Greetings ….. and fluids

Hi, I’d like to start by thanking Bob for his warm welcome, as well as Juan and all who may read my note. Preemptive apologies for my gift of making a short story long. Last week I jumped in and bought a used 2010 Tacoma with mileage barely south of 200k. It’s red and gorgeous, ‘twas love at first sight. It has its issues, but so do I. Sadly for me, even buying an old truck like this, represents a major investment. So here I am passing bricks and hoping all goes well. Third day driving, and it may be something in my hands, but the dreaded check engine light comes on. MAS says AutoZone, thanks to YouTube I discover that it can be cleaned, and while at it wiped the throttle body. Had CE light reset but next day light is back on. For variation, O’Reily this time. Gas cap they say, so this time I make the purchase.

If you’re still with me, couple questions,
Can check engine light be reset other than disconnecting battery?
What fluid/oil for differentials?
How about automatic transmission?
And the transfer case?

Thaks in advance for your opinions, Mario

 

Can check engine light be reset other than disconnecting battery?

An OBD2 scanner from Amazon will clear it, but if there's an issue it will keep coming back until the issue is resolved. Autozone can do a scan for free, probably clear it too and give you some advice on repairs if needed.

What fluid/oil for differentials?

08885-02506

Any synthetic 75w-90 GL5 would suffice. I believe the sport trims require the limited slip additive.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/changing-differential-fluid-a-step-by-step-how-to.24545/

How about automatic transmission?

OEM Toyota ATF W/S or Valvoline Maxlife ATF (Valvoline is cheaper and some claim higher quality)

And the transfer case?

75w-90 API GL4/GL5

08885-02106

https://www.blauparts.com/ravenol-g...MI_Y3D98nUiAMV9w2tBh0BwDIwEAQYAiABEgL1ZfD_BwE

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The owners manual will tell you what Toyota requires and recommends. Here's a copy if you don't have one.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/2010-tacoma-fluids.377869/

 

Welcome to TW!

 

IIRC 2009 and up have electronic LSD so no additive required!

 

2nd gen calls for WS tans fluid. What experience do you have with Maxlife in Tacoma's ?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...e-get-it-out-of-your-transmission-now.331521/

 

None, but there's several posts and threads advocating the benefits of Valvoline Maxlife over Toyota's WS. (longevity between fluid changes, better heat tolerance, ect.)

 

The most important part is changing it early and often.
Ideally a drain and fill every 40-45k. Sooner if towing or under harsh conditions.
Pan drop, magnet, and filter at or before 100k.

Almost no one services their transmission regularly.
And Toyota didn't help by making the process overly complicated in order to get the fluid to the correct level.
Which in turn, makes one procrastinate........Guilty I am.....