Can I drive 5 miles with leaking Transmission?

[karyins]

I checked the transmission dipstick after a short drive while engine was stilll running, and the level was about 2 inches below the "cool" mark.

The truck first showed some signs about 2 weeks ago. It felt sluggish. But since I had been driving a Prius V for a couple weeks, I thought it's just how the two vehicles feel differently. Now thinking back I realized it's probably already lacking transmission fluid because I did need to press harder on the pedal to speed up on highway.

Then 2 days ago when I came to a stop, the 4runner suddenly jerked, almost like it hit something. After that it sometimes hesitates when start from a complete stop. The engine would rev, but the 4runner won't move until a few seconds later, then it jerk forward.

Today I found oil puddle between 2 front wheels so I checked the dipstick.

My guess is that I better tow it to the Garage, right?

Thanks!

PS: Any idea how much to fix the leaking problem? It's a 2004 4WD.

 

[Morphyne]

Tow it. $60 on a tow to not risk $2000 on a tranny

 

[07V8]

V8? I bet it's leaking cooler lines @ the front.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

V8? I bet it's leaking cooler lines @ the front.

Doubt it's a V8 if it has a dipstick and it's an '04. Probably a 4spd V6.
[MENTION=121910]karyins[/MENTION]

I'd have it towed if you could, if that's not really an option look at the stamping on the dipstick for what type of fluid it takes (if I remember right it should be "Type IV ATF"). Grab a quart or two that matches the specification from an auto parts store and a funnel and fill it maybe a bit over the Cool mark. This is of course assuming it's not pissing the fluid out and you're only talking about driving maybe 10miles or so to the shop.

 

[karyins]

It's V6.

Now I hope that the transmission is not already damaged.

 

[karyins]

Doubt it's a V8 if it has a dipstick and it's an '04. Probably a 4spd V6.

[MENTION=121910]karyins[/MENTION]

I'd have it towed if you could, if that's not really an option look at the stamping on the dipstick for what type of fluid it takes (if I remember right it should be "Type IV ATF"). Grab a quart or two that matches the specification from an auto parts store and a funnel and fill it maybe a bit over the Cool mark. This is of course assuming it's not pissing the fluid out and you're only talking about driving maybe 10miles or so to the shop.

Oh hey that might work! So I can just pour the transmission fluid down the dipstick hole???

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Oh hey that might work! So I can just pour the transmission fluid down the dipstick hole???

Yup, that's how you do it on the dipstick style transmissions.

Just make sure you wipe and check the fluid with the vehicle running in Park or Neutral for a correct fluid level. Also keep in mind that when checking the fluid you're looking for the longest segment of uninterrupted fluid (i.e. if the fluid starts looking like it's not evenly coating the dipstick that's probably fluid splash not actual fluid level).

I can't say that the transmission is or isn't damaged, but it's possible you may be able to just get by with a good fluid flush after the repair to the leak. I'm not there to actually inspect the vehicle so I can't say one way or the other really.

 

[karyins]

Thanks for the advice! I guess I don't have to use Toyota Transmission fluid for this temp fix, just any Type IV ATF would do? I'll check the manul for the specifics.

Any idea how much fluid I might need? Right now it's 2 inches below the "cool" mark when the engine is actually running hot.

Thanks!

Yup, that's how you do it on the dipstick style transmissions.

Just make sure you wipe and check the fluid with the vehicle running in Park or Neutral for a correct fluid level. Also keep in mind that when checking the fluid you're looking for the longest segment of uninterrupted fluid (i.e. if the fluid starts looking like it's not evenly coating the dipstick that's probably fluid splash not actual fluid level).

I can't say that the transmission is or isn't damaged, but it's possible you may be able to just get by with a good fluid flush after the repair to the leak. I'm not there to actually inspect the vehicle so I can't say one way or the other really.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Thanks for the advice! I guess I don't have to use Toyota Transmission fluid for this temp fix, just any Type IV ATF would do? I'll check the manul for the specifics.

Any idea how much fluid I might need? Right now it's 2 inches below the "cool" mark when the engine is actually running hot.

Thanks!

I'd guess maybe a couple of quarts if it's still showing up on the dipstick. Make sure the bottle says it's compatible with Toyota Type-IV ATF. I think there's some older Chrysler spec that also has "Type IV" in the name and it's not the same stuff.

