Low Tranny oil concern.... - Toyota Tundra Forums : Tundra Solutions Forum

xyourlocaldjx · #1 (**permalink**) 10-25-2007, 04:17 PM

I've done a search and have read up on the articles on how to check it yourself. Not going to happen.

I'm still under drive train warranty and would like to know how to ask the dealer to check my tranny oil. Last time I told them to check while going in for free service they said it was fine. I'm sure all they did was remove the check bolt without warming up the engine etc. I've checked it myself like that and oil runs out, but I know for a FACT that the tranny oil is lower than before.

Do I just call up and ask them to check my tranny oil? I want to make sure they do it RIGHT. I've read that if it is low they fill it for free? I've tried looking for more info, but there is no in depth answer as to if they'll do it or not.

I dont want to end up going in there and paying for them to check it.

flyman767 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-25-2007, 05:23 PM

As you probably know, the process to check the tranny fluid is somewhat methodical. If you just ask the dealer to check the tranny fluid because it would make you feel better...chances are the dealer is not going to do it, or of they do, they are going to charge you.

Rather, what I did, I continued to complain about the 'infamous lurch' and advised them there were several other dealers and Tacoma owners who found the tranny's levels to be underserviced from the factory. My dealer agreed with my conclusion and agreed to check the level at no cost to me. They found the the level down approx a quart. Not a significant amount but at least I know there shouldn't be any long term issues due to a low fluid situation.

zdale · #3 (**permalink**) 10-26-2007, 09:49 AM

Checking your fluid level is not hard. It just looks like it on paper. Basically just make sure the truck is warmed up. Drive it around the block until the temp gauge is stable. Then while the truck is running pull the check plug. A little fluid should run out. I checked mine and had over 1/2 quart of extra fluid come out. Thinking I did something wrong. I went and bought a quart of fluid and added to the tranny and tried it again Using a Scanner to check fluid temp. Same result basically all the fluid I added ran back out.

So If I checked it right that means my tranny was overfilled with about 1/2 to 1 quart over. I do notice that my lurch is almost completely gone and the tranny doesnt seem to drag down when slowing down like it used to. Also shifts smoother. I think alot of the complaint with trannys are that they are overfilled not under filled. My .02.

If the tranny is overfilled it might be holding the line pressures up and not allowing the tranny to operate as it should. Causing the infamous stoplight lurch when the torque converter disengages and the dragging feeling when decelerating.

zdale

flyman767 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-26-2007, 11:50 AM

This is not a difficult procedure; however, it does require an intelligent tester (or equivalent) and has to be followed exactly, as per the manual, to ascertain the level correctly. See attached file. It is not a matter of driving the truck until the temp gage is stable. Additionally, in order to get an accurate reading, the temp has to be between 115-130 degrees. When the dealer serviced mine, I had to wait approx two hours before the tranny cooled to 130 degrees. I had only driven the from my house to the dealer(approx 3/4 mile away). Also, mine as I said earlier in my post was underserviced, there were a few members over at Toyota Nations also found there's to be underserviced. Having said all that, after the tranny fluid was brought up to the right amount, I was able to notice a definite difference in idle speed; however, it has not eliminated the lurch all together.

keezer36 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-26-2007, 05:09 PM

I attempted the non-intelligence tester method some time ago as per the .pdf that flyman has attached. In step 5.(b)(1):

Create a terminals between CG (4) and TC (13)

of the DLC3 using SST (09843-18040).
Rather than going to the dealer and buying the SST mentioned, I assumed this was a simple jumper for the two pin connectors. I guess not. Half my indicator lights came on and step two didn't work.

I since bought and installed a trans temp gauge and yes is does take a bit longer to warm up than the engine. It took me about 15 minutes of slow driving to warm it up enough.

It is rather daunting the first time checking it with the engine running. Getting to the refill is rather close to the exhaust.
I've since bought welders gloves.

I also got about ten ounces of fluid out the overfill. Thinking I did something wrong also, I did the procedure again...it wouldn't take anymore.

I never had many problems. Small lurches on rare occasions and a couple odd/harsh shifts.

How was the color of your fluid? Mine was somewhat brown which indicates overheating. I went to the dealer and talked to a mechanic and you'd never guess what he said.
I'm being facetious. Of couse you know what he said, he blew smoke up my ***. "They're all like that. You should see the Camrys, they're black."
It's been awhile since I've been to a Toyota Service Department. Good to know they haven't changed.

zdale · #6 (**permalink**) 10-28-2007, 12:10 AM

My fluid was bright red.
It didn't take long for my tranny to heat to the proper temp. But I am in houston, Also took a fairly good cruise with the Scanner plugged in after checking the fluid to watch the temp it never went over 160 with a couple of pretty good hole shots and a quick hop on the freeway up to 80. Once I got off the freeway and drove it back to the shop it came right back down.

zdale