Automatic transmission fluid leak / replacement question

Not to mention the guys like me who tow fairly frequently. I’d like to be able to pull the stick and inspect the fluid. Pulling a stick beats crawling under the truck and removing bolts.

 

Plus, for you guys who tow, having a dipstick not only would let you check the level easily but also the condition of the fluid by color and smell. Towing hard can cook tranny fluid. Easy to neglect those checks when you have to crawl under.

 

Indeed it is, AFAIK my fluid is fine.
I haven’t crawled under and checked

 

OP, waiting to drop the pan until after you’ve found and repaired the leak and replaced the fluid and idled while cycling all the gears is a good idea in my opinion. I know that’s a pain because you’ll have to replace 3-4 new quarts, but it permits you to see the full impact of cycling fluid, as far as what’s on the filter and the magnets. Then you can replace the filter if desired, and clean any contaminants off the pan and magnets.

This also allows you to better check for any major transmission damage (metal fragments on the magnets) which I sincerely hope not to be the case.

 

LOL... yes, ignorance is bliss. Says so right there in the owner's manual. ;-) And repeated here by many others who have not yet had their leak!

 

Between the rear axle seal leaking sporadically , and front diff breather puking fluid out the breather. I’m half way scared to crawl under there look any more

 

Agreed, but the OP had a catastrophic leak.

 

I’d just repair the break in the line and fill the tranny back using the fluid check procedure. Then wait until it’s warmer to drop the pan and replace the filter. I’m not sure if the pan uses an actual gasket or gasket maker goo, but if the latter I would definitely check its curing temperature if you go this route since it’s super cold where you live.

 

My 2015 has an actual gasket….OP can verify on his vehicle with a quick eyeball check.

 

Gotta love old 4 wheelers..... My old honda fourtrax was able to tow my tacoma. I couldn't believe it! The fourtrax frame was hanging up in the snow a bit, but it still moved my tacoma....

Now I'm in a garage... I towed it maybe 3/8 of a mile, very low speed.. Just waiting on a kerosene heater to be dropped offf...... Did someone's brake pads and rotors in exchange for use of garage.....

Now I can finally get some work started on my truck!!

Must of looked funny to the people passing me - a little old four wheeler towing a truck.......

 

ATVs are great for that kinda stuff, we have a Yamaha Big Bear 4x4 at the shop I work at that we use to push disabled vehicles into the shop with.