I assume (not to make an "ass out of U and Me")....that this is the transmission fluid temp. The light comes on, just recently, on long trips ( an hour or so of continuous driving). I've looked in the manual and it tells you to stop, put in park and see if it goes off....if it doesn't, and I quote the book: "Go see your certified Toyota dealership/service mechanic". Does anyone know why this might all of a sudden be happening? I've checked to fluid level, seems to be fine....allthough I'ts kinda hard to tell. If its low, could I add some Lucas to it (not sure if that a "good" thing or a "bad thing)? Or should I see about changing out the fluid and re-gasket (is that a word?) the tranny? Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks

bump....

I'd start by getting the tranny flushed by a reputable shop, then add an external cooler. The stock cooler is in the radiator, and not very efficient.

I had the exact same problem. I noticed if I drove under 60MPH the light would not go on (even after a couple of hours driving). But if I drove the car over 65 mph, for over an hour, the light would come on.

Since then I added a B&M tranny cooler. No problem so far and I can drive at any speed. I'm adding a tranny fluid temp gauge this week to see how hot the fluid really is. I really don't want to wait for the (idiot) light to come on again while in the middle of a road trip. I want to see if the ATF is coolor with our without running the fluid through the radaitor. Then that will help me identify the problem better.

just did new filter in my 90 and some slick 50 runns much better. had a light once but it threw a light when the bat ligh went on same time.. it was the alt.. OIL IS CHEAPER THAN PARTS

Pistol,

Did you change the motor or the tranny filter?

thx

Transmission filter 13 bucks $$$

Does anyone know the correct operating temperature of the ATF after the truck is up and running? I just installed a ATF temp gauge. My reading varies from 150 degrees for flat street to 220 degrees going up a 1/2 mile hill. Maybe higher if I driver longer....? What is normal?

Also at what temp does the ATF idiot light comes on (please don't say a half degree before the tranny blows up).

This is for a V6 Auto.

Thanks

where is the Tranny filter located?

While we're on the subject...in a moment of stupidity I pulled the plug on the transmission fluid pan. When I saw red I immediately put the plug back in, checked the levels, and fired it up. The light instantly came on without even shifting out of park. Since I'm also having alternator problems is it safe to assume it's the alternator and not the ATF temp?

I've been dealing with the tranny light on a lot of recent road trips. It only comes on if I have the car in overdrive. If it's in overdrive and I go up a hill or incline, poof the light comes on. If I click the overdrive button off, the light eventually goes off (about 1/2 hour).

When this first happened in Wagon Mound, New Mexico at night I almost needed fresh underwear. I was driving against a strong wind. Since then it seems like I can only use the overdrive less and less as time goes on. I'm guessing that there is a clutch or something slipping in the tranny.

I did pull out the dipstick of the tranny and feel the fluid, it didn't feel especially hot.

That's all I've got to say about that.....