Can you check the trans fluid level without the dipstick?

[jross20]

First transmission disptick, what I presume was the original, broke a few weeks ago. Ordered a 2nd dipstick, tried to put it in, it broke as well. They sent a 3rd for free as a "warranty" and that's what I have now.

But it is...

...IMPOSSIBLE...:mad2:

...to insert the dipstick down into the transmission.

I've tried everywhich possible turn and wiggle, read forum suggestions, it's just impossible. I don't understand it.

The few times I was able to get the original in and out, it also didn't help at all. It requires so much pulling, pushing and twisting that by the time I'm looking at it there's just fluid smeared all over it.:dizzy:

Anyway... Is there a way to check the level without the dipstick? Or if not, is there a "make this thing actually work" mod? Haha

 

[zcostilla]

My dipstick is really tight, but I’ve never thought about replacing the tube.

 

[Dieselchessy]

Is the dipstick tube damaged? Bent, kinked, ect...

 

[alumarine]

It is a tricky dipstick compared to any other I've seen.
I cut 3" off mine and ground a V at the end of it.
That does help a bit.
Usually I have to fight with it a bit though.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

I’ve always had 1 gallon drain out of a hot trans. So I don’t even bother with the dipstick anymore.


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[plcfcng]

I think the 4wd and the 2wd maybe a different length I would compare part numbers. As far as measuring for me you need to use the dip stick of the correct size first cold then after it's warm on a flat surface. To low and you can damage to high it can cause the fluid to churn in the moving parts causing a foaming effect spilling over then becoming low again.

If you have a friend with a 4runner that is the same as yours you could compare to see if you have the right one. parts stores sell generic sticks you mark them to the correct level. If you can use a friends carefully to ensure your level is correct you can plug the tube even with a broken stick until you get the correct size.

There is no reason for a dipstick to break it does not bottom out. :nod:

 

[brillo_76]

Hmm. I believe we have 3 different ( V6) lipsticks. 2 different 4wd ones and a 2wd dipstick. Not sure how many 4 cylinders differences are out there.

I suggested that we get the bottom of the this problem on another thread as all the ones I have seem to be the same.

Like others suggested unless your tube is bent or crushed the dipstick will go in.

These are the worst dipsticks I ever have to mess with. So I can see people having issues with them.

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[thegipper]

It's a sucky design but it shouldn't be that hard. Something else is wrong if you keep breaking them. As others have suggested, check the tube for blockages or if it's bent.

GL

 

[jross20]

Is the dipstick tube damaged? Bent, kinked, ect...

I'll look again tomorrow, but the last time I was down there it looked okay.

It is a tricky dipstick compared to any other I've seen.
I cut 3" off mine and ground a V at the end of it.
That does help a bit.
Usually I have to fight with it a bit though.

Is that okay? I'm a little worried about cutting things...haha!

I think the 4wd and the 2wd maybe a different length I would compare part numbers. As far as measuring for me you need to use the dip stick of the correct size first cold then after it's warm on a flat surface. To low and you can damage to high it can cause the fluid to churn in the moving parts causing a foaming effect spilling over then becoming low again.

If you have a friend with a 4runner that is the same as yours you could compare to see if you have the right one. parts stores sell generic sticks you mark them to the correct level. If you can use a friends carefully to ensure your level is correct you can plug the tube even with a broken stick until you get the correct size.

There is no reason for a dipstick to break it does not bottom out. :nod:

Right? The more I think about it the more I feel like something is in the way...

Honestly I am a bit worried as when I did get the stick working a little today the fluid was way, way up th stick... But I've no idea if that is due to all the dancing and jerking or not... If there is too much, would it be noticable quickly? If it is high it has been that way for about a year or so maybe.

Unfortunately I do not know anyone with a v6, I believe the transmission setup is different, no?

Hmm. I believe we have 3 different ( V6) lipsticks. 2 different 4wd ones and a 2wd dipstick. Not sure how many 4 cylinders differences are out there.

I suggested that we get the bottom of the this problem on another thread as all the ones I have seem to be the same.

Like others suggested unless your tube is bent or crushed the dipstick will go in.

These are the worst dipsticks I ever have to mess with. So I can see people having issues with them.

Sent from my SM-J337V using Tapatalk

Yeah I guess I need to drop the pan and investigate....

