Trans Pan drain and fill

[tchfall15]

I did a trans pan drain and fill. The manual says 3.5 qts. I first started with 3 qts and looked at the level and it still needed some. Added the .5 qt and it was good. I did these checks with the car off. Then i decided to turn it on, and let it run for 2 min, and then read the level and it was near the low mark. So i was thinking that it might be low, but i dont want to overfill it. I shut the car off and let sit for 5 min and checked again with it off and it was at the full mark.

In the past i have always checked all my cars trans fluid with the car running. But this is my first time doin it to the highlander so i am unsure about the amount and how to check it for sure. Does it sound like i am safe or waht should i do?

[LifeTech]

You need to post what drivetrain yu have.

4 or 6 Cyl??

FWD or 4WD???

YU should always drain when warm to hot.

Yu always measure the amount that was drained. YU then put that exact amount back in. The best way to avoid any confusion.
In this way, there should be no issues.

And always do a final check when HOT, after a good drive.. This is your critical and best reading.

LT

[DrRuckus13]

Just for reference on my 2001, AWD, Tow prep package w/cooler.

I did the drain and measure. I took out about 5.2 Qts. and only added in about 4.6 quarts. When completely hot and after my final check it it was about half and inch over the full mark. I couldn't justify adding in another .6 qts even though had Toyota overfilled it.

[bepperb]

I've always checked on level surface with engine running.

On my I4, there are "hot" and "cool" full marks only. No "low" mark, only a lower "cool" full mark.

[deadrx7conv]

Fluid level should be checked hot, on level surface, with vehicle running, in park after moving shifter through all locations.

For perfect accuracy, us an IR temp gauge to zap your dipstick tip or pan. Temp between 130-150 is good.

Measure what you drain is great if level was perfect to begin with.

[LifeTech]

If ATF level was "off" to begin with yu have other issues regarding Trans.

A Pan drain and refill is the least of your problems.

LT

[DrRuckus13]

Originally Posted by LifeTech

If ATF level was "off" to begin with yu have other issues regarding Trans.

A Pan drain and refill is the least of your problems.

LT

My level was off thanks to Toyota Service Department. But i still have not had any problems. They dumped in an extra 1.5 Quarts over the Hot upper mark. ( about an inch on the dipstick) i drove that way for roughly 30K miles.

[kathyricks]

DrRuckus13, how are you checking the fluid level? With the engine running or turned off? It's NORMAL for the fluid level to be one inch above the HOT mark on the dipstick if you check the fluid level with the engine off.

[LifeTech]

Originally Posted by deadrx7conv

Fluid level should be checked hot, on level surface, with vehicle running, in park after moving shifter through all locations.

For perfect accuracy, us an IR temp gauge to zap your dipstick tip or pan. Temp between 130-150 is good.

Measure what you drain is great if level was perfect to begin with.

This is the way to do it.

[edwardh1]

my toyota dealer ALWAYS puts in more engine oil than needed - always 13/4 inch above the high mark- doing it for years

[LifeTech]

That's funny, because every NEW Toyota I bought came with ATF and Oil levels on the mark. Dead on.
The correct way from the Factory.
I always check fluids and the whole vehicle before I accept delivery.

I guess Dealers can't handle doing it the right way... even though they get paid a Premium to do it the right way.
Whether 1/4" above the line will have a negative impact or not is subject to debate.
I do know that when I do my fluid changes that I have no problem getting the levels dead on my full marks! No more ...no less. The correct way.
Doing it any other way is just sloppy work.

LifeTech

[LifeTech]

Originally Posted by edwardh1

my toyota dealer ALWAYS puts in more engine oil than needed - always 13/4 inch above the high mark- doing it for years

Aren't they idiots then...wouldn't yu think so??? Just because the dealer does that all the time never meant it was a "good "thing!

[DrRuckus13]

Steelerships... Bah Humbug .... Diy