3rd Gen Transmission Fluid level Check

Sorry to ask again but, I am trying this now and, my D indicator only stays lit for a few moments after I put it back in park. The other indicators on the tach keep flashing. If take the jumper out at this point the flashing indicators go out and I assume I am no longer in temp check mode.

Should the indicators keep flashing with the jumper removed or do those not matter and I can still be in temp check mode? Though the D goes away there is no P.

 

I believe you had in the temp sensing mode once the D light came on momentarily.....you then must let run to warm up....then the D light comes on and stays on....NOW check the level by pulling the plug.....

 

Have you read this great write-up... You should.... Just replace the "at temp" light with the "D" light....
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.63851/

 

If the D goes out then you are not in temp check mode. As long as the jumper is in place all the indicators on the dash panel will continue to flash like a Christmas tree. Once you remove the jumper then they will revert to normal. However, the D should still be lit - flashing if not in the proper temp range or solid if in the temp range. Note that the flashing occurs when the temp is either too cold or too hot. If the D doesn't stay lit or flashing when back in Park then you are *not* in temp check mode.

If you have driven even a little while the transmission is probably over temp. It's best to start this procedure when you are sure that it's below temp, like first thing in the morning after the truck has been parked overnight. It can take a few hours to cool down after you have driven even a few miles.

 

Yep. I read that but missed this important tidbit.
After the 6 shifts are completed the red AT TEMP light should illuminate for 2 seconds (important to note).

So, I gather the cessation of the flashing lights when I pull the jumper is not of consequence.

 

OK. Truck was sitting all day. I commute by motorcycle. So this info about the D staying lit is a difference from that 2nd gen post where the AT TEMP indicator goes out after a couple of seconds.

 

Yes, this is a great thread. For anyone who simply wants to check if they are low, just add a 3/4-1 quart of oil first, then follow the procedure to get into temp check mode before pulling the check plug. Let any excess flow out until the "trickle" then button things up.

 

It is if you pull the jumper BEFORE the D light stays on.... Don't pull the jumper until you have the solid "D" light showing..now you are on the right temp range....

 

Just to clarify, you can be in temp check mode with the oil too cold or too hot (flashing D) or in the correct range for pulling the check plug (solid D). You can remove the jumper any time it is in temp check mode.

 

I appreciate the info you guys. But, one person is saying the D should stay lit (or flashing) after it goes into park and the other (and that other thread) is saying it will just stay lit for a moment and not go back on until at temp.

 

I've never seen the flashing D. Just the brief D. Have not let it warm up enough to get at temp since I wasn't sure I was in temp check mode.

 

Just stating what happened in my experience.

 

Yes sure, and I appreciate that. Just conflicting info. I don't know what the point would be of removing the jumper once the temp is in the check range as posted above. I'll just have to let it get warm after getting the brief D and see if I end up with a steady D.

 

To be safe, I'd wait for the solid D before removing the jumper. Since there appears to be conflicting info and I'm old and feeble maybe I'll try again with the tranny cold. When I did this previously, I had to wait for a few hours for things to cool down as I had driven to the store for a quart of oil and a hand pump. It's possible the temp was a bit high when I started it up again and the D was flashing (over temp) but as things began to circulate from the tranny cooler and the extra that I added it cooled down to be in range (solid D).

 

Doesthe tranny feel any different after the OP Coded update?

 

It feels like it's back in learning mode. I really haven'thad a chance to drive it much since i picked it back up. I will be taking a 60ish mile round trip this evening and I'll be able to pay better attention.

 

I got this to work. D only shows momentarily. I left the jumper in until steady D. Really, I do not see the point of removing the jumper. Once you get the solid D you are pretty much done. Just need to drain out any access reasonably quickly.

 

Well, this does it for me. I was planning on trading my 14 for a new one this spring. I am an old fart and not prone to crawl around under my truck any more. Went thru hell with brakes on my 13 without it ever resolved. The 14 has been perfect. Hard to believe all the high tech in the truck, yet they dont know how to put right amt of tranny fluid in it and make it almost impossible to check it.

 

I tried again this morning before heading out to the store. Sure enough, the D showed for 2-3 seconds then went out. After idling for 15-20 minutes it came back on steady. My only guess regarding my previous experience is above.

BTW, was yours low, and if so by how much?

 

This! ^