ATF Temperature for Level Check?

Oh shit!!!! I had no idea!!! I have been doing it with the trans off all this time. I really hope I did not ruin my transmission!!

 

When you said all the fluid came back out , that raised a red flag for me .
I highly suggest you fill your transmission . Its low

 

I have about four qt at home and I will do it as soon as I get home today. Thank you so very much for diagnosing my ignorance and setting me straight!!

 

What procedure were you following ? I think thats where the problem is . You are not the only member who has done this . There have been many members doing the fill check with the engine off

You are going to notice a huge difference in transmission performance once its full

 

I just watched this guy on Youtube a while ago now. He has a mechanic shop in Canada. I have also used the TW 3rd Gen Tacoma Maintenance guide. Both sources are listed below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R9h0kR2EnE

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-diy-maintenance-quick-reference.406712/

 

The guy in the video did the fluid level check properly as the truck was running .
The link however could use some serious editing .

 

After you told me the engine has to be on I watched the vid again and yup truck is running however it is never specifically mentioned. Usually when working on a vehicle, I was taught, to leave it off. This however is an exception to that rule. Very good job bringing this to my attention.

 

Now , I am wondering how many members are driving around with low fluid ?
I sent a message to the member who started that 3rd gen thread and asked if he could highlight that the engine must be running .
Its a great thread
I had to do this for the second gen write up as well .

 

Well done sir! Thank you for taking the time to contact them. I have used that post many many times and I know others do as well! There is a good chance there are a few TW members drivin around with low fluid. If it were not for you continuing to dig deeper and ask me questions I would be driving around with low fluid too. You are a good person for ding that!

 

So I am looking at this and it seems I can get a lot more fluid out if I drain the pan and remove the level plug with engine off then replace what came out. Then do the level check once in Temp Mode again. Anyone have any input?

 

You will get more old fluid out if the truck is shut off and the overflow plug is removed . A certain amount of fluid drains back into the transmission pan from the torque converter and valve body when you shut the truck off .
Strange to see you performing a service this way unless you are doing regular trans fluid changes ( 20K )
Without removing the transmission pan and introducing new fluid with a very high detergent content , you risk washing the debris in the bottom of your transmission pan through your valve body .