ATF Drain and Fill Method?

Hi,

I'm going to do the slow safe multiple drain and fill of the ATF on my 2013 TRD Sport.

I know to check fluid level the fluid must be in a specific temperature range.

BUT.....

Since I'm just draining and filling, once I determine if I have the proper level I can just measure what I removed and add exact amount....... regardless of temperature?

Right...???

Obviously do a final level check when all said and done.

Also... If I follow through with this how long should I run the fluid between drain/fill? I'm guessing a good 5 miles of fwy driving should mix it up plenty but I'm not sure about this.

Thanks,

W

 

Just do the complete flush, why mix it if your doing it all that day?

I did mine last weekend (maxlife Atf), I ran a 1/2 clear tube with 90* fitting down from engine bay with funnel attached.

Drained and filled trans pan.

Removed grill and ran a hose into bucket from
Trans cooler that had quart graduations.

Started truck and filled bucket with 2 quarts, stopped, filled 2 quarts in funnel and repeat until ATF is clean. I used 3 gallons.

Then I did the jumper wire transmission check for temp and ended up adding an extra quart and half of it drained out the fill plug when I rechecked using the trans temp jumper wire check.

Good luck, it made a noticeable difference.

 

At 20k, I drained and refilled my auto tranny. I replaced exactly the amount drained which was one gallon. I intend to do this every 20-25k miles. It's as easy as changing oil. I have a 4 sp auto with a dip stick which allows me to easily check the fluid level.

 

there is a great write up on here for doing a total fluid swap using a garden sprayer to add the fluid via the transmission cooler inlet line. I did this to my 05 last year and replaced the fluid with the valvoline maxlife. I did drop the pan, replace the filter and clean the mags prior to doing the fluid swap. all in all fairly easy to do. the write up also includes the sequence for checking the fluid level at temperature. If I can find it I'll post the link.....

 

Hello
Please tell me about the trans filter.
I'm coming up on 20,000 and would like to service trans soon.
Called dealer and they said $70 for filter and $40 for gasket and that he doesn't stock,because they never change filter just flush. I'm a big believer in regular trans services. Does this filter have a filtering media or is it just a screen that could maybe just be cleaned and reused? I'm broke as hell and if its just a screen ill just clean it but if its not cleanable ill get one so I'm prepared thanks.

 

I had already purchased the gasket and filter prior to doing the service. I went through O'Reilly's but don't recall what it cost. Mine was clean and there was nothing visible in the screening. I had very fine particles on the magnets at the bottom of the pan.....fluid looked good and was not burnt. You could probably get away with cleaning it if it looks good. I had around 35k on the clock when I did the change. I am the second owner and tow a travel trailer with my truck. The swap was easy enough that I plan on doing it every 30k as long as I own the taco.

 

I saw a write up similar to this but doing it from underneath. I tore a rotator cuff and recovering with limited movement, lack of strength when at weird angles.

But this technique sounds like something I could do!

How easy is the grill to get off?

I'm one of those who ALWAYS breaks ANYTHING plastic and clip in!

Thanks,

W

 

real easy....couple screws.....the clips are pretty sturdy.......i would check you tube....probably a video on there..........

 

Someone needs to install the transmission pan, which has the dip stick implemented, already.

 

^this comes off easy while standing, pull straight up after 2 10mm screws are removed and 2 plastic clips.

 

Thanks for replies

 

Use the garden sprayer method, saves so much time. Turn truck on to dump fluid, turn off to stop fluid, use sprayer to refill what you took out, rinse and repeat until you are happy with the color, on the last fill add some extra so when you do the trans check you'll have some pour out through the over fill. If you do it right and add extra you'll only have to get under the truck once to dump the overfill and thats it. Pretty awesome

From a cold start, about 15-20min of running (not driving!) will get your transmission up to operating temp, I used a scan gauge to verify but honestly it isn't needed unless you just got done driving the truck imo

 

Thanks,

Is the bottom line on the trans cooler the inlet? The one I should pull?

Thanks again!

W

 

20k is way over kill with the type of fluid in your Tacoma. That is unless you drag a heavy trailer around all the time. Of course it is your time and money so do what you want. When I owned Fords I always changed at 30k per the owners manual and never once had a tranny problem. I put 187k on 2 of them, 156k on one and close to 100k or a little over on the others. If the filter is a screen there is no need to replace. Some my Fords had screens. I just cleaned the screen and the pan. Recommended interval for the Tacoma is 60k.

 

Ok, if I remember right I unhooked bottom line from cooler and ran my own hose hooked up to the bottom of cooler into my bucket.

 

OK,

Where is the fill plug?

Prepping to do this BUT ALL the videos and photos are of a 2wd and I have 4x4.

I'm trying to make sure I get the fill plug off first and the right one would be helpful

I'm guessing it's the same type of sort of scalloped so you strip it plug used on the transfer case.

I see one on the passenger side tucked up in there, Is that it?

ALL my other fill plugs were hard to get off but I started a regime of PB Blaster today. How's the tranny fill plug to remove?

Thanks,

W

 

24mm passenger side end on trans half waybip