Well... I did a dumb dumb. Drained transmission fluid instead of oil..

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rockauto-discount-code-introduction.86042/

 

OP, mistakes happen. Lesson learned. I drained the trans fluid the first time I changed the oil in my Tacoma as well. Although it was just a quart and I realized it very quickly, you’ll soon be cussing Toyota for how big of a pain it is to put the fluid back in. Couldn’t they just like.. I dunno.. seems like there should be some better/easier way to refill and/or check trans fluid. Maybe like some sort of DIPSTICK? Million dollar idea if you ask me lol.
If it were me, I would take the same route everyone else mentioned. Drain and fill the trans fluid using the correct method (found all over this forum) and see how it goes. I would also change the engine oil and filter again just as a peace of mind for myself. Start over with a clean slate and put it behind you. Good luck and welcome to TW!

 

They are talking about the Oil Level Dipstick not the transmission ( which has none ).

 

this is the exact reason why the Ferrari dealer hired me away from the Toyota dealer. The Porsche tech drained the trans and engine and only filled the engine. hmmm $12 hr to $28 hr... no brainer and this was in 1986.

 

I've done 81 oil changes on my taco with 391k miles in the odo, & never checked the dipstick once...but I also know where the engine oil drain plug is....5.25 quarts comes out, 5.5 quarts goes in, & then drive 5k miles
Rinse & repeat

OP- wow, this is sad to hear
The trans service/fluid swap is doable, watch some vids & figure it out
Several good thread here at TW on the matter also & some nice people willing to offer advice (feel free to reach out direct to me if you need help, I know the trans service pretty well)

 

Dont feel bad O.P. you are about the hundreth guy I have read about that did the same thing,failure too pay attention.

 

I guess that makes me 101 in draining the tranny instead of the oil on my 2007 Tacoma TRD Off-Road, 6-cyclindrm, 4.0L.

So, why I made this mistake isn't important. My question is how important is it to use the Toyota branded ATF? My issue is that it's Sunday and no Toyota dealers or parts departments are open.

Can I just run to something like Pep Boys and ask them for automatic transmission fluid for a 2007 Toyota Tacoma? I understand it may not be ideal but wouldn't it work, without causing any damage?

All of the fluid drained, so I know I'm going to need the 2-3 quarts.

Thanks.

 

Go with the Valvoline Maxlife full synthetic which should list that it's compatible with toyota WS fluid.

 

Thanks. I really appreciate it.

 

Yes, that is acceptable. Be sure to read and understand the fill and level check procedure. The process is detailed in the 2nd Gen sticky section.

BTW, get a gallon. My truck was about 3 quarts short when I did my fluid/filter change. Drained 3 quarts, added back 6 quarts.

 

For both my kids' Tacomas I used a white paint pen to paint "Trans" on the pan to help prevent them (or an oil change place) from screwing it up.

 

I used to mark the oil pain bolt but now have a fumoto oil drain valve that prevents that mix up along with making oil changes super easy.

 

Trust me, I'll be so something similar. Not to make excuses, but it's only my second time under there to do an oil change.

I'm so pissed, as I should have known better.

 

Thanks. I have a Napa about a half a mile away. I just walked up there and got some and just got home. Going to eat lunch and then see if I can tackle this successfully.

 

Keeping in mind that I have the front up on a set of ramps, it started coming out the overflow with as little as about a quart and a half or two-thirds being added. I have it running now, and I'll check the overflow again after the 10 or 15 minutes of running.

What really sucks is I have no idea how much actually drained out.

 

You need to get the vehicle level, not on ramps if your properly filling the transmission.

 

One time when I had maybe more than a couple beers and was changing brake pads, I forgot my front end was still on jackstands. I hopped in my truck to run to the store really quick and BLAM!! Luckily everything was fine except that my dumbass installed the brake pads backwards so on my way the store I ruined my rotors.

now I don’t drink until the job is done lololol

 

Here is what you do, find the Fill plug on the transmission, Open it, Get some sort of fluid pump and pump in 3 quarts, then put your truck in temp check mode and once up to temp remove the overflow plug.
follow this procedure here. If you dont have time, just pump in 3 Quarts and check it later, I've done several "Drain and fills" on my truck and typically 2 to 3 quarts come out of the pan.
you can get it done in the driveway in about an hour. I would not drive the truck until you get some fluid in there.

Another method is to get a Garden pump sprayer and fill through the Return Line on the Oil cooler. Many have done it.

 

For now, this is going to have to do. Using ramps or my only way to get underneath there. After letting it warm up for 12 to 15 minutes, it accepted another half a quart or so. I'm going to have to let it go like that for now and hope for the best.