How do you check auto tranny fluid?

[Blackie]

I should know the answer to my question but I don't. Too many years driving a 5-speed 4Runner, wish they still had that option on the 4th generation. Anyway, how do you check the auto transmission fluid? I've got almost 31k on it and I've towed my 3000lb bass boat with it about once every month of so since January. I'm just trying to check it to see if I need to have it flushed or not. Other posts seemed to suggest that if the fluid is still red and not burned that there's no real reason to change it. So, if anyone has an opinion on that I'd like to hear it too.

 

[TechWrench]

I should know the answer to my question but I don't. Too many years driving a 5-speed 4Runner, wish they still had that option on the 4th generation. Anyway, how do you check the auto transmission fluid? I've got almost 31k on it and I've towed my 3000lb bass boat with it about once every month of so since January. I'm just trying to check it to see if I need to have it flushed or not. Other posts seemed to suggest that if the fluid is still red and not burned that there's no real reason to change it. So, if anyone has an opinion on that I'd like to hear it too.

There are almost as many opinions on this topic as there are members. So, here's mine for what it's worth. The major cause of trans fluid faliure is heat. And once it has started to turn, there is no going back, the only way to fix it is to change it. I believe that if you check it regularily, and it stays clear and red, you should be alright. That being said, I also believe that changing the fluid after a set mileage has been reached is a good idea as long as it is changed properly, and the