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Old 03-31-2024, 01:58 PM #1
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Check ATF fluid level after exchange - at what point is the vehicle level?
Hello everyone,

I think I've read every post here wrt performing the ATF exchange. Doing it today on a (new to me and first 4th gen.) 2008 Limited 4x4 V6. Due to a leaking X-REAS and sloped floor, how do I know when the vehicle is level to check the ATF fluid level? The FSM shows the top of the oil pan level, but I'd have to jack up the back end of the vehicle quite a bit to get to that point. That can't be right. With the factory running boards level and the frame the same or close, then the bottom of the pan is not level and neither is the top, not by a long shot.

What's the solution? Get the frame level and check the ATF fluid in that position?
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Old 03-31-2024, 02:30 PM #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chisel View Post
Hello everyone,

I think I've read every post here wrt performing the ATF exchange. Doing it today on a (new to me and first 4th gen.) 2008 Limited 4x4 V6. Due to a leaking X-REAS and sloped floor, how do I know when the vehicle is level to check the ATF fluid level? The FSM shows the top of the oil pan level, but I'd have to jack up the back end of the vehicle quite a bit to get to that point. That can't be right. With the factory running boards level and the frame the same or close, then the bottom of the pan is not level and neither is the top, not by a long shot.

What's the solution? Get the frame level and check the ATF fluid in that position?
They designed it to cope with steep gradients etc...I'm sure there's enough of a designed in "over fill" that you don't need the truck level to the millimetre. My last one wasn't, I think I just put a spirit level on the running boards and across the rear bumper, and the gearbox was fine afterwards, right up until I stuffed it into the Armco.

I spent more time making sure I got the temperature right for the level check procedure etc etc than I did getting it spot on level.

My new one has the previous transmission, with (Thankfully) this thing called a dipstick. Maybe they will catch on?
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Old 03-31-2024, 05:06 PM #3
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Thank you Surfer. Good point about the steep gradients. I didn't think about that.
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Old 03-31-2024, 05:21 PM #4
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Thank you Surfer. Good point about the steep gradients. I didn't think about that.
I had to talk myself down from overthinking it too. It's all good.
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Old 03-31-2024, 06:45 PM #5
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I just carefully capture what I drain, mark the line on a 5 quart graduated container and refill with new using my homemade ATF bong made out of urethane tubing and a cheap funnel. It’s a bit of work to get all the ATF out of the tubing, best to have two people, but it beats having to do the stupid warm up and pull the plug. I leave the ATF and vehicle in the garage overnight so they are the same temperature in the morning.
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Old 03-31-2024, 08:00 PM #6
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I just carefully capture what I drain, mark the line on a 5 quart graduated container and refill with new using my homemade ATF bong made out of urethane tubing and a cheap funnel. It’s a bit of work to get all the ATF out of the tubing, best to have two people, but it beats having to do the stupid warm up and pull the plug. I leave the ATF and vehicle in the garage overnight so they are the same temperature in the morning.
This method will work great....IF you were at the correct level to begin with, if not you will be low or overfilled on ATF, which nether is good, it's best to properly check the ATF level to be certain you don't damage your very expensive transmission!!
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Old 04-09-2024, 10:46 AM #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SurferUK View Post
They designed it to cope with steep gradients etc...I'm sure there's enough of a designed in "over fill" that you don't need the truck level to the millimetre. My last one wasn't, I think I just put a spirit level on the running boards and across the rear bumper, and the gearbox was fine afterwards, right up until I stuffed it into the Armco.

I spent more time making sure I got the temperature right for the level check procedure etc etc than I did getting it spot on level.

My new one has the previous transmission, with (Thankfully) this thing called a dipstick. Maybe they will catch on?
How did you measure the temp? I have A/T temp readout on Torque Pro. Is that OK to use?
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Old 04-09-2024, 01:52 PM #8
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How did you measure the temp? I have A/T temp readout on Torque Pro. Is that OK to use?
I just used a hooky copy of that Toyota Techstream programme and a laptop. Basically the same thing. I knew it had to be between a certain temperature range but with the engine running, so wasn't sure how much of a window of time I had before it went out of range.
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Old 04-09-2024, 06:09 PM #9
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How did you measure the temp? I have A/T temp readout on Torque Pro. Is that OK to use?
Yes you can use the Torque Pro readout for the proper temperature.
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Old 04-09-2024, 06:20 PM #10
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simply park on level ground or a garage usually is fine. The frame being "level" is what is ideal, dont mind the shape of the pan as there are lower sections to house the fluid so the "pull" neck doesnt go dry from steep gradients as mentioned above.

On the trail I get severe trans temp fluid warnings if I am nose high and past a 65 degree angle and am having to "crawl" from the fluid not being able to be pulled and cycled properly through the system. after getting level ground again I have to let the truck sit and idle for a few minutes to level the temps out.

Torque Pro for readouts is a great solution
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Old 04-11-2024, 09:56 AM #11
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Thanks for the confirmation that the temp readout from Torque Pro is good.
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