The good news is that Type-IV ATF has been around a while and a lot of "universal" ATF fluids are actually a bit better than factory Type-IV

 

[karyins]

I'd guess maybe a couple of quarts if it's still showing up on the dipstick. Make sure the bottle says it's compatible with Toyota Type-IV ATF. I think there's some older Chrysler spec that also has "Type IV" in the name and it's not the same stuff.

The good news is that Type-IV ATF has been around a while and a lot of "universal" ATF fluids are actually a bit better than factory Type-IV

You are right, the manual says Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV (ATF JWS3309 or NWS6500).

However, this morning when I checked the fluid level after overnight parking, it's at the middle of the two notches marking "Cool", about 2 inches higher than yesterday after driving for about a mile around the block, with engine still running. So I guess I don't need to add Transmission fluid after all, just drive slowly to the garage...

But isn't that weird? What might cause this? And something was indeed leaking. What other oil could be leaking from the front bottom other than Transmission oil?

Thanks for the help! I'll get a diagnosis from the garage and report back.

 

[TechWrench]

You are right, the manual says Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV (ATF JWS3309 or NWS6500).

However, this morning when I checked the fluid level after overnight parking, it's at the middle of the two notches marking "Cool", about 2 inches higher than yesterday after driving for about a mile around the block, with engine still running. So I guess I don't need to add Transmission fluid after all, just drive slowly to the garage...

But isn't that weird? What might cause this? And something was indeed leaking. What other oil could be leaking from the front bottom other than Transmission oil?

Thanks for the help! I'll get a diagnosis from the garage and report back.

If, as you earlier posted, you are seeing a trans fluid leak from the area in front of or along side of the engine, it is most likely coming from one of the two trans fluid lines that run from the trans, along the right side of the engine to the front radiator trans cooler. These lines are under pressure when the engine is running, so it won't take long for a fluid leak from them to drain enough fluid to cause transmission damage. Most likely, one or more of the lines has started to rust through, and you have a hole in one of them. The hole will only get larger. And the bigger it gets, the quicker it will pump fluid out. The symptoms you describe are typical of low transmission fluid. I suggest you have the vehicle towed to the shop, before you do more damage to the transmission.

 

[karyins]

"The transmission cooler pipe rotted out". I had to leave the truck in the garage for a few days so they can get Toyota parts. They didn't add enough transmission fluid the first time so I had to drive back the next day and they poured in another bottle.

$200 including labor and parts. Not too bad!

 

[Hapeacres]

Did they just cut out the leaking section or did they replace the whole line? The OEM trans cooler line (under pressure) is an expensive part.

 

[07V8]

"The transmission cooler pipe rotted out". I had to leave the truck in the garage for a few days so they can get Toyota parts. They didn't add enough transmission fluid the first time so I had to drive back the next day and they poured in another bottle.

$200 including labor and parts. Not too bad!

[MENTION=66389]BlackWorksInc[/MENTION] :drummer:

 

[karyins]

Did they just cut out the leaking section or did they replace the whole line? The OEM trans cooler line (under pressure) is an expensive part.

I think they replaced the pipe? He did say the part is about $80.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Transmission Cooler Pipe? I'm guessing it's a hardline leading to and/or from the radiator and transmission, I'd have to look at a Components View or Parts Diagram to be sure; but I could see it rotting out if you live in a rusty/salty area.

Do you happen to have the part number for the part they ordered? [MENTION=121910]karyins[/MENTION]

 

[karyins]

Transmission Cooler Pipe? I'm guessing it's a hardline leading to and/or from the radiator and transmission, I'd have to look at a Components View or Parts Diagram to be sure; but I could see it rotting out if you live in a rusty/salty area.

Do you happen to have the part number for the part they ordered? [MENTION=121910]karyins[/MENTION]

The receipt says "transmission cooler(cooling?) lines installed with oil" and they didn't put a part number on it.

Maybe it's the shining new pipe in the top part of the picture?

 

[dta1984]

The receipt says "transmission cooler(cooling?) lines installed with oil" and they didn't put a part number on it.

Maybe it's the shining new pipe in the top part of the picture?

Mine rotted out as well. Seems to be a common issue in the rustbelt areas. The shiny pipe towards the front is it (actually there are 2).

 

[karyins]

Mine rotted out as well. Seems to be a common issue in the rustbelt areas. The shiny pipe towards the front is it (actually there are 2).

Thanks for the confirmation! Yeah the salt and rust here is really painful!