Question with transmission fluid change, with towing package.

Hello all! This is my first post!

I am currently changing the transmission fluid in my 06 Tacoma trd 4x4 4 door (with the towing package). However, I have a quick question about finding the correct fluid level.

When I started, I took the fill plug, then the overflow plug, and the drain plug. But when I took the overflow plug (before the drain plug) there was a ton of tranny fluid that came out (solid flow for prob 30 seconds). I was thinking that maybe the previous owner had overfilled the transmission, however, I am not so sure.

Every tutorial I see online shows that you fill until you get a bit of drizzle out of the overflow. Then u put the truck in transmission temp check and let it warm. But when I do this, the at temp light flashes, and when I try putting more fluid in the transmission, it will take like another quart until the fluid comes out the overflow again.

As soon as I shut off the truck, all the extra fluid I put in previously will come out of the overflow drain (only when I shut off the truck, not when it's running).
I assume this is because of the extra capacity with the transmission cooler.

My question is, do I continue to fill the transmission with the truck running until I start getting some fluid out of the overflow valve?


Thanks all!
Sean

 

Hi Sean,

You're right there are many tutorials out there, but not a lot of videos. Here is one that will be very helpful....

Good Luck

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AU6_j4AkKhc

 

The truck needs to be at idle in park when check the level.
Read this DIY, then read it again. Do just as it states and you will be OK
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.63851/

 

You are making this task more complex than it is.

Simplified steps:
Remove Fill plug.
Remove transmission DRAIN PLUG, not the Check Plug.
drain fluid.
Measure removed fluid, this will be minimum to put back in on refill.
Do your work, remove pan, change filter.....whatever.
Replace DRAIN PLUG.
Fill with new fluid equal volume to what was removed.
Install Fill plug.
Place the truck into TEMPERATURE CHECK MODE. Procedure is posted. Follow it.
Let the truck idle to warm up.
When the A/T light flashes
Leave the truck idling. Truck must be idling and in Park when the next step is performed.
Remove CHECK PLUG. It should drain some fluid. Proper level is when the fluid is at a trickle.
Install check plug.
Kill the engine.......You're done.

A point to be aware of...... The torque converter will suspend fluid when it is running. When the engine is off, the TC is off allowing fluid to drain out of the TC. This is why the fluid level is checked with the engine running.

About 1 year ago, I did a pan drop and filter change on my '06 4.0L, AT with tow package due to over 100 Kmiles. I drained roughly 3 quarts. When I had finished, the total add was 6.5 quarts. In other words, my transmission was 3.5 quarts low. So, I can only assume the tranny was short filled on a previous service or at initial build.

 

Hello all!

Thank you so much for you quick responses! I don't know where I was getting the idea fill the transmission with the overflow drain off and the engine off!.
You guys really helped me!

See you around!
Sean

 

No problems bud

Good to hear you got it straightened out.