Checking ATF level on 1st gen - Temp check mode

There is a list of instructions for 2nd gen Tacomas that outlines a drain and fill and using a "temp check" mode to verify level. Are the instructions exactly the same for putting a 1st gen into "temp check" mode?

Here is the link to the instructions I mention:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.63851/

THANKS!

 

10. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL
(a) Park the vehicle on a level surface.
(b) With the engine idling and the parking brake applied, shift the selector into all positions from the P to L, and then shift into the P position.
(c) Pull out the dipstick and wipe off the fluid with a clean rag. Reinsert the dipstick and check that the fluid level is in the HOT range.
(d) Do this check with the fluid at normal driving temperature (70 − 80°C, 158 − 176°F). Usually the dip stick is hot to the touch.

2005 introduced sealed units, they do not have dipsticks.

 

So no temp check mode on the 2002?

I removed the transmission pan and reinstalled. According to my calculations I drained about 6.5 quarts, maybe a little more including spills.

I put back in about 7 and drove it a bit to heat it up. Fluid was still low. I added the rest of the fluid (8 quarts total) and STILL it was low. This is after warming it up and driving it, shifting through all gears and then measuring. This truck must have been low when we bought it.

I added more fluid and now it's reading high, over the top HOT mark. I'm going to lightly drive it a bit today and check again.

All people say the fluid must be measured with the truck running. Some people say it reads high when the truck is cool and off because the fluid isn't circulating. Other people say it reads high when it's hot because the fluid expands (seems highly unlikely).

 

Would you at all be concerned about this level?

 

I’d be concerned about that color. Needs a flush for sure.

 

Really? I wonder if it's just the picture. The tranny is full of brand new fluid. It's been in for about 8 days. It looks pretty much fresh out of the bottle.

 

Is that not the oil dipstick?

 

Tranny dipstick. The level is above the two HOT markings. I'm just wondering if I should drain some out.

 

If you put new fluid in, it should be reddish. That looks black like oil.

 

Ok, suppose we get past the fact that the photo is not the best and focus instead on the level. Do you have any thoughts on that?

 

I'd drain a bit out. Don't want churn it up and make it foamy.

 

Question?:

Did you check it recently after adding fluid? I've found it's easier to wait a couple hours so the residual fluid has time to drain out of the tube.

 

How long was your truck running before checking the level the first time?