How to Drain/Refill Automatic Transmission

Mine was also damn near 600mL low. Very interesting.

 

I’m tackling this tomorrow on my 2013 Sport 4x4 w/tow package. I’m at 106k so kinda the same boat as you. Temp check mode intimidates me…
So you initially drained it when it was cold or warm?

 

You should gather all your supplies and do it first thing in the morning before the truck is driven. If you jump the obd port, you should practice and master that procedure the day before.

 

@thelate1 It don't matter, imo. I’ve never used the jump-wire method to check ATF temps. I use an IR gun. Now that I have an UltraGuage, I can definitively state the IR method is within three degrees of what shows on my gauge. Also use the IR gun on our 07 Lexus ES350 and sister’s Lexus N200t.
Also note, once ATF is draining, my IR reading on the fluid coming out is within two degrees of the pan reading. I didn't blindly start using the IR gun from the beginning, a TW or TN member posted readings many years ago between his IR gun and his Techstream software.

 

I have all of my supplies. Unfortunately my tools are kept at my shop so I need to drive there.

 

and yes you can start it up and drive it into the garage or wherever you do the wrenching, but dont go driving to your buddies house or you'll be waiting for it to cool after you refill.

Edit, i see you're in PA so you'll be in better shape for cooling the trans if needed

Edit 2, dont be intimidated, its a long written out procedure, best just focus on the temp check part and simplify it. Print it out, make sure you are jumping the correct pins, and practice shifting. Ive wrenched my whole lifem but i was intimidated my first time because i never did anything with the OBD port, worried youll screw something up. Check, double check you are using the correct pins. Markem with a sharpie

 

Don’t be intimidated. Watch the YouTube video a couple times and just repeat. I got it in temp check on the first try.

I drove around town a ton running errands before doing this. Has the truck off for about 30-40 minutes while I drained and filled. When I put it in temp check mode the light turned on and stayed constant within a minute or two.

You will realize after doing this that it is really is as basic as an oil change. Remove the fill plug, pull the drain plug and let it drain. Pump an extra quart or two into the fill hole than came out and hand tighten the bolts down. Turn the truck on and cycle the fluid by moving through the gears a couple times. I then turned off the truck and jumped the OBD and then turned it back on and proceeded to do the temp check shifts. You’ll see the light.

I highly recommend trying to get the overflow plug out after draining too. It uses this stupid hex bit that is a pain in the ass. If you go on YouTube and watch Tacomaholics video doing this whole drain and fill procedure- he replaced it with the same OEM bolt for the drain plug. I ordered this ahead of time for a few bucks and it came in handy. Ended up having to use vise grips to remove that dumb hex bit overflow plug and was happy to put the new bolt in so I won’t have that issue next time.

 

Greatly appreciate the insight/info! I actually checked all my bolts today. They all broke free rather easily so I’m good to go on that aspect.

 

I've been searching for how to on 2014 2.7 automatic, but only find videos for non-dipstick.

Anyone have pointers?

 

Drain, ideally measure what comes out. It's a 14mm bolt on the flat pan under the truck. Let it drain for 10 mins or more.

Refill through dipstick using a small funnel. T Iv ATF fluid from the dealer is the easiest to find. Buy 4 qts.

Start with 3qts and let the truck warm up, checking the dip stick. Cold and Hot are the ranges, Hot is basically after driving for 30 mins, the dip stick should literally feel hot to the touch.

Ideally the fluid should between cold and hot after running and a quick drive.

I don't work on many 4 cylinders, so if anyone has anything to add go ahead.

 

Thank you so much!!!

 

@Bluefadedstars @Bishop84 FYI, the ATF for the 4-speed auto is Type T-IV; the 5-speed auto takes WS. If you do a flush, you can switch to Valvoline MaxLife which is formulated to cover both types of ATF. I believe the 4 cylinder AT is a 4-speed.

 

This is what the store recommended

 

@Bluefadedstars The label in the back does not show it is for Type IV ATF.

 

I know this is old and most likely irrelevant now but, I do have the light on my 2007 PreRunner (just did the drain and fill last week using this thread). Did they change that at some point?

 

As far as I know all 2nd gens with the A750 transmission (V6) have the temperature warning light, I'm not sure about the ones with the A340 (4 cyl).

 

A750F has warning light, A750E no light.

Odd. There's no overheating code either. But it would trigger a sensor malfunction code around 302F lol.

 

Interesting, I swear I've seen it key on engine off on 2wd trucks and they use it for the fluid check procedure according to the manual. Do they just not use it as a temperature warning on 2wd trucks?

 

No idea but the system circuit has no light controlled by the ecm. On the 4WD F model it shows it's controlled by ECM.

The schematics show all V6's have ECM to Meter line for temp.

The instructions show a 2WD trans and the 36-46 degree method with a flashing temp light.

I've never once used the pin method, and we rarely have 2WD models in my shop so I'll never be able to check.

 

If I put the key on while the engine is off I don't see the light in the cluster (like if it wasn't there or the bulb is blown). I still went ahead with the pin method and after the 6 shifts the light blinked twice (huge relief noticing the light was there), waited about 10 minutes idling the truck and the light came on. Followed this thread to the t and so far no issues.