How to Drain/Refill Automatic Transmission

Yes it is very easy to do. Start the check with cool fluid.

 

The IR gun method has worked for me and many others. Plus, two members (in other forums) have tested IR vs Techsteam and concluded the temp difference is negligible. I can dig up the threads if you'd like. I have the Techstream software but have been too lazy to hook it up, plus have to borrow a computer with XP. I've done two flushes on the wife's Lexus and my Taco - coming up on a third flush. Also running Valvoline Maxlife ATF on both; hard to beat the price and ease of usage with the gallon jugs.

 

Thanks for the replies. You’ve convinced me. I just have this need to know kinda mentality. I’m sure the procedure works and will go ahead and do it but I would like to know what is actually happening while the dash light is on. As far as having a gauge goes I’ve always been curious what the trans temp is when towing so it wouldn’t be a waste of money. That needle on the dash doesn’t really give much information as it has never moved after reaching the middle no matter what I’m pulling.

 

The transmission light when it quits blinking and stays solid is only an indicator that you have reached the proper temp. This method is actually a published method by Toyota. I think member gearcruncher posted a copy of this a while back. The video of the wire method help me a bunch and then I just made a little cheat sheet for myself. Practice with the wire a few times will give you the confidence.

 

That will only work if you have the correct amount of fluid in your tranny. Mine was a quart low, so adding the same amount....... Better to follow the procedures to be sure you have the correct amount of fluid.

 

Just added a trans cooler and replaced my fluid over the weekend. Only problem I ran into was the tranny temp would not get above 106 just idling. Had to drive a little. I also added some Lube guard shutter fix. I had pretty bad shutter if the truck shifted around 2k. So far the shutter is gone!

 

I did the steps indicted from the very first post and it worked. My question is will this also work on an FJ cruiser?

 

I'm pretty sure the A/TTemp light procedure works on all sealed transmissions from Toyota without even knowing the exact check temperatures (which are slightly different for other cars/transmissions). Following the exact procedure without shortcuts will bring success. These transmissions are very different then the non-sealed ones, creating confusion.

 

This may have already been covered but, are there any gaskets that need to be replaced when draining and filling the trans like with the diffs?

 

Some people replace them and some people reuse them multiple times.

 

Is it just the copper ones? (Part

$7 35178-30010

35178-30010)?

 

Yes that’s the part # for the drain plug& the check plug but there is a different one for the refill.

 

Awesome, thank you

 

Hey guys! Ima about to hit 100k on my 2nd gen taco. Ive reading up on what kind of maintenance i should be doing and quite honestly im a bit over whelmed. Im in a "what should i do first?" and "what parts am I going to need" and where and how to locate the area to service.

So far I got this:

1. replace rear differential fluid and gaskets. (i think I got the right part numbers). Seems easy to do. i believe i need 3qts.

2. replace automatic transmission fluid and gaskets and (plugs?) (i dont think I have the part numbers unless its the one that have been already posted) do they sell these in kits? and where do i locate the drain and fill plugs? and how many quarts do i need to completely refill? do i need go through the same process as you guys did? Im asking cuz im not really getting the drain and measure method. sorry for the noob questions...

3. replace spark plugs. Denso or NGK? Seems easy. saw a youtube video on how to do this. just need the right tools.

4. replace PCV valve, hose, and grommet. Does anyone have part numbers to these? seems easy from what saw on youtube.

5. clean throttle body. again seems easy.

6. replace power steering fluid and brake fluid. easy.

7. Should I replace the serpentine belt? what should I be looking for?

8. almost time for new brakes....

Thats all I can think of as of right now. am i missing anything else?

 

@Bravisimo
You're overwhelming yourself by trying to do too much at one time. There are threads for each service mentioned. Take it one service at a time.

If none of these things have been done I would do them in the following order of importance, but give a quick general look-over first to address any immediate concerns such as a torn belt/hoses, leaking fluids, 2mm or less of brake pad material, etc...

Brakes (rears should be at half life or so, but check for even wear)
ATF flush - clean the mesh filter or buy a new one.
Spark plugs
Brake fluid flush
PS flush
Diff fluid
PCV
Load test on alternator and battery
Coolant flush (recommended at 120K)
Idler pulleys - check them
Throttle body
Serp belt, hoses, thermostat - I replaced these at 100K but they could have gone to 150K; definitely replace during 2nd coolant flush.

 

Don’t forget to grease the ujounts and check the center bearing for excessive wear. New air filter. Inspect the steering half shaft ujoint. How are the wheel bearings doing? Upper and lower ball joints still good? Cv axel boots need to be checked. I’d make a list and start checking stuff off as you get it done.

 

Cabin air filter

 

This makes a significant difference.

 

Tail light fluid, unless you have LED tail lights, they can go 300K without a change.

 

Great! thank you for giving me an order of importance. This will help in the future when i do this again. Thank you!