Another auto transmission thread

So here's my problem. I am trying to check my trans fluid level. As soon as I put the transmission in temp check mode, the D light is already blinking. I live in AZ and the outside temp is over 100. Could it be possible that as soon as I start my engine and start cycling the trans fluid it is already over the temp required to check it?

 

They recommend 95 degrees or less.
113 degrees is too high.

 

When I checked mine here in ny on a 75 degree day it was already blinking after backing it down the driveway, idling, opening up garage and putting 4 ramps under the wheels. Waited an hour, even then the solid D came on quickly after idling a few minutes. I believe you could be overtemp pretty quickly

 

Yep. I expect you're already over temp if your truck is sitting on blacktop asphalt and the air temp is 100 or more.

 

Ok so if the trans has too much fluid in it will I get a light or a code? Here is what I did due to the temp issue. I put 200 ml of fluid in it... about 10 oz. No reason other than I was using a syringe and 100 ml measuring cup. I pinned the thermostat, started the truck and put it in temp check mode. Of course the D was flashing from the get go.

I pulled the "check level" plug and allowed fluid to drain until it was not dripping but a very slight steady run. Kinda like the last little bit of oil from the drain plug during an oil change. Then I plugged everything back up. I got about 70 ml back out. So all in all I put in about 130 ml or about 4.5 oz.

I don't think it is really enough to make a difference but I will test drive and see here in a bit. My only symptoms were slow shift from R to D and what feels like a hesitation on acceleration from a stop. It seems like when I give it gas from a dead stop (sign or light) it would rev just a slight bit, then grab and accelerate abruptly.

And a little tip for those who want to check their fluid level. I removed the 3 nuts holding the cat / exhaust heat shield and moved it out of the way. It is super sharp and cramps the work area. 2 mins off and back on saved me some cuts.

 

The hesitation between R and D is just how it is I guess. Mine has been checked twice, I know that my fluid is good, yet it still hesitates. No other irregularities though.

 

None of this would be required if Toyota would just step up acknowledge the problem and have Quality Assurance doing their jobs on-site during production.

 

That's "normal" for this pos Toyota transmission according to Toyota, and Toyota alone....I've got almost 7,000 miles and it still slips, jerks and hunts gears like Helen Keller with a fly swatter.

And YES my fluid level is correct.

 

I believe I have read the D to R or R to D hesitation is a built in hesitation
to let things slow or stop moving before the transmission gearing locks up in the new direction, but don't quote me on that. I had a Honda Pilot did the same thing for 120,000 miles.

 

Did 12 mile test drive. Got 22 mpg, mostly 40-45 mph two lane. A few stops and one exit on the freeway. Never went over 60. Accelerates MUCH smoother from a stop. Could almost say the issue is completely gone. For now, only 1 test drive.

The shifting from P>R>D>P seems a little better. What was noticeable was that when it does shift into gear it grabs aggressively. Thats the best way I can explain it. Before it seemed that it slipped into gear. Now it feels like it grabs a gear. More positive I guess.

Actual driving, I did't really notice anything different. Will see when I take it to work 25 miles or up to the cabin, 83 miles through the mountains.

This fluid level check process is the single dumbest thing I have ever experienced on any car or truck. It's 95 here at midnight this time of year. If no dipstick, just put a drain bolt and a fill to here bolt. WTH Toyota?

 

Had my serviced today and it was 1/2 qt low. They topped off and reset the ECU so we'll see if it helps. In addition to the R to D delay i was getting a 2-3 and some times 3-4 flair as much as 600 RPM after it sat for an hour or so and only did it once when i first started out, of course they couldnt dulpicate that, or the topping off the fluid fixed it.

What I still find puzzling is with an over 10 quarts of trans fluid (w/trailer tow) why would we be seeing issues when its only 1/2 quart low, as most of them are showing.

 

I would venture to say that you are better off than you were if it dumped less out than you put in, but you may still be low. The reason for the temperature range is that fluid expands as it heats up. If yours was already blinking, that means that it was already at or above the range for the test, which means that it was dumping fluid out that would have stayed in if it was at a lower temperature (i.e. in the range ... solid lit "D"). At the point it starts blinking the fluid is at the minimum acceptable level ... just my thoughts on the situation.

 

I wholeheartedly agree. The transmission needs a way to check it cold. There is going to be X amount of fluid in it then, so put a freakin check plug in the side....problem solved.