 

[plcfcng]

If you can list the year and weather it is 2 wd or 4 wd and the engine. Maybe some one could measure there dip stick and you could compare it to what you have. Another option if there is a Transmission builder close to you maybe the could help you out. It would be helpful to know if the transmission had been changed out if you know the history.:bounce:

 

[phattyduck]

There are many different versions of the dipstick -

2WD vs. 4WD, I4 vs V6, CA emissions vs. federal emissions...

Make sure you have the correct one.

And yes, it is really hard to get in there. Push on it right as it is entering the tube, not just from the handle at the top.

-Charlie

 

[fourfive]

You can remove the uppermost portion of the trans dipstick tube first to see if there is an obvious issue there before removing the pan since that is a little more time consuming.

I usually have one hand on the handle & my other hand on the most distal end of the dipstick right by the opening manually feeding it in to prevent it from binding.

 

[plcfcng]

I don't know if you have done this already you could order the dip stick based on the vin if this the Original transmission including pan then you should get the correct Dip Stick. Again the dipstick should not hit the bottom of the pan. I was wondering if some one had changed the pan out for a deeper one someone might do this to increase fluid capacity.

:caked:

 

[jross20]

If you can list the year and weather it is 2 wd or 4 wd and the engine. Maybe some one could measure there dip stick and you could compare it to what you have. Another option if there is a Transmission builder close to you maybe the could help you out. It would be helpful to know if the transmission had been changed out if you know the history.:bounce:

2000 SR5, v6, 4x4

That's a good idea. As far as I'm aware everything is original

 

[plcfcng]

If you can take a look at the top of your transmission back from the bell housing you should see a large sticker saying what transmission you have from there you can check to see which Dip stick you need. Also try to figure out if you have the correct transmission pan. If you can find any 3rd gen either 4wd or 2wd to compare with yours. How close are you to Newnan Georgia
layball:

 

[jross20]

There are many different versions of the dipstick -

2WD vs. 4WD, I4 vs V6, CA emissions vs. federal emissions...

Make sure you have the correct one.

And yes, it is really hard to get in there. Push on it right as it is entering the tube, not just from the handle at the top.

-Charlie

Oh yeah that's the method I've been using. Right hand just right above the tube trying to keep it straight.

You can remove the uppermost portion of the trans dipstick tube first to see if there is an obvious issue there before removing the pan since that is a little more time consuming.

I usually have one hand on the handle & my other hand on the most distal end of the dipstick right by the opening manually feeding it in to prevent it from binding.

I had to take the top part off before when the stick first broke. Thankfully it stuck up out of the lower tube and I had to pull it out with plyers. Still took a good amount of force.

I don't know if you have done this already you could order the dip stick based on the vin if this the Original transmission including pan then you should get the correct Dip Stick. Again the dipstick should not hit the bottom of the pan. I was wondering if some one had changed the pan out for a deeper one someone might do this to increase fluid capacity.

:caked:

Well I called up McGeorge Toyota parts, as they've been my go to for a hot minute now, they gave me the part number that I ordered based on the VIN.

Out of curiosity, do any of you know what part number yours needs? I'll edit this with the one I got once I get home

If you can take a look at the top of your transmission back from the bell housing you should see a large sticker saying what transmission you have from there you can check to see which Dip stick you need. Also try to figure out if you have the correct transmission pan. If you can find any 3rd gen either 4wd or 2wd to compare with yours. How close are you to Newnan Georgia
layball:

About 70 miles from Newnan, haha.

I'll have to try to get in there this weekend or sometime after work. What's the best approach position? Engine bay or below?

 

[Nicknasty]

When I had a Tacoma you could just stick your finger in the fill hole and it should just be barely wet. You would fill it until it started to drip then stop and let it drain a little and close it up. It was a closed transmission no dipstick

 

[jross20]

When I had a Tacoma you could just stick your finger in the fill hole and it should just be barely wet. You would fill it until it started to drip then stop and let it drain a little and close it up. It was a closed transmission no dipstick

2nd gen? Yeah I remember it has to be a "slight dribble". But I do not think the 3rs gen 4runners have a fill hole.

 

[jross20]

Okay, the part number for the stick I got is 35103-35350

 

[Nicknasty]

2nd gen? Yeah I remember it has to be a "slight dribble". But I do not think the 3rs gen 4runners have a fill hole.

It was a first gen :/