DIY: Full Flush for Automatic Transmission

If you checked it with the truck off that explains why you got so much fluid out of the check hole... you may need more ATF if that's the case.

 

Wow what a PITA. I just drove around the neighborhood slowly stopping and shifting through the gears parked and idled for a bit pulled check plug some came out DONE! That was 7-8 months ago and shes been shifting perfect since. I realize it could be off a tad since I didn't do temp check mode but with 12 quartz cap I'm betting its all good.

 

Thanks dude. Appreciate you chiming in. I tried again after I let it sit for a few hrs and still wouldn't go in. Even added my last extra qt for a total of 14. I drained 1 back out and turn went for a cruise. No lights and it felt smooth. I'll drive on it tomorrow a bit and then pull the check plug when the case is warm to the touch.

 

I found the temp check jumping the wires was super easy.

 

Just a quick update. I drove to Dallas (4hrs one way) and back this weekend with no issues. Has been shifting just fine. I'm not gonna worry about it. Maybe I'll try it again next weekend when I have the energy.

 

It should be fine as long as you checked it with it running. One of the guys checked on his 4runner and the difference in the fluid level between the cool end of the check temps and the hot end (~18°F) was IIRC 6oz. I still check mine every time, just because it's a good idea. If the temp you opened the check plug at was 40° off, you'd still be within half a quart or so of the correct level. Checking it too cold will result in a slight overfill and too hot will result in your fluid being a little low.

 

Mine just hit 100k, had it since 7 miles on the truck. Haven't towed much at all, but I am moving from CA to LA in a month. Id love to do this, flush the coolant, and both gear oils since none of it has ever been serviced. IDK why this whole transmission flush has me nervous, its simple and I know i'm over thinking it

 

It is simple, it just takes some time. I would recommend putting a new transmission filter on as well, they are cheap and it's simple to do at the same time. Clean up the magnets in the pan as well. Just note that the gasket is rubber and the pan bolts pretty much just go snug. I don't have a torque wrench that goes that low, so I just generally noted how tight they were and went around it a few times tightening things evenly. No leaks.

I just rolled 90K and have only towed once, and my fluid was pretty dark. Pan magnets and filter were covered in a gray film. Honestly, it would probably have made it another 50K miles, but it makes me feel better that everything is fresh now, and it does seem to drive a little better.

 

I want to flush my 2004 VZ automatic transmission fluid. This write up refers me to a fill hole on the tail section of the transmission. Mine doesn't have a fill hole nor does it have 2 drain plugs on the pan. I haven't found a write up that fits my situation.

Can anyone post a link?

 

Your transmission should have a dipstick, which you'll use to add fluid and check the fluid level.

 

I've already done this part of the transmission fluid/filter change. Now I want to flush the rest of the old fluid out and replenish it with new fluid.

 

It's the same process on your truck as it is on the second gens, just pull a cooler line off and run some fluid through a couple quarts at a time.

 

Did you guys do 3 or 4 quarts at a time? Gonna be doing this alone

 

I did 2 at a time, you can do a little more but I think two is a pretty good safe number.

 

Pan only holds right around 3 quarts.... you dont want to pull more than that otherwise air will get into the system. Stay safe at 2.5 quarts max, 2 quarts for easier measuring.

 

I’ll do 2... I just installed a tranny cooler so I guess I will do the flush first and add a extra quart

 

I'm going to do the full flush on mine in the next month or so. I'm at about 184k. Just order 14 qts of WS fluid and I have a new pan gasket ordered from Toyota. Planning on dropping the pan and cleaning or replacing the screen. What are you guys thoughts on the metal screen (filter) that is there? I was thinking about just cleaning it and putting it back. Been reading way too many pages of this on here but seems like I remember something about someone cleaning it with brake cleaner. Is that safe to do? Just spray it off and let it dry good before putting it back? Is there something better to use for cleaning? Also, what about the aftermarket screens? Any suggestion on which one is good and any to stay away from? Thanks for the information!

 

I replaced mine, it's an inexpensive part.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ansmission-on-my-2nd-gen-v6-pic-heavy.511913/

 

I had 61,k on mine and cleaned the filter. Couldn't find one when I needed it, and since it's metal it cleaned real easy. Used brake cleaner haven't had any issues in 12k miles

 

Yeah I may do the same. I have checked the price from the stealership. Reason for possibly cleaning instead of replace was cause I am concerned about aftermarket quality and how it might change the flow of the fluid compared to oem.