Checking auto Trans fluid

Hi All, what is the proper way to check the fluid level in a 4 speed auto trans,2012 Taco?
Is it the same way for older Ford vehicles?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.63851/

 

Good article but doesn't address my question.

 

you have a 5 speed does that answer your question?

 

Do you have a four cylinder 2TR, 2.7 liter engine or the 1 GR 4.0 liter V6 engine?

If you have a four cylinder you just need to warm it up with a drive and then check the dipstick same as always.

If you have the V6 engine you have to go through a procedure to check it: The procedure is detailed in this post from Fortech:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.63851/

With the AT fluid circulated, it is now time to set the truck in "Temperature Check Mode" to verify the correct level. To describe the Temp Check Mode briefly, there is a light (AT TEMP) located within the the tachometer circle. After a series of shifts to enter the check mode, the AT TEMP light will illuminate when the ATF temperature is within the 46°C (115°F) and 56°C (130°F) range required to accurately check the fluid level. When the ATF temperature surpasses 56°C (130°F), the AT TEMP light will begin to flash indicating the system is too hot for verification.

You may leave the truck idling, or shut off the engine before the next step – your choice.

Jump the #4 and #13 pins on the On Board Diagnostics (OBD) white connector located near the drivers kick panel with a short piece of wire and start the engine (if not already started). There are 16 pins on the white OBD connector (8 top and 8 bottom). Number 1 is the top left corner, with number 8 on the top right corner. Number 9 is on the left lower corner, number 16 on the lower right corner. Start at number 1 connector and continue counting the connectors in the same order as you would read a book.

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Several of the dash warning lights will begin to flash (normal). Then shifting from "P" to "N" (pausing briefly in "N"), began a series (six shifts) of "N" to "D" to "N" cycles with the shifter. After the 6 shifts are completed the red AT TEMP light should illuminate for 2 seconds (important to note). Place the AT back into "P" (light will illuminate again for 2 seconds) and let the truck idle to warm the fluid. It is important to note that the light illuminated for two seconds as that verifies that the truck entered "Temp Check Mode". Without this verification, you may wait all day for a light to illuminate without the truck actually being in mode.

When the AT TEMP light illuminates constantly, the fluid is at the correct temperature for checking. If the AT TEMP light should begin to start blinking, this means the fluid temp has surpassed the allowable range and you must shut off the truck and let the system cool. Retry again after a 1/2 hour break.

Here is a linked Youtube video I uploaded to clarify the procedure. Sorry for the poor quality, but all I had to use was my P&S Camera with video mode.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpGIBJPnJX4

After approximately 14 mins of idling (my fluid originally was at room temp of 13*C or 56*F) the AT Temp light finally illuminated, indicating the AT fluid was at the correct temperature for a fluid level check (sometimes it will flicker for several seconds, then illuminate steadily). With the truck still idling and in "P", remove the overflow plug to check the fluid level (THE ENGINE MUST BE RUNNING WHEN THE OVERFLOW PLUG IS REMOVED). Remember, the Toyota Service Manual describes the fluid being at the correct level when a "small trickle" escapes from the overflow hole. If a steady flow is found, it must be left to drain until all that remains is a "small trickle".

If after removing the overflow plug no fluid escapes, you must shut off the engine and return back to pumping in more fluid, then proceed again with entering temp check mode.

NOTES:

- Overflow plug torque = 15 ft/lbs
- Fill plug torque = 29 ft/lbs
- Drain plug torque = 15 - 20 ft/lbs

- Allow common sense to prevail. Set your E brake and block your wheels before crawling under your truck. Careful of the exhaust as it gets quite hot.

 

I know it's a 4 speed,maybe I should have stated a 4 cylinder but I didn't know there would be a difference in procedure.

 

If you have a 4 cyl, you have 2 dipsticks under the hood. One for oil; one for transmission.

I miss my little single cab 4 banger 1st Gen 2.4L Tacoma. Not the same as yours, but similar.