Do you check the trans fluid level with the engine warm and running???

[Jeff T]

I guess I'm an old GM guy and that's the method I'm used to. I can't find anything in the manual?!

After 140k I drained the pan, 4 pts, and added 4 fresh.

 

[00328]

I think just up to operating temp., not running, but not 100% sure.
Someone else who knows more will probebly chime in.
Also, at 140K, I would drain and refill a couple times.
What did the ATF look like?

 

[Jeff T]

The manual says it should never have to be touched, right. Really didn't look to bad, but definitely a little darker red. I'll probably go another 20k and drain it again.

 

[00328]

I believe the manual says it doesn't need to changed for 100K (sooner if you tow). Do you honestly believe that? I sure don't.
AFT breaks down and becomes contaminated long before 100K.
Toyota and a lot of other car manufacturers are trying to get customers to believe they are buying a vehicle that needs less maintenance. This translates into more sales.
I have 62K on mine and will be doing a complete flush very soon here. Overkill? I'd like to think it's cheap insurance.

 

[Jeff T]

Ya, I hear ya. But I left the original plugs in for 110k as well. It ran fine so I left well enough alone.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Check the level with the engine running in park. Ideally the trans will be at normal running temp. That is what the upper set of notches is for on the dipstick. The lower set of nothces are the cold level. This id from the factory shop manaul. The manual also says to run the shifter through all the gears before checking. This is done on a level surface with the parking brake applied.

 

[Jeff T]

Check the level with the engine running in park. Ideally the trans will be hot. That is what the upper set of notches is for on the dipstick. The lower set of nothces are the cold level.

Thank You!