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

hmmm...what should we say to the dealer to try to the there fluid level checked before the TSB?

 

Took mine in for the 5k maintenance at Nourse Toyota in Chillicothe, Ohio today. When I asked if they had to add any tranny fluid, I was told it checked out okay. I asked how it was checked. I was told a couple things upon me interrogating and calling BS on each response.
-There isn't a CEL so it was fine
-The tech used the dip stick
-The tech has a special dipstick with a sensor probe they use

I asked for the service manager. She said 5k service is tire rotation and visual inspection on everything else. "Transmission fluid level isn't checked until 30k maintenance."

Not impressed.

 

Took my Taco in to the dealer on Wed 13th to specifically have this checked as stated. Said it was .5 qt low. Truck drives totally different now. Not so sure I believe it was only .5 low... Now that I see the info on the new TSB, I'll be taking it back for that. I hope to see even more improvement after.

 

Many thanks for this thread. When I got my 2016, trans was continually hunting between gears going uphill. Never had this problem with my 2010. Came here and found out about the low ATF issue. Took my Taco into the dealer and they found it was about 0.8 qt low (4WD with tow pkg, 6 spd auto, built in Mexico). They also reset the ECU. Didn't cure the trans shifting problem but at least I don't have to worry about low ATF damaging the trans.

 

Wanted to relay the closure of my case here: i called toyota back and complaoned because i saw people on here getting extended warranties after toyota told me they dont do that. They just called back and gave me the 8yr/125k platinum warranty with 0 deductible. I am more than pleased. I was ready to sell the taco and write off toyota if they didnt make this right. So glad i dont have to look somewhere else for a vehicle, im still toyota loyal.

 

Has anyone had a dealership do a trans service with non toyota fluid? I called my dealer, they said they would do it for $205 and use my ATF. So i spent almost $150 on Schaeffers JASO 1/3309 ATF, got it there, and then they called and said they wont do it with any ATF but theirs because of warranty issues. The service manager didnt seem to be familiar with the Magnusson-Moss warranty act and still said they won't do it with a non-toyota product, then gave me the BS about how toyota spent so much R&D developing the best fluids blah blah blah. Not sure whether i should trust a local trans shop to do it aince dealers didnt even know how to properly check the ATF level...

 

I unfortunately have to take my 2015 to Nourse as well. They tell you all kinds of BS. They told my my rear drum shoes needed replaced at 15,000 miles and it was something I had to pay for! Funny thing is, I have Gorilla lugs and I didn't give them the socket to take my wheels off. They told me there is a way to tell by looking through the back of the drum. I'm not a mechanic but that just isn't possible to accurately tell. They also chipped paint on my aftermarket rims when they rotated my tires so I don't have them rotated anymore.

 

During normal operation, i.e., daily driving, not towing, what is the expected transmission fluid temperature range?

 

Can not find links that work for checking trans fluid. I have a DCLB OR with tow package built 7/16 in Mexico.. Dealer did the update for the tranny, huge improvement.
Can someone plz help me find a link that works.
THANKS

 

Start here. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.63851/

 

Actually the check is supposed to be done directly off transport before the vehicle is put on the lot for sale. It's a part of the PDI and their is no valid excuse for it not being done.

 

Try finding someone at Toyota that gives a shit about all that.
He's not making excuses for anyone; he's giving you reasons why.

 

Sorry, I don't give someone a pass from not doing their job correctly just because it happens more often than not. If the dealer is doing what they are supposed to in order, the vehicle should NEVER make it a customer low on fluid.

 

When any vehicle comes off the truck onto the lot. The dealership performs a PDI and gets the vehicle ready and then puts it on the lot. I have a feeling that the PDI did not involve checking transmission fluid but I have a feeling that they do now!

 

Every manufacturer that I have worked for has included "check all vehicle fluids" in their PDI process. Hell, when I worked for Kia they shipped Sorrentos with dry rear diffs. Part of the process was filling the rear diff. Dumbest thing I had ever heard of.

 

I can imagine that techs could skip steps on the PDI. but to have a HUGE number of tacos with low transmission fluid tells me that there process what most likely non existent. I am sure they have corrected it already though.

 

Neither do I; it's why I will not be returning to Toyota.
Fact is, what is supposed to happen and reality are two different things, right now.
Have you had your atf properly checked?
Can you say, with 100% certainty, it is at the proper level?

 

Nope. I havent had my truck back into the dealership since im changing dealerships. My current and purchasing lot refuses to do the update.

 

It's honestly more likely that the wrong fill spec was given to the dealerships from Toyota themselves.

 

I posted a thread about the procedure for checking the ATF and was directed here. There has been a bunch of really valuable info. I do have some questions though.I Called the service department where I bought my truck complained about some of the trans issues and asked to set up an apt to have it checked. This was after I went in and was told that I shouldn't have it done unless something major was wrong and they sent me home.

After going home and researching I'm just too paranoid to not have it checked.

My question is should I call corporate before going back to the dealer. If so what should I say?