the instructions on the site and the link to the service manual. I started by breaking the torque on the fill and the overflow plug then I added 1.5 quarts of Toyota Trans fluid (2 quarts about $19) put the fill plug back in and torqued. I noticed that the heat shield around the exhaust was undamaged as I had the right tools and still hit the shield that would be a good sign that someone had done some maintenance around the fill plug as I just about ripped my hand on it. I followed the instructions as per this good site and the manufacturers manual it is morning 67 deg outside first start of the day make sure you jump the plug right large side has 1-8 #'s smaller side 9-16 #'s. I started the truck and shifted from N to D approx six times (note watch the indicator on the dash not what you are doing as the D indication comes on twice real quick) once the indication blinked twice I put transmission in park and pulled the jumper. At first I thought I did something wrong the indicator was blank (no P-park, no D-drive was showing) so I waited timed it about 10 to 15 minutes the water temp went above the first mark on the gauge and then the D-drive light came on steady on the gauge got out of the running truck and pulled the overfill plug. As I only wanted to do this once I may have put in more than I needed but I did get a steady flow that diminished into a week seep or drip into one of the wife's Tupperware bowls (will use that in the garage now). I put all the fluid back into the bottles I purchase and checked what I had used with a bit of fluid lose I only added about 10 ounces about 1/4 to 1/2 quart of transmission fluid. I also lubed the U joints and felt that they where a bit dry they all took quite a few pumps before any grease came out.
Anyway I feel better now not a big job I will probably replace the filter ad fluid in the pan way before the 60K miles does anyone know and have a procedure about doing the power flush at home? Also I did not depress the plunger on the transmission as some post stated if anyone thinks it is important I will do the service again. Thanks for the Heads-Up

 

Had my 10k service today and asked them to check the fluid. It was there all day. Tech said it was overfilled and adjusted to correct level after warming truck and checking and correct operating temp. That has to be a first?

 

Thank you TW. I've had my truck three days. I have an appointment tomorrow to check all fluid levels. I will keep you all updated.

 

Checked mine today and found that it was not low. I do have an approximate 1 to 2 second hesitation between D and R. No slipping noticed.

 

I took my truck to the dealership to have all the fluids and the zert fittings checked. I waited at the dealership until they pulled my truck through the bay doors. They called me 57 minutes later and told me all was well.

Chuck

 

It takes more than an hour to check the transmission fluid and everything else on that list. In fact I think it's closer to 1.5 or 2 hours of labor to check transmission fluid alone. Sounds like the pencil-whipped your inspection.

 

^^^^^ This ..!

 

That was my feeling as well. I looked at their checklist and it was extensive. After they pulled it in the shop how long did it take before someone started checking it over? I'm sure there was some lag time between the time they were finished and the phone call. Considering all that was allegedly accomplished I find it hard to believe everything was done within 57 minutes. While I drove I told the wife to look it up on TW. The wife read me a post regarding dealerships with the capability of checking the tranny temperature electronically. Don't know if that would speed things up or not.

 

About to schedule my 5k service. I'm not having any noticeable transmission issues but I drive in lots of hills/climbs/decents/tourist traffic and I want to be sure it's good.

ATF
Zerks
U bolts

What else am I missing?
I'll be having new wheels and tires mounted at that time too. Yea!!

 

So, this morning I decided to try the tranny check. I made sure to loosen up the fill plug first As soon as I started the overfill plug out a few threads, fluid started coming out in a steady stream. I quickly threaded it back in to stop the flow. So, I didn't do anything else. I thought I wasn't supposed to get any flow until the transmission started getting warm? The transmission was cold when this happened. My thought was, that, nothing should come out if the fluid was low. So...How did I screw up??

 

Was your engine running?

 

No

 

Ok, it has to be running and within temp range to check it. Maybe someone can post a link to the procedure

 

Yes, it must be running AND within the temp range....before you pull the plug....
When not running all fluid is sitting in the pan....run it and the system fills up..!

 

The hiccups/delay from reverse to drive is no longer an issue since the dealer added a quart and a half of atf on Saturday. The hiccup I used to feel accelerating through the gears is also non existent.

 

I bought my truck out of state (Nevada) and hated that dealership. I only went there because they had the only one with the specs I wanted for hundreds of miles.

That being said, my service dealer, Michael Toyota in Fresno CA is the shit! They have serviced my Tundra, '15 4Runner, '03 4Runner, and now my Taco.

I emailed my Service Tech, Sal, with a laundry list of stuff I wanted checked during the 5k service, including the manual check of the ATF.
He replied 'we usually only do that if you report a shifting issue from P to D...' Well of course I replied I was having that issue, which was true and also noted some lag between gears climbing highway hills. No problem, we'll do it, he says.

I am sitting here at the dealer waiting. Sal says the ATF is the last thing we're waiting on. (It's 100* outside so cooling takes longer than usual). He does say they (this dealer) knows of the problem and wants happy customers so they'll check it the long way.

I don't like dealing with dealerships, but I have to say that this one goes well above average when it come to customer service. And I've not bought a single vehicle from them.

EDIT to add, .75 qt low