Checking and setting transmission fluid level

[keithyota]

I just changed tranny fluid by using these videos...drain, refill, drain, refill, drain and refill. I measured out as accurate as I could with same amounts...but I never checked the level before I started.

best videos I found
Transmission fluid change - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

How to Drain/Refill Automatic Transmission | Tacoma World

Here's the problem. I've used the "short 4 /13 " method to get the engine temp right and put in extra fluid...but it still isn't running out when warm.

If I take the check plug (hex head 5mm size) out and pump fluid in the fill plug, it will pour right out the check plug. But if I put the check plug in, and add more and run the car, it does not flow out. Like it's being distributed and wants more fluid.

How do you go about putting enough fluid in so it is a little over filled, without putting too much to damage...then letting the fluid overflow out to the right level?

 

[81runner]

I was just looking for this the other day.
Are you adding fluid with the engine off?

Try adding a qt or 2 with the engine off. Start it back up and let it idle for about 15 minutes or so. Cycle thru the gears a couple times to make sure everything is distributed properly, go back to park and pull the check me plug while it's still running. You should see fluid pouring out until it's a trickle, then plug it up and you're done

 

[Drcoffee]

You never know if the fluid level was correct before starting so you absolutely cannot just replace what came out. While the exhaust is cool, open the fill hole. Nothing should come out. I used a 1/2” ID clear hose long enough to reach the engine compartment hood lift. Press a funnel into the engine end and push the hose into the fill hole only To the depth of the threaded hole 1/2”. Then make sure the hose stays clear of the exhaust pipe. Its not going to be fun trying to add atf while the exhaust is scorching hot.

There is no harm to over fill the trans pan by 1Qt. You are not driving it, just setting the level. Mine dumped 3.5qts when I drained the pan. I would start with 4qts of new ATF in. Bring the tranny up to 106* -115*. I open the drain at 108* and let the engine idle up to 110* before plugging the level drain. At 108* it gives me enough time to add more ATF if nothing comes out before reaching 110*F. ONCE IT SLOWS TO A TRICKLE, CORK IT. As mentioned above, run it thru D & R a few times. But check the final level with engine running in Park. It sounds more complicated than it is. I use an app on my iphone call engineLink to monitor the temp but there is low tech way to do this as well. You short two holes on the OBD2 port and run the shifter 6 times and that sets the ATF monitor mode. The dash light blinks when the temp is too low and too high, but stays on steady when in the sweet zone. Trust me its a slow process low stress process. It takes about 10 minutes to raise the atf temp from 106*-113*. You’ll have time to grab a beer. But you must get to the right temp and you must see aft flowing out the pain level drain.

 

[Berty_K]

I just changed tranny fluid by using these videos...drain, refill, drain, refill, drain and refill. I measured out as accurate as I could with same amounts...but I never checked the level before I started.

best videos I found
Transmission fluid change - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

How to Drain/Refill Automatic Transmission | Tacoma World

Here's the problem. I've used the "short 4 /13 " method to get the engine temp right and put in extra fluid...but it still isn't running out when warm.

If I take the check plug (hex head 5mm size) out and pump fluid in the fill plug, it will pour right out the check plug. But if I put the check plug in, and add more and run the car, it does not flow out. Like it's being distributed and wants more fluid.

How do you go about putting enough fluid in so it is a little over filled, without putting too much to damage...then letting the fluid overflow out to the right level?

Are you following the instructions exactly? It's not clear from your post.

If no extra ATF fluid comes out, you need to shut off the car, add fluid via the FILL port, then reset the entire check temp process again.

Fine if you overfill. Just don't drive the car until you check the ATF fluid

 

[fbtn007]

hi all, I have this question about check the ATF level. why not drain the fluid when your car is at room temperature, and measure the fluid that have drained and fill exactly the same amount back?

 

[AuSeeker]

hi all, I have this question about check the ATF level. why not drain the fluid when your car is at room temperature, and measure the fluid that have drained and fill exactly the same amount back?

Doing that will not insure the fluid is at the proper level to begin with, if it's low on fluid when you start it will still be low when you're finish, if it's overfilled then it will be over filled when you're finished, doing it the proper is the only way insure it's filled properly.

 

[mtbtim]

This videos covers the proper process to get the level right.


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[fbtn007]

Doing that will not insure the fluid is at the proper level to begin with, if it's low on fluid when you start it will still be low when you're finish, if it's overfilled then it will be over filled when you're finished, doing it the proper is the only way insure it's filled properly.

Thanks for the reply. I think it is making sense. When doing the maintenance, the ATF probably is low in the first place

 

[4RunnerAquasport]

This videos covers the proper process to get the level right.


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gx5dU3UVcRs" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Good stuff!
Love the everyman style Timmy has. Pretty much represents 90% of us DIY maintenance guys.
Leaf Blower sound effects at the end are priceless.