Auto transmission questions

Laubypt · #1 (**permalink**) 08-22-2003, 04:03 AM

I have a 2002 Tundra V-8 Auto transmission. I had it in to the dealership for service and they suggested that the transmission fluid be changed along with the other service (15000 mile). This was done. When checking over my receipt later I noticed that 6 units of transmission fluid were listed. I looked in the owners manual and it list the transmission capacity at 2.1 quarts for a drain and refill(which didn't seem like it would be enough) Is the owners manual right ????I then decided to check the level and there are no instructions in the owners manual ( prior vehicles had to be started put in each gear ending in neutral or some in park) There is a transmission dipstick but no directions. I did call Toyotas 800 number and talked to a service rep who stated that there was no need to check it if its not listed in the owners manual and that it would be checked with the 30,000 mile service. Service rep looked in manual. They suggested to I ask my dealer. I would like to know the procedure for checking the transmission level and if the manual is right on the capacity of the transmission before I see the dealer again. If the 6 units of transmission fluid were pints they didn't put enough in and if they were quarts its overfilled and I was overcharged. In either case if the manual is right Iam going to be upset.

toyotafool · #2 (**permalink**) 08-22-2003, 04:47 AM

don't know the answer but I did think 6 pints was 3 quarts.. at least back in the dark ages when I went to school... if it is ltrs... you are overfull also...don't guess they drained the torque converter do you?? I would talk to the service manager and/or the parts man...
Good luck
John

doctormdds · #3 (**permalink**) 08-22-2003, 07:27 AM

Laubypt,

I don't know about your Tundra but my 2001 Sequoia's drain and fill of the ATF is 4 qts which is NOT what is listed in the manual. There have been lengthy discussions on this topic. Do a search and you should find plenty of information on the drain and fill capacity as well as the proper procedure for checking the fluid. It's frustrating as this should be a simple issue and the data in the manual is WRONG. Toyota seems to have the attitude that checking the level of the ATF is not a do it yourself project. They certainly feel the dealer should be the only one to change the fluid whereas in reality changing the ATF is easier than changing the oil. By the way, the first and only enging oil change at the dealership resulted in them putting 8 qts of oil in the engine. Since them, I've always done it myself.

ricqik · #4 (**permalink**) 08-22-2003, 10:02 AM

When I had my tranny replaced they added 6qt. I thought it took more than 6qt aomething like 9qt. I questioned the dealer about it and they said 6qt was correct. This is from a dry fill for an new tranny.

KLS · #5 (**permalink**) 08-22-2003, 12:42 PM

The manual is wrong. Draining and refilling the sump takes about 4 quarts. The complete transmission, including the torque converter and cooler and lines requires about 15 quarts.

Ken

Buzzard · #6 (**permalink**) 08-22-2003, 02:05 PM

Its my understanding that over filling a trans is not good. I would be upset if they took out 4 quarts (I drained and filled mine at about 8K and thats what was came out of mine,4 quarts ) and put 6 back in. ---Buzz

Alan · #7 (**permalink**) 08-22-2003, 02:29 PM

Laubypt - So what was the level on the dipstick? There're no directions, man...just pull it out and see where the level is in relation to the full and empty notches. I believe there are notches if you're checking it cold and notches if you're checking it hot.

Buzzard · #8 (**permalink**) 08-22-2003, 02:40 PM

The dipstick has a "hot" and "cool" section. Havent read anything in the Toyota Manual but every vehicle I have ever owned said to check it "HOT" and "IN" gear. Should be within the little notched out spots for "hot"---Thats been my experience--If they drained and added 6 quarts--- I believe thats way to much---Buzz

dupont24 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-22-2003, 08:22 PM

Check it hot and in PARK. They may have charged for 6 and only used 4. We use menu pricing where I work, so sometimes you get alil more fluid charged out, but it really doesn't cost extra, just makes it so the svc is the same for every vehicle.

Buzzard · #10 (**permalink**) 08-22-2003, 08:58 PM

I think your right --in park, makes more sense. Fords use to tell you how to do it on the dipstick. You do it with the engine running of shut off? --Buzz

Laubypt · #11 (**permalink**) 08-22-2003, 10:50 PM

The service dept advised to check it with the motor running and the transmission in park. Thanks for the help.

Dude Boy · #12 (**permalink**) 08-23-2003, 01:12 AM

I don't know about the new ones, but if you have a 2000 the dipstick doesn't go back in very easy unless you work down the sharp burrs on the end of it. I got mine about halfway in and it got stuck. When I pulled it back out, it had some metal shavings on it where it had cut into the dipstick tube. I think I've heard of others having the same problem. It helps if you put it back in exactly the same as it came out and don't rotate it from the original position.

Brian M · #13 (**permalink**) 08-23-2003, 10:10 PM

Buzz,

Checking it in gear would probably work but you would need to wear your track shoes to keep up with the rolling truck.

Buzzard · #14 (**permalink**) 08-23-2003, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brian M
Buzz,

Checking it in gear would probably work but you would need to wear your track shoes to keep up with the rolling truck.

hahahaha--dont know where the gear thing came from. If you do it my way SET THE BRAKE!!!!

---Buzz