Auto transmission dip stick?

[czechm8]

I have an '05 Sequioia and i can't seem to find the dip stick for the auto transmission? I'm sure they wouldn't have moved it on the '05. Where is the thing on the older models?

[nhparrot]

Originally Posted by czechm8

I have an '05 Sequioia and i can't seem to find the dip stick for the auto transmission? I'm sure they wouldn't have moved it on the '05. Where is the thing on the older models?

The ATF level gauge (dip-stick) has been discontinued, and the ATF inspection method and the oil level inspection method have been changed.

This mechanism consists of a refill plug, overflow plug, ATF temperature sensor No.2, and A/T OIL TEMP temperature warning light.

[czechm8]

I'd rather be pro-active and know it is getting low rather than learn that it is running too hot.

[nhparrot]

Originally Posted by czechm8

I'd rather be pro-active and know it is getting low rather than learn that it is running too hot.

In that case see INFO 2005 ATF Inspection

[MrDynamic]

I agree. I spent 15 minutes looking for the dipstick before posting here for the answer

Toyota doesn't recommend periodic fluid changes so I suppose we can consider the transmission "maintenance free". I would much prefer a dipstick though since I'm a do-it-yourselfer and would prefer knowing that it wasn't overfilled (like the crankcase) from the factory.

[Verndog]

Hmmm...I wonder if they removed it in part of the metal shaving issues they had. I found metal shavings on my 03 dipstick....cause ended up being the end was left sharp, and it was gouging the tube while checking fluid level.

Kevin

[RockyMtnRay]

Originally Posted by Verndog

Hmmm...I wonder if they removed it in part of the metal shaving issues they had. I found metal shavings on my 03 dipstick....cause ended up being the end was left sharp, and it was gouging the tube while checking fluid level.

Kevin

My suspicion is there were several reasons...

• The engineers became convinced that with modern seals and the new long life ATF, there was no need whatsoever to give owners access to the transmission. It should run for at least 100K miles without needing attention.
• Letting owners have access to the transmission through a dipstick does provide a contaminant entry point. Metal shavings from owners checking their ATF level would be under this category.
• Letting owners do their own drains/refills via the dipstick also allowed the owners to use non-approved ATF...and that was possibly resulting in at least some warranty repairs.
• Removing the dipstick means the transmission fluid level/quality check basically became a dealer service job...more profit for dealers as well as ensuring the job would be done properly (presumably) by trained Toyota techs.

Basically it's a "we know best" attitude on Toyota's part...the more they can keep untrained (or undertrained) owners (shade tree mechanics) out of the internals of the engine and transmission, the better off the things will be in their view.