DIY: Check the Automatic Transmission Fluid Level

[jetsjam]

Like snobrdr, I too accidently drained about .5 qts of trainy fluid. NO idea how to get it back in, but Glenn's post with pictures should help.

Any idea if i run any risks by driving it, down that much fluid?? Not very bright, but I try real hard!

[MatildaSue]

Has any one ventured out on a limb yet and tried to change their own tranny fluid on one of the transmissions without a dipstick? I am interested to here other opinions and yet results with doing such a procedure. I am not certain but think it is simply a drop the pan and replace with rubber gasket from dealers jobs. Nothing too complicated. I guess the difficult task of checking the ATF temp is the stumbling block for some. Or at least thats what got me. That and the inability to find ATF 'WS' anywhere other than the dealers. If its such a world standard then how come no one has heard of it yet. Guess toyota is raising the bar on that one.

[brgsr123]

115K - Original Owner. 2000 - V8 Auto SR5. Tow Package. Light off road and towing. Mostly easy/light on acceleration and usually drive under 2000 RPM.

I was draining 4 qts every other oil change (3K-4K miles) and replacing with Castrol Dextron III but it became too hard to find, so at about 40K I switched to the Chevron Dextron III stuff for sale at Costco.

When I start the engine cold in the morning the ATF level is on the bottom notch of the cold section on the dip stick. When it is hot it is on the bottom notch of the hot section.

Everything looks and smells good and I have had no transmission problems so far.

I used to get up to 20 mpg, but lately it seems to stay around 17 mpg. I just changed the plugs and airfilter, but was wondering if a drop in mpg is a sign of transmission problems not to far down the road?

Thank you

[jathoms]

Same thing here - accidentally drained some transmission fluid when changing oil. Will it hurt to run with a little less (I lost .5 qt at most).
If I decided to do it myself, how do I get the fluid in the refill slot in the side of the transmission? Will a regular funnel do it?

[jathoms]

Originally Posted by nhparrot

see attached

pt. 17 on that document says, "

17) When the ATF flow slows to a trickle, install the overflow plug through the new gasket."

What "new gasket" is it talking about? Especially if all you do is just top the fluid level off?

[MatildaSue]

jathoms, how did it go with the fluid adding, pretty simple? if it does leak without a new gasked then its probably not need, IMO.

[MatildaSue]

ooops *doesn't leak, I mean.

[jathoms]

Well, I looked and couldn't find a good way to get to it. The best idea we came up with was using a syringe to shoot it up in there in the refill hole.

But, I ended up taking it to the dealer and he topped it off for me.

[MatildaSue]

if it happens again, you could use a differential gear lube pump. it simply pumps the fluid from a lower level to a high one. it how they get oil in the differential, found at all auto part stores.

[JHF/Him]

Originally Posted by nhparrot

see attached

I looked at your PDF and it does not look like my tranny, did they change it for 06?

[micron929rr]

I do not see it mentioned anywhere in the owners manual about replacing the tranny fluid...do we not need to do this in the 2006 Tundra? Seems kinda strange but Im assuming it never needs it, according to the book.

It only mentions changing differentials and transfer case fluid if towing...when they say "towing" do they mean everyday, once every couple weeks, or what?

thanks for the help in advance

[jimmy delago]

I accidentally drained some transmission fluid. It seems to be a common problem. I understand that the 2006 tundra does not allow you to top off the level. I lost less than half a quart, will it be allright until my next scheduled transmission check in 20,000 miles?

[rwb0820]

Any issue with using Castrol ATF Import Multi-Vehicle instead of the Toyota ATF WS for a 2007 FJ Cruiser? That was the only kind I could find at the local parts store and I was almost 75 miles from the nearest Toyota dealership.

Also, I am going to change it out for the ATF WS asap. Any issues driving on the Castrol for about 75 miles, til I can get to the nearest dealership?

[jason2413]

So has anyone with an 06 done this? My car was cold and like an idiot, I unplugged the drain bolt. I'm not exactly sure how much drained out but would like a way to top the thing off. I live 2 miles from the dealership, can I drive it to get it topped off or is there a way I can do this myself?

[MOREPOWER]

Originally Posted by jason2413

So has anyone with an 06 done this? My car was cold and like an idiot, I unplugged the drain bolt. I'm not exactly sure how much drained out but would like a way to top the thing off. I live 2 miles from the dealership, can I drive it to get it topped off or is there a way I can do this myself?

Buy a cheap pump sprayer, buy atf from Toyota fill it. fill plug on the side half way up, fill till it overflows when it stops overflowing its done. Why did you remove the drain plug
INFO:2005 A750E/A750F Transmission
INFO:2005 A750E/A750F Transmission
Attached Filesatf_inspection.zip (365.6 KB, 308 views)diagnostics.zip (1.66 MB, 22 views)automatic_transmission.zip (1.06 MB, 47 views)rm999u.zip (1.61 MB, 20 views)rm999u2.zip (1.70 MB, 17 views)