Re: HOW-TO: Check the Automatic Transmission Fluid Level
Toyota Tacoma 2005 Acess Cab Automatic Transmision Oil Fluid Change:
1. Buy dealer oil $4. per quart, I bought 4 qts, but only used 3qts.
2. Buy 24mm Socket for fill
3. Buy valoline plastic oil pump for $6. i think the Gallon size screw cap is best for the deal oil bottles.
4. after a drive to heat oil up, remove fill socket, then remove drain plug (not the plug that has "CHECK" on it.
5. let the transmission cool down!!!
6> replace drain plug, and pump fluid into fill plug it is a 24mm socket on passenger side of transmission, rear of trans behind the 2nd section.
7. add 3.2. qts then screw fill plug( i left somewhat lose in case i have to go back and add some. Turn on your truck and warm up your truck; move the shift handle from park to low to lubricate oil throughout engine.
8. after temp is hot in transmission like 124 degress farienhiet. remove the "check" plug with a 5MM hex wrench while the engine is on!!!!!!!!!!. This will allow the excess fluid to drain. if nothing comes out you have to add more oil. ( I put in 4 qts of oil and 1 qt flushed out the pan from the "check" plug. So next time i will only put in 3 qts of trans fluid.
9. go back and tighten everthing up when you trans fluid is level.
I saved over 140 dollars
Good luck.
How about the procedure for checking the trans fluid level on 2005 models with no dipstick!
I tried yesterday while under there changing oil and greasing drive shafts. I have two plugs on the trans pan one a plain plug at the rear (drain?) and one with "check" stamped in it with a hex allen head. I removed this "check" plug assuming it was at the bottom of some sort of tube extending at or above the specified level in the pan. Logical, I thought, like most things Toyota. WRONG!! I got a face full of oil before I got it threaded back in. I figure I lost about a quarter pint of oil at most. I doubt this will have any effect, but I would like to know the correct procedure in any case for peace of mind. Anyone know the correct procedure, and where the fill hole is? I found what looks like a fill hole plug, but it is in the tail shaft housing between the trans and transfer case. Is that it? Thanks in advance for your help.