Drained atf instead of oil

Hi, I have a 2012 V6 Tacoma and I didn't realize how easy it was to change the oil until my son told me. Like an idiot, I mistook the atf pan for the oil pan and drained 17 - 20 oz before I realized what I did and put the plug back in. The fluid was very clean which makes this even worse. I have 62k on it and probably didn't need to mess with that for a while.

I assume I need to have it completely drained and refilled. Is the truck safe to drive to a few miles to a shop. Thanks.

 

I don't see why you cant just top it off. Shops do that all the time when you go in for service and are a little low. 20oz is not very much at all compared to all that it holds.

 

If you want to get it replaced for peace of mind, you'll be fine topping it off to drive it to the shop. Better than driving with it low.

 

Yeah I thought it holds multiple gallons of ATF so that little amount won't kill it. I would top it off and call it a day. Take that with a grain of salt though because I own a manual tranny and have never serviced an auto

 

You can do it yourself. Finish draining and refill will be fine. Actually good at 60k, as it will refresh part of the additive package in the fluid.

I believe this is just the drain and fill.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/63851-how-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.html

If you are going to take it to a shop, be sure, in advance, they know the proper procedure for filling/checking the fluid, as the good 'ole dipstick doesn't exist in your truck. And while the procedure isn't 'hard', it's not intuitive either.

If by a few miles to the shop, you mean 5-10 of steady state moderate speed, it will be fine. If you have to go over a mountain, not so good.

Good luck.

 

This is a pretty easy mistake to make IMHO, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Maybe get a Fumoto valve for the oil drain to make it easier to identify.

 

Agreed.

My lunchtime Diet Coke tomorrow says that he'll never do it again anyway..........

 

Hey! I'm a member if that club!

Don't get too worked up over an easily fixed mistake.

 

You need to calm down Bill. I've seen you bet your lunch time diet coke a couple of times now. That's a bit too reckless

 

OP, read the link that @Clearwater Bill posted. Follow the directions and you should be good to go. We all have our WHOOPS moments while working on our trucks. Most of us won't admit to them though.

Your avatar caused me to laugh my sack off.

 

But I've not had to skip one. Yet.

 

Great idea.

 

Thank you for drawing attention to this. Great avatar!

 

common mistake. not a hard fix if ya follow the previous link that was shared. was rolling around under my honda doing the oil change and noticed it was dummy proofed and labeled

 

At 62k miles, it just about right for its first drain and fill. Just finish draining it out and refill with 3.25 quarts.

 

Man I did this one time on my Cherokee, drunk as a skunk when I did it too lmao. I drained probably a gallon or so before I realize it's not supposed to be red. Luckily it was a brand new oil collection pan and I just poured it back in.

I'd say just measure out the same amount you took and and top it off. I'm not expert mechanic though... obviously lol

 

Mark with your wife’s nail polish or a paint marker, oil and atf drains.
Not just for you, but for anyone that services your truck in the future.

 

I did the same thing and lost maybe half a quart... haven’t gotten around to changing it... it’s been about 10k miles... it’s all good do it when you can <_<

 

OP - don't feel bad.
Years ago a guy on my shift at the time poured a can of the original STP oil treatment down into a carburetor thinking it would CLEAN the carb.