Did i cook my transmission?

Next time use 4LO. I have an ultragauge and from wheeling in the mountains I have noticed the tranny heats up 10x faster in 4HI when going up steep grades. There is just a ton more slippage happening in the torque converter. Adding a couple thousand pounds of weight only exacerbates things.

 

Yup. 4lo would of aleviated OP putting the trans into overheat limp mode for sure.... 2.56x easier on the trans due to gear reduction.

Sounds like op was going very slow up a steep road with a good amount of load... 2HI or 4HI this will heat up the trans fluid even with the tow package VERY quickly, even in first gear.


My suggestion to OP. While the fluid might look fine, for peace of mind, spend the 100-120 bucks on new Toyota WS fluid and replace it, while your at it pop in another trans cooler with an inline thermostat, then next time when you have to tackle that hill, also use 4LO!

 

Thanks everyone, going to replace transmission fluid, already ordered the derale cooler and installed the scan gauge that I had sitting around. Appreciate the help

 

BTW you can use another AT Fluid that is compatible with our Tacoma ATs. Many including myself have used Valvoline Maxlife with good results. I would recommend a full flush. I know resident transmission guru gearcruncher doesn't think very highly of Toyota WS transmission fluid.