How to Drain/Refill Automatic Transmission

I'm wanting to install a trans. cooler. But for some reason the at temp light will never flash after shifting from n to d no matter how many times I do it. Any suggestions?

 

My Taco doesn't have an AT light. But what does it have to do with installing a trans cooler?

 

Trans cooler requires adding fluid to accommodate the added capacity.

On the "sealed" trans behind the 4.0, they require WS fluid, and the trans must be at a specific temperature to check the level.
This is done by putting the TCM into diagnostic mode, and the AT light will come on as described in the OP.

 

OK, that makes sense but it might be easy to simply add the amount the cooler would hold.

Also, like I stated, my Taco does not have an AT light. I have heard others post the same. I don't know why it's missing.

 

Leave the bottle of tranny fluid in the bed of your truck overnight and do it in the morning

 

Thank you, you put a lot of time and effort in your post and I appreciate it.

 

Any more info on the x guage code for the transmission temp. The scanguage site gives one code for the 2010 and later tacoma, which shows on my guage ( ver 3.15). Is this the actual fluid temp to be measured when doing the change. Thanks, mark .

 

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You don't need a flush anyways.

Just a simple drain and refill of the pan contents is sufficient.
On your '05, if it has never been done and you have over 100k, I'd recommend doing it a couple of times over a 3-4 month period, but unless the trans has been abused and overheated, there's no need for a complete flush.

ATF does not break down like motor oil. It's primary job is to act as a hydraulic fluid. It's secondary job is to lubricate the moving parts.
It does not get contaminated with combustion byproducts, fuel, and water, which are the primary factors in the degradation of motor oil.
Not recommended, but ATF can and will last for 10 years and 200,000 miles if it is not overheated.

 

This is what I've been doing.

 

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nice bike...one of the best frame flexers ever made!!

 

I was recently told be my dealer (Toyota not drug) that my tranny was a fully sealed unit, and wouldn't need servicing, he said that the fluid should be checked at 100k but they are filled with "lifetime" fluid and never needs changing.
Has anyone else heard this?

 

That is the general idea behind the Toyota WS fluid and the new trans behind the 4.0

It doesn't mean it's a good idea, which is why this thread was created in the first place.

Your trans is not exactly "sealed", it simply does not have a dipstick.
Other than that, it's no different from the trans behind my 2.7

 

No offense guys, but how can you think that replacing 2.5-3 qts of a 12 qt system is an adequate service? If you want the fluid changed out the only way you are effectively doing it is by pumping out all the old fluid while filling it with new fluid (ie Flush). Otherwise I would say you are just wasting your money and 75% dirty fluid with 25% clean fluid isn't really a success!

 

I seen there are alot of trans flush procedures for the 4 wheel drive with the trans temp light. But what if mine is not equipped with the light how do you know when to check it????

 

I think that is what Toyota classes as a " sealed" unit, no dipstick and I don't think they have a breather on them either, this basically eliminates the risk of external contaminants. That's why it does not need "servicing", it will need to have the fluid level checked however and topped up if needed. When ever you check your fluid level you should also check the condition of the fluid by letting a small amount out of the drain plug. If it is nice and bright red, all you need to do is top up as needed. However, if you find it is a dark or dirty red, you will most likely need to have it repaired, as that may be an indication of clutches slipping, or other internal damage.
@TexasClub no offence taken, there is no problem putting 2 or 3 quarts of new fluid on top of clean fluid, but that certainly isn't classed as a service, more like a top off, or fluid check. I have heard that the only way to completely drain the transmission is to take it out.

 

I have always been proactive in servicing my vehicles, I just see doing this type of service as a complete waste of money. If you've ever seen a transmission flush you literally watch all that discolored fluid come out as the nice bright red fluid goes in and when it's completed you know that you have removed 90%+ of the old fluid. This service is like draining 1 qt of your dirty engine oil, leaving the other 4 Qts of black oil in there, topping it off with a qt of new oil and feeling warm and fuzzy about the oil that's in your engine. Just doesn't make sense!

 

When I did my fluid change, I measured how much came out and how much I had to put back in and there was a difference of about 3/4 qt. No signs of leakage anywhere. The trucks shifts noticably better now without the hesitation it had. So it pays to at least check your fluid level even if your dealership tells you it's a sealed unit.

This thread was a sticky, what happened? Lot's of good info here

 

I think they changed the WS fluid to type T-lV