Hi everyone,
I have a 2WD 2014 LE that just turned 50K and decided to do the first transmission service. Had the vehicle since new and it rarely gets to the dealer since I prefer to do it myself.

I put the vehicle up and it sat overnight so I could get started in the morning. First, I checked the fill plug as the videos recommend, then I pulled the check plug - fluid poured out. I didn't get to measure it, but probably around a quart minimum. Then I pulled the drain plug and moved along as expected.

I pumped fluid into the transmission, about 3.5 quarts. I have not warmed up the vehicle to "check the level" yet. But I know I am over the check standpipe.

Has anyone else pulled the check plug on a new transmission and had fluid pour out? Do you need to have the engine running when checking the fluid while hot?

Thanks,

DIY maintenance quick reference
DIY maintenance quick reference - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum


Transmission Fluid Change procedure
Transmission Fluid Change procedure - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

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You only really pull the Check Plug when the engine is running with the transmission in Park. The fluid level will be "higher" with the engine off because the fluid sits in the pan, you're checking the fluid level with the system operating (fluid circulating) which will drop the level in the pan to the just at the Check Plug Tube (if it's set correctly).

To correctly check the fluid level, the vehicle needs to be on relatively level ground, the transmission needs to be warmed up to between 104°~113°F, this can be checked with a scantool capable of reading the Data List item "A/T Oil Temperature 1," you can also use the "Check Mode" method that uses the instrument panel to indicate when the transmission is at temperature, an additional (technically less reliable, but due to the tolerance range of the specification you should be fine) method is using an IR Thermometer to monitor transmission pan temperature. I would add a +/-2 to 4°F variance to your measurement given the temperature outside and how long the vehicle has been running IF you go this route as while the temperature sensor is located in the valve body, there will be a little bit of variance as you're measuring the fluid through a steel layer that can vary a little.

In general I like to shoot for the middle of the specification, so in your case about 108°F or so as that gives a good margin for error. I'll attach the PDF for the procedure for flushing your A750E transmission, 3.5qts of WS ATF or "approved" (it's a bit of an on-going debate, but check the forums for fluids that members have tried and haven't had issues with) equivalent fluid for drain and filling the pan sounds about right, you should be well over the check tube with the engine running with that amount, so maybe when you hit about 100°F I'd pull the check plug and let it drain until you reach specified temperature. I would do at least two drain and fills to a good flush going (if you're doing multiple flushes, you don't need to set temperature until you're at your last drain and fill, just run it about 10-20 seconds or so while shifting through gears to get it to push fluid through all the passages); you don't need to drain every last drop out, you're looking to get the majority of bad fluid out and new fluid with new additive package in.

Hope that helps.

Attached Images

TIS - Toyota 2014 4Runner Repair Manual (RM23V0U).pdf (355.5 KB, 92 views)

Idle it for 20 minutes in Park and you’ll be good to check the level.

What is that TIS document you attached and how do I get a copy of the entire document? That's some good stuff?

And to all that responded, thank you for the feedback. I will check it out tomorrow as soon as the wheels go back on.

While you are at this stage, you might want to check out the ATF exchange via the cooling lines process. The guide on this site is fantastic, it is a reasonably easy process, you just need to be methodical. Honestly I found verifying the level afterwards to my satisfaction to be harder than the pump out and fill process!

It's a section from the FSM regarding how to service the transmission on your vehicle.

If you search around you can find digital files for the FSM that is closest to your model year, or you can pay Toyota for a non-dealer TIS account to access documents and such from there. I think there's some links and threads on it posted on the forum, sorta a bit of grey area on posting whole FSMs and such (technically shouldn't be posting what I do post as is...)