03 V6 sealed or not sealed trans?

[00HiluxSurfLTD]

Ive read that the 03 has a sealed trans with no dip stick. I just did my 1st oil change the other day and while looking over the engine bay I noticed a dip stick next to the oil dip stick. Would that other dip stick be for the trans? I is confused

Also I noticed that it was not securely clipped in. Who knows how long it has been like that. Am I in big trouble?

 

[d_clark]

I think the "sealed' transmission was for the 2006 and newer models.

I know my 2006 does not have a dipstick for the transmission, but not sure when it started though.

 

[sonerick]

could be wrong, but i think the 03 has non-sealed (with dipstick), and the later model years have sealed (no dipstick).

Edit: my '05 is sealed (no dipstick).

 

[00HiluxSurfLTD]

oh I must have got my facts reversed.

Now with mine not being a sealed tranny then I shouldnt need to have the dealership flush it out. It something that I can easily do myself. Ammiright?

 

[DC runner]

04 and above received the sealed transmission with the WS standard fluid.

I believe the 03's used "then" normal fluid that was one the shorter time line. 30k or something.

 

[00HiluxSurfLTD]

Any chance someone in here knows what fluid I should be using on my unsealed 03 trans? I do plan on towing with my TR4 and would like to prolong the life of my trans. I like to use nothing but the best.

FYI I will be adding an OEM trans cooler

 

[DC runner]

1. I believe WS fluid is superior and will work. That said, from the 2003 Service Manual:

Both transmissions of that year, the 4 and 5 speed that are both unsealed call for Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV.

You should be able to use that to determine compatibility with Dexron or other readily available option.

For towing, the best is just frequent changes. Follow the service schedule. If it calls for changes ever 30k without towing, it will give you a recommendation for with towing. It depends on the type, length and severity.

The beauty of the unsealed trans is you can check the "color" all the time to see if you have burned it. Obviously the moment you burn it, change it all.

 

[PhillyO]

parts catalog shows a dip stick for 03-04 v6. just took a look at my 04 2wd v6 and it does have a dip stick and it takes type iv fluid not ws.. so the sealed trans started in 05. catalog is also showing type iv trans fluid for 03-05 and ws from 06+ (please check this out before adding trans fluid).

 

[DC runner]

Yea, I was referencing the v8; which went sealed in the 04 year. In 05, the v6 received the same transmission. The 5 speed sealed.

 

[stevec5000]

parts catalog shows a dip stick for 03-04 v6. just took a look at my 04 2wd v6 and it does have a dip stick and it takes type iv fluid not ws.. so the sealed trans started in 05. catalog is also showing type iv trans fluid for 03-05 and ws from 06+ (please check this out before adding trans fluid).

I wonder how much fluid you need to put in if you change it?

 

[DC runner]

I am showing 05 and above all use WS and have the 5 speed transmission?

Anyway. The easiest is several drain and fills and I am showing the 03 v6 (4 speed, non-sealed) as 2.1 quarts for just the drain. This is ONLY the fluid in the pan. Most of the fluid in a transmission is actually in the clutch converter and you can't get at it without some kinda pressure. Either through a pump or using the pump in the trans.

So, if you assume probably 10-12 quarts total in the system.. then doing 3 or 4 drain and fills will get you to mostly clean fluid.

 

[00HiluxSurfLTD]

For anyone in here looking and is curious about doing it themselves. Here is the DIY for the non-sealed trans. Includes pics and a method of flushing out all of the fluid by disconnecting a hose and simply starting the engine.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maint...4th-gen-toyota-4runners-prior.html#post393776

I wonder if the WS fluid is superior to the Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV?

 

[ChaosStarter]

5-spd for any years is sealed and Type WS (with the exception of '03 (thanks DC runner)). 4-spd for any years was not sealed and Type T-IV (earlier models were Dexron 3 if I remember correctly. It says on the dipstick.)

 

[DC runner]

The 5 speed on the 03 is not sealed, at least according to my repair manual. I thought in 04 the sealed the v8 5 speed and then in '05, both got the 5 speed that was sealed?

 

[scojoe]

I wunder If any one has ever put an 03 pan on a 06+ that would be so much better

 

[ChaosStarter]

The 5 speed on the 03 is not sealed, at least according to my repair manual. I thought in 04 the sealed the v8 5 speed and then in '05, both got the 5 speed that was sealed?

You're right, I forgot that the '03 was an oddball year with the V8. I had to go verifiy it on my repair manuals.

 

[ChaosStarter]

I wunder If any one has ever put an 03 pan on a 06+ that would be so much better

The problem is that the WS is a lot more sensitive to temperature differences (from what I've seen anyway) and that's why they put the overflow plug in the trans pan to verify the correct level at the correct temp range. Why they did it this way, I have no idea, since all of the FWD cars that use WS still have dipsticks, and you can confirm the correct level with that by checking the dipstick in the correct temp range.