Changed transmission fluid last weekend, the factory fill level was low

I always suspect my 2017 TRD OR is low in transmission fluid level as it has some delay when downshifting to accelerate since new. I read a thread about a TSB to update the computer program so I went to dealership asked for the update. It seemed to solve the problem to some extent but still not as smooth as my 4runner.

Now at 60k I decided to drop the pan and change the fluid. I used total of 5 qt ATF when finished. The old fluid plus the fresh fluid that overflowed after adjusting the level at proper temperature is about 4 1/3 quart so I estimate the fluid was about 1/2 to 3/4 lower than it should be. After that my transmission works MUCH better!

I wonder if the Tacoma assembled in Mexico didn't follow the correct fluid level check. I noticed that the level has to be checked while engine is running. I filled about 4 1/2 qt in then checked the overflow plug when the engine was cold and NOT running and saw fluid start dripping. However, when the engine was running, no dripping at all. So it must have suck up some fluid from the pan when engine was running. I filled more and started the engine, finally got it at the correct level. For those who have same shifting issue, you should do the fluid change as soon as possible. The fluid is pretty dark and definitely should have been replaced. Don't trust the lifetime transmission fluid. The sooner, the better. I plan to do it again after 30k.

 

Your delayed downshift is not related to the fluid level and 1/2 qt is not going magically improve your tranny...

 

Lol factories don't check. They know and it is automatic process.

 

Not surprised. A bunch of them were under filled from the factory - mine included. It definitely made a difference

 

I've never seen one low honestly. We had more complaints from 5.7 tundra owners than the 3.5 tacomas.

I really wonder how accurate all these claims are.

Are they pinning the thermostat, is it in the proper temp range etc.

Either way 2017 was due for a good service. The truck will like that.

 

The problem disappeared after the fluid change. I did not even change the filter this time. And I also changed the fluid of my 2016 4Runner and got almost equal volume of fluid in and out so I would think underfill was the problem.

 

I used a Bluetooth scanner to check the transmission pan temperature and a laser gun to check the bottom. Both are between 96-103F. The laser gun method is probably not reliable as it's checking the outside temp, which is always lower than internal temp. Seems to me it was the low level of fluid, not the dirty fluid itself cased the issue. My another car with higher mileage fluid runs fine.

 

I've been thinking about doing this on my 2017 thats at 59k miles. How hard would you say the whole process was and how long did it take?

 

it took me about 3 hours but it’s because that’s the first time doing this. It will take sometime to prepare the tools but once ready, the whole process can be done in about 1 to 1.5 hours. There are many online videos showing how to do it. I did it slow to make sure to torque the bolts correctly so there’s no leak.

Make sure to adjust the level while engine is running. I drove the truck to 4 ramps so there were more room to work under it. Wear goggles and long sleeve shirt to avoid getting burn injury from the exhaust.

 

1/2 to 1 quart low could easily cause minor shifting issues. Don't make a post like that when you have no idea what you are talking about. #1 Cause of delayed shifts in an auto trans is low fluid.. Op is spot on with what he is saying. Basic google search will prove this point.

 

Yep. Especially when the car is driving uphill or downhill, that amount will make more significant difference. I had the problem from day one so it’s was not caused by dirty fluid. And the symptom disappeared right after I did the service so I think that was the cause.

 

It blows my mind the things people pull out of their ass on here when it comes to advice. 1 Qt low in some auto trans is actually enough to cause damage.

 

I have 2017. I have 1st hand knowledge how the tranny acted before TSB, after TSB ,after checking the level, after replacing the fluid, etc.
BTW, OP's described method of checking fluid is off. His 1/2 qt discrepancy could related to skipping on the procedure.
Oh yeah, my truck built in Mexico...

 

Many people have reported low fill levels from the factory, and to say topping off a trans that is low on fluid wont improve shifting performance is 10000% incorrect.

What did he do wrong in his level check procedure?

 

as long as the pan temp was in the proper range with the engine running, he should be fine. OP, what temp did you check the fluid level at? i think the range is like 95-110 degrees or something around there.

 

I probably shouldn’t have mentioned that it was assembled in Mexico. I was just comparing my 2016 4Runner that was assembled in Japan. That one was fine. Didn’t mean the quality of work in Japan is better than other places …

 

The Bluetooth scanner told me it was around 110F. Most online source recommend between 96-113F.

 

@Vlady. Can you explain how the Op did the check wrong?

 

OP mentioned Bluetooth scanner, meaning that that it was plugged into OBDII port. So he never put the truck in the temp mode. He mentioned 110°f, which is upper level of the check level range. In temp mode, the indicator starts blinking at 95-96°F.

Not sure why he would open a level check drain on the cold engine.
Per procedure, if the level not achieved after the check, you have to repeat the process by cooling tranny below 95°f, which may take hours (based on my experience).
If folks make statements about toyota unable to fill tranny , at least try to stick to their procedures to make a point..

 

Temp is temp man. A few degrees won't affect trans fluid level...