ATF checking dilemma

[wirelessf]

I have recently changed my ATF fluid and now have to check the level. I usually check the level after freeway driving where the fluid gets hot. I've read the how to on the top of this forum and searched around but I wanna see if there's a specific way to check atf level on the 2001 tundra.

1. When checking the fluid, it says to get it up to operating temp. On my scanguage, the water temp reads 86 degrees C. Is this the optimal temp to check ATF level?

2. Should I idle to operating temps to check ATF fluid and run the gear selector to each gear or drive it around for 20 min on the freeway, get the trans all warmed up with the fluid running through all the gears (R-1-2-3-OD)?

3. Would the raked stance of the tundra affect the dipstick reading level?

[2XOverhead]

Personally, I don't think it needs to be that complicated. I'd just drive around for a while (20-30 min if you like); go through all the gears in the meantime; park somewhere level; let it sit long enough so most oil that will drip will drip back into the pan. Then check.

[ddvk]

Driving 1Q higher/lower is not going to destroy your tranny. So relax, I have driven thousands of miles with less ATF and many thousands of miles with more ATF.

If your notice erration with bubbles in the ATF then you have really crossed the upside limit. Drain a little and see that erration of fluid does not happen.

Driving with less is not detrimental too.

[kathyricks]

wirelessf, you're very smart to be concerned about establishing a precisely correct fluid level for multiple reasons: 1) a level slightly low (1 pint or more) = reduced power and fuel economy and higher tranny operating temperatures and wear 2) a level slightly high (1 pint or more = possible aeration and foaming of the fluid at high summer temperatures = reduced parts lubrication and faster parts wear. Ford owners manuals devote two pages telling owners how important it is to establish a level that's not more than one pint too high or too low.

Toyota automatics run cooler than American automatics so it can be hard to get them up to operating temperature. I suggest 20-30 minutes of city and suburban driving rather than freeway driving. Then park on a level parking lot and shift slowly through all the gear ranges ending in ParK. Then take your dipstick reading. Try to get the dipstick reading on the Full mark or a tad (1/8 inch) below the Full mark

[LifeTech]

Only Toyota engineers know that improper techniques regarding checking Fluids will prevent their Toyota vehicles from going 500K.

P Bot