Question for 2005 and newer Tundras - transmission oil sampling

btanchors · #1 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007, 08:04 PM

Hello everyone,

I'm fond of analyzing the lubricating oils of my vehicles - I have my engine oil, transmission oil, and even differential/transfer case/antifreeze fluids analyzed on occasion.

Samples are easy to take - I have thin plastic tubes, and a small hand-pump that extracts a few ounces into a sample container that I then send to a lab.

However, with my 2006 Tundra Limited Double-Cab 4WD, it presents a problem, since the transmission has no dipstick tube. So - my question is, how should I take a sample?

I have three choices:

1) Remove one of the rubber hoses under the engine compartment that connects the transmission to the coolers.

2) Remove the drain plug on the transmission, and take a sample while the fluid in the pan drains out.

3) Use the "Overflow" "check" tube which only drains fluid when it is above a certain level.

Of the three methods - I think I prefer the third one, if it will work - for two reasons:

a) It doesn't draw fluid from the bottom of the pan - it only takes fluid that is sitting at a high level in the pan, so it avoids getting any sediment from the bottom of the pan that would skew the analysis results.

b) It avoids draining all the fluid - presumably, it would only allow a few ounces to drain, which is all I need for a sample. I don't want to change the fluid at this time anyway.

Thoughts? Opinions? I hate these "No dipstick" transmissions!

czechm8 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007, 11:28 PM

If you check it regularly, you might consider finding out if there is a Fumoto drain valve that fits the tranny.
I use them on my vehicles oil pans to sample and drain. No tools required to open and close the valve.

HOGWILD · #3 (**permalink**) 12-11-2007, 04:49 PM

#3 cause that is the way to check it to start with and refill it with approx 1/2 Quart or the same amount that came out? make sure ya do it per FSM! i will just change mine at 50K along with spark plugs, anti-freeze, 100K is just too many miles to me for any of this stuff!! never hurts to be proactive!! 50K on WS ATF should be changed anyway IMO!!