Check Transmission Fluid Level (5th Gen)

[the_dude_abides]

I recently bought a used 2012 SR5 4Runner and was doing the 30k mile service this past weekend myself. I was able to do everything on the check list other than check the transmission fluid.

While under I noticed there is a "Check" plug on the transmission pan but it is on the bottom of the pan just like the drain plug, so I'm not sure how to check it. I did crack it open to see if fluid would come out and it did, so I just checked the color of it and assumed it had plenty of fluid since it came out.

Is this the proper way to check the tranny fluid? Seems a little stupid that Toyota didn't include a dipstick, I guess they had a dipshit design it. lmao

Any input would be great.

 

[Jeremy556]

No, that check plug is meant to be opened to set the fluid level when the transmission is at a specific temperature, do not open it otherwise. There is no need to check the fluid (hence the removal of the dipstick). It's probably a good idea to change the fluid at 100K miles, but no need to touch it before that unless you overheat it somehow.

 

[ben550]

I recently bought a used 2012 SR5 4Runner and was doing the 30k mile service this past weekend myself. I was able to do everything on the check list other than check the transmission fluid.

While under I noticed there is a "Check" plug on the transmission pan but it is on the bottom of the pan just like the drain plug, so I'm not sure how to check it. I did crack it open to see if fluid would come out and it did, so I just checked the color of it and assumed it had plenty of fluid since it came out.

Is this the proper way to check the tranny fluid? Seems a little stupid that Toyota didn't include a dipstick, I guess they had a dipshit design it. lmao

Any input would be great.

There is a whole procedure to check the transmission fluid on the 4th gen. I would assume it is similar or the same for the 5th gen.

On the 4th gen the transmission fluid needs to be at a certain temperature and the vehicle running to perform the check. With the vehicle off the fluid will be pooling in the pan rather than circulating. Checking the fluid by removing the plug with the vehicle off and at the wrong temperature will give you a false reading.

At least you got to see the color, but I hope you did not let too much drain out. Otherwise you'll have to add whatever you did let out and perform the check the correct way.

If it was only a trickle that you let out you are fine.

 

[the_dude_abides]

Thanks Ben,

I only let a drop come out, I didn't actually remove the check plug just cracked it, so I'm not concerned about adding back fluid. If/when I ever do though I'm not sure where to do that but I'll dig into that more on my own.

I did find a thread on here about checking the fluid on the 5th gen so this post can be ignored. Here's the post on this for future searches.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/155572-transmission-fluid-change.html

 

[DougEFresh2]

Here's my fluids guide: Beginner Fluid Maintenance

I keep a print-out of this in my glove box just in case I'm out and about and drive past a dealership or auto parts store and am planning on doing a fluid change soon.

arty: