Transmission 2016-2023- 6 SPEED AUTOMATICS COULD BE LOW ON FLUID DIRECTLY FROM FACTORY

Thank you 60Cal. I actually used 1 complete quart (945ml) and 750ml from another, so just shy of 2.
Temp was correct, I jumped the OB connector and pinned the thermostat. I also received the FSM from GearCruncher (much thanks). So everything went smooth in that regard.

I called two dealers who equally stated they had never heard of any issue regarding the transmission. I referred them to this very post.
I'm waiting to here back from corporate. I was less cordial than usual with them on the phone.

I intend to drain and refill tomorrow with 3.3 quarts.

 

Thanks JiminMaine! You may have actually checked yours more accurately than I checked mine. I did not 'pin the thermostat' because I could not find it, and it's not in the guide. This pinning of the thermostat came for GearCruncher I believe, and he knows his stuff - any pictures of the thermostat where you pin it? So the thermostat opens and lets the fluid into the little radiator (of course we're talking only if you have a tow package, which i have), question is, does it all drain back into the tranny after you shut off the motor leaving the little radiator (and associated lines) empty? So if you don't pin it open it won't push the fluid into the lines and up into the empty radiator (because the thermostat only opens when hotter than the temp needed to check the level). Shoot…, I've been super paranoid about low fluid, and now tempted to check it all over again if pinning the thermostat is really needed, I wonder how much fluid the little radiator (and associated lines) actually hold and if it's worth checking it again.

 

RichVT posted some great photos here https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...on-fluid-directly-from-factory.405642/page-11

I will let someone else address your other questions on the amount flowing pinned or unpinned.

No one should have to go through this level of anxiety making any purchase, more so your dream truck!

Cheers

 

I wouldn't worry much about pinning your thermostat . Lets say its completely empty . It only holds a small amount of trans fluid . Maybe about a cup and a half at the most .
For the guys who want to be extra sure your fluid level is bang on the full line , pin your thermostat while the truck is running anytime your engine is running and the tiny cooler will fill with fluid . I think this is why Toyota didnt put the pinning procedure in the check fluid procedure . Its such a small amount of fluid , it wouldn't make any difference .
Transmission fluid expands and contracts just like anything else that is exposed to heat . A cup of fluid is not going to make much of a difference when checking your fluid . There are a lot of members here who reported they were only low by a few ounces

 

Mine was checked and found normal. They followed the procedure as described.

 

What is the build date on your Tacoma?

 

June 2016, Baja.

 

Mine was built May 2016 in Baja California. Hopefully, the trans fluid level is OK. I am tempted to buy a meter that reads temperature and check it myself.

Does anyone know what the operating temperature is for the transmission after you have driven the truck for a while on a 70 degree day?

 

No need to buy a meter. Just follow the instructions to get into temp check mode. Takes maybe 15-20 minutes when beginning the process with a cold truck to verify if it is low or not.

 

I bought the meter primarily so i had a trans temp gauge when towing, if go back to page 39 i have some picts and instructions on how i checked mine using the meter (very easy). But Beer30 is correct, you do not need the meter, go back to page 1 and Gearcruncher has a great write up on how to check it not using the meter. Good luck!

 

What is the transmission fluid temperature when you are not towing?

 

It runs about 185, but varies whether on freeway or stop and go.., I actually haven't been logging it to get a real average or any extremes, but i will and repost soon

 

Ok, I know this was discussed, but I'm through 20 pages and can't find the answer.

2017 4x4 DCSB Sport, build date 9/30, baja build. For peace of mind, going to check the fluid level.

Question is, with the fluid expansion, it doesn't make sense to me to add cold fluid to the tranny during a check procedure that has the existing fluid at the check temp. You'd be potentially adding too much fluid due to the ATF being "cold/condensed". So, what I'm thinking is, why can I not add fluid to the tranny until it drips out the fill plug. Then run the procedure to get the whole amount of fluid heated and expanded properly. Then, just remove the check plug and wait for the flow to become a trickle and then button it up. @gearcruncher, any reason this won't work?

Thank you all sooo much for this thread btw.

 

Hi Folks, great info in here!

After getting the TSB done, I was a bit suspicious about the transmission fluid levels. I got mine out of the shop today and was told over the phone that the levels were fine. I had the wife pick up my truck and did not speak any further to the service rep. Reading through the invoice I see where the tech stated "fluid level was correct for temp (113 degrees)". I also see where there were 2 quarts of transmission fluid (

$83 00289-ATFWS Automatic Transmission Fluid, 192 Ounces, 6 Pack

00289-ATFWS) added to the invoice.

Are the 2 quarts required to check the levels or was I lied to?

 

Your plan is adding cold fluid to the transmission when the truck is running and pull the plug once in temp mode ? That will work
You will not be able to add fluid to your truck when the engine is NOT running because the transmission pump wont be turning . Fluid will poor out with the truck shut off .

 

Ahhhh, gotcha. Plan then is to start truck, run through the gears. Then add fluid until it flows from the fill hole. Then shut off truck. Wait 6-8 hrs, do process to put in temp check mode, open check plug, close once fluid flow turns to trickle.

Any issues with that @gearcruncher ?

 

I think you could save yourself 6-8 hours if you add fluid when the truck is cold with the engine running , then proceed to put the truck into temp mode and check the fluid . It would save you from sliding under the truck a couple times . Not fun trying to get to the overflow plug

 

Okay, started it, pegged the thermostat, ran through the gears, removed fill plug, pumped in 1.75L and still couldn't get any to dribble out the full hole. Tightened fill plug to 29ft lb. ran through the gears one more time.

It's cooling off now. Will wait probably 5hrs to do the check procedure. Fingers crossed I wasn't more than 1.75L low.

This is a 2017 4x4 sport DCSB with a Baja build date of 9/30. Surprised it might've been that low. Will report back.

 

O.K. Fellas, I have a 2017 Tacoma Limited 4x4(baja). My truck is currently at the dealership. I requested the TSB be performed and the ATF be checked "manually". I printed out the TSB and the pdf instructions found here for manually checking the ATF. I wrote on the front of the TSB my VIN huber and circled where it was matching with the TSB. I also wrote that the ATF had to be checked manually and NOT with Techstream. I advised the service person that I had painted the drain plug to insure it was going to be checked manually.

I just got a call from the dealer. The service technician stated that they attempted to perform the TSB, but it would not allow it because it had already been done at the factory because it was a 2017 and even though they tried to do it again it would not allow them to. He also stated that they were checking using Techstream and that they would not do it manually without Techstream and that the only reason someone would was because they did not have Techstream. He did say they would still have to remove the drain plug to perform the check properly and that some fluid would be lost and have to be replaced. I asked that they save the fluid lost and compare to the amount added. I also asked them to document that they refused to check level manually as customer had requested and that they had checked using Techstream.

What do you guys think about this scenario? Thanks!

 

call corp and get a case.. I have a 17 and was low fluid and made them check manually.. they gave me the same run around the first time too