I own a 2004 4Runner with 5-speed auto with "sealed" transmission. I need to check the fluid level. I am trying to pinpoint a "whine".

I know about the drain and fill plugs and the overflow for that part of the procedure. I also understand that the transmission must be at certain temperature for checking (remove overflow and should be trickle of fluid if full). A/T OIL TEMP light off=too cold, A/T OIL TEMP on=check level, A/T OIL TEMP blinking=too hot to check.

PROBLEM: I do not own or have access to OBD-II scanner. Would someone please explain how to jump terminals 4 and 13 to set "fluid temperature check mode"? No problem on jumper BUT should battery be disconnected to jump then reconnect to perform fluid level check? Or safe to jump with ignition "off"?

Lastly, how do you reset when done?

Thank you anyone and everyone. Advice will be greatly appreciated.

I replied in the other thread but here's a much easier way.

No need for temp check mode: Eas(ier) ways to check WS transmission fluid level

Thanks!!! I just read another thread where someone posted by shifting through the gears, then back and forth neutral/drive will put in temp check mode. Seems I don't have to do that with your method. I understand i still need to shift through all gears to warm up.

This fluid check is new to me and I am curious about why you would have to jump the two terminals even though you could enter temp check mode by shifting neutral-drive 6 times every 1.5 seconds as I read.

Since I have not performed this procedure before I just want to make sure I understand and do it properly. I really appreciate it as I am a little gun-shy about jumping terminals/setting check modes.

Thanks again for your help. Excellent.

Officially, you have to jump the pins and do the shifts in order to receive the secret information that the fluid is between 97 and 115 degrees. That's if everything goes right. If you don't receive the dash light acknowledgment that indicates acceptance into the Illuminati, you have to wonder what went wrong and start the process over again.

Don't let me stop you if you want to do it that way, but it's not really necessary. There's a link inside my link above to get the official document procedure if you want it.

Thank you again. I was curious about the "jumping/shifting" procedure. Sounded complicated for a 1st timer.

Thanks for link. After reading couple times I am more confident in checking my sealed trans fluid level as the link explains.

Very much appreciated!

Thank you for helping me out and saving me money. I will be checking fluid Tuesday when I get WS ATF from local dealer. I will post results. Since I am not sure it's at correct level and have a slight whine it'll be resting til then.

There are WS compatible fluids but don't think I can get locally. Maxlife says WS compatible. Any suggestions on fluid for top off? I prefer Toyota WS but if there is another ATF suitable for top off I would appreciate suggestions. Thanks.

After researching I found a few fluids by Amsoil etc., but will be using TOYOTA WS ONLY. I wouldn't use anything else in my WS tranny (a750f), nor would I recommend another. I know many people do use other fluids successfully and like them better but I trust the engineering of the transmission and the fluid specifically engineered for it. My opinion.

This thread is about checking trans fluid level, not what type of fluid to use. However I suggest anyone doing anything to their transmission to make sure you are using the REQUIRED FLUID SPECIFIED FOR YOUR TRANSMISSION.

THANK YOU! Great help and information. Plus saved me time and money.

JB, thanks again. I had bad experiences with dealer. Coolant flush, had to bring back for low level. I had front, center(x-fer), and rear diffs drain/refill. I always check drain/refills for leaks and levels. Rear was 30oz low after service in accord with Toyota 0-5mm below fill hole. Also had "minor" tranny service. Since have whine trying to find, I think transfer shaft/bearings but from previous service needed to check trans fluid level since pump may cause whine if low fluid. Drain plug was removed but not fill plug nor was overflow plug. I understand machine flushes through cooler lines. But why fill with flush machine and remove drain plug; and no check with overflow? I CANNOT remove fill plug. I am sure I can with breaker bar and I have been pb blasting for 4 days. 6 point 24mm and/or 15/16". Don't want to damage. Are you familiar with drain and fill by using pan drain plug but add through cooler line? From research flush machine for drain/fill is through cooler lines or full flush (remove pan attach to pump). I am not experienced with this. Is it SOP to remove drain plug then fill through cooler line without temp check and overflow plug removal?

As far as I know, the guys who are doing the flushes through the cooler line are still filling through the fill hole.

You don't need to get the bolt off to do a level check, but if you need to add fluid it sounds to me like you need to find a way to remove it. It's not stripped, is it? Maybe get some help so you can make sure the socket stays on good and snug while using the breaker bar.

As far as your specific questions as to what the dealer was doing, maybe Blackworksinc will see this thread. He would probably have some good input on that.

Thank you. Fill plug isn't stripped. Don't think it's ever been removed. I'll get it eventually. Was curious why charged for only fluid and drain plug crush washer and not others. Really appreciate your help. Neighbor will give me a hand tonight.

I've been following these tranny fluid flush threads for quite some time. Truth be known, I'm not even going to try to do this myself, but will instead be taking it to my dealer. We tow, so will be getting it done by the 60k recommended service interval.

But after reading this thread I'm getting spooked. It is as if I need to give precise detailed instructions (or "requests") to the service advisor to make sure the drain plug, fill plug and check-level plug are all removed and reinstalled. Will probably also have to "request" that all of the plugs be tightened to exact Toyota torque specifications.

The point here is we are grateful to the OP and others who have shared their experiences. I think we can all benefit from this. Many thanks.

If it hasn't been raining I've been busy coaching little league baseball. Fill plug out with some extra leverage. Didn't know rubber seal, thought crush washer. Don't have much time but without experience or infrared tool to check pan temp I had to use vehicle's OBD. I'll post details soon as I can. I just wanted to thank everyone, especially JB.

I also didn't mean to be negative or offend any Toyota dealerships. Yes I had one bad experience with one person at one dealership. They are trained and certified professionals. They know more than I do about my Runner. I did want to voice my concerns about my experience but didn't mean to imply no dealerships can be trusted. If you request to observe work performed I'm sure they will accommodate you. My apologies to the Toyota pros. Sincere appreciation to all that help each other on this forum.

book marked

Just wanted to say thanks again, especially for info from JB. I ruled out transmission fluid level causing whine in vehicle. I followed the instructions for checking the level using vehicle's OBD. Parked on level surface and had tools ready. Jumped 4 and 13, started it, went through shift procedure, then waited for temp light to come on. Took 13 minutes. Removed overflow and nothing came out. I let cool and added 14 ounces WS. Went through procedure and when I removed overflow 12 ounces came out til slow trickle. So my transmission fluid level wasn't causing pump to whine. I believe it may be bearings in transfer case.

If you decide to do this it really isn't as complicated as it sounds. Quite easy actually. I just gave brief description. The detailed information JB provided in the link in this thread is great. Thank you to all that have provided the information on how to do this. Much appreciated.