Checking trans fluid

If you read the rest of the thread you'd know where.

 

Where'd you get your truck?

 

LMAO. I'm amazed at how many people are convinced that their trucks drive differently after adding 1/2 quart of transmission fluid. Are you serious! Does this mean that throughout the years when your tranny is as little as 1/2 quart low, you will notice a difference in drivability???

Self-fulfilling philosophy working at its best

 

Some ppl feel they have to justify for wasted time lol!

 

And yet others of us are mechanics for a living and still found that that little bit made a difference. The low trans fluid coupled with air in the lines made mine function strangely. Similar to an ABS module that is a little low with air bubbles...

 

It would have to be bone dry to make any difference at all that you can feel.
Case in point, take the ABS for instance, the reservoir has a minimum & max level. And even after it goes below the minimum level there's still a ways to go BEFORE you can introduce any kind of air "bubbles" that would affect the system as you mentioned.
So therefore, sorry but not buying into it, or the hysteria around it..
Moreover, it is highly unlikely that it was bone dry from the factory to begin with
Cheers!

 

That's my point exactly. Same is true for transmissions. There is no way that the required fluid for operation would be such a small variance.

 

And the trans cooler that they install at the port? That's a pretty large air pocket right in the middle of the system if not purged...I would bet that the very real (I can promise you I didn't imagine this...) issues are coming from not purging after the install.

 

That is of no consequence, as the transmission leaves the factory with the required 10.5 ots.
Adding the cooling system is like adding a bigger sump/pan reservoir. It has more liquid capacity, but the system still only requires 10.5 qts, so anything else, or more ATF is of no consequence.
I've added many aftermarket trans coolers, as have many others with no issues.
Coolers are great insurance and do in fact extended the life by keeping the temp independently of the engine. It's the reason I buy the tow pkg with every vehicle.
Cheers!

 

I would agree but...the cooler is placed right in the middle of a closed system. This would be like removing a line on a brake system, putting an extension between the line and the next component and then not cycling the module to purge the system. To add fluid to these trucks, the tech cycles the valves while filling to prevent bubbles in the system. I would bet the installer at the port is not doing that. This stuff is just built in profit for the dealers. I doubt highly they take the time to do it right...I have also added coolers to several vehicles at work but none of the older trans require you to cycle them with the computer.

 

You are a mechanic? For a living? And your first post in this thread asked for opinions about checking the fluid level? Really?

Also, anytime you have work done at the dealership, SOMEONE pays the bill. If it's warranty work at no charge to you, the manufacturer pays, so the manufacturer would not intentionally build into the process, future dealer business that they themselves would have to pay

 

Anything that's added at the port will be at the right side of the MSRP sticker. It will be clearly labeled as an added accessory.
Moreover, tow pkg are mostly added at the factory or at the dealer at the request of the customer.
So just look at the MSRP sticker and I bet it's not an add-on at the port.
cheers!

 

The trans package is on the addendum sheet in this region. Not a factory item on all trucks. Mine is an SR5 4x4 and it is not included in my package from the factory.

 

Well, I know it’s confusing, but look very careful at the MSRP sticker where it says “Manufacturer suggested retail price optional equipment” about in the middle of the sticker. Additionally, you will see a code for all factory options. The code for tow package is:
TO. And it will list all the items in the package, including cooler.
The distributor added options should be listed at the very right and will be clearly labeled “distributor installed options”.
I have the same truck you have, SR5 4X4, with port added TSS pkg and all items are listed as such.
I would not worry about and add-on cooler from the port though, b/c they use high quality factory approved components. The process for installation is basically the same as the old transmissions. The only and big difference is that now everything is electronically controlled with servos, solenoids and what not, but the principles are exactly the same.
But If there was air, you would most likely hear it as a whining noise like a power steering pump makes.
Stay safe
Cheers!

 

Yes really. I am military and work on domestic vehicles only. What's your point?

 

I'm not confused. Thanks for your input.

 

My point is that I wouldn't think anyone that fixes cars for a living, domestic or otherwise, should need to ask us novices about checking your transmission level. I'm sure you can see the irony in that.

Also, your comparison with air entrapment in a quasi static system such as brakes (which means the fluid doesn't contiously flow) is not the same as dynamic (continuos) fluid movement in any type of cooling system. If there was air in the transmission cooling lines (which is probable) it would flow to the transmission cooler where it would harmlessly rise to the highest point while flowing and remain that way until such time as it is absorbed into the fluid

 

if your having a bad experience at the service dept,just leave a review of that experience on yelp, or the bbb. they will reply to your review within a day or two ,with a phone number for the customer relations guy. that is what i did,i havent called yet but when i do i will update with what happened.

 

the dealer is supposed to do a pdi or inspect the truck before you drive off with it,my theory is that they are not putting the car on the lift to do it right. the dealer has reserved all the lifts for paying customers.they just assume its ok. i would bet the at the factory they stick the hose in the trans to fill it and the guy counts to maybe 5 or whatever. it only needs enough fluid to get it on and off the truck and to get it on lift to be checked by the dealer during the pdi .
on my truck i noticed the u joints had no grease in them, so it hasnt been on the lift, so i would guess the trans has not been checked either....
just a logical conclusion.....

 

There is NO WAY Toyota engineers would have a system like this. I'd bet $$$ the operators on the line scan the build sheet and the amount of tranny fluid is added automatically based on tow package or not. This not only ensures all vehicles get the right amount but also lets the bean counters ensure they don't waste any fluid.

I also bet the amounts of fluid being added to people's trucks... 1/2 qt here, 3/4 there, etc is all due to mechanics not doing the check properly as it seems to be something they don't do often.

Hope I'm wrong... But as an engineer I don't see how a company like Toyota would screw up fluid like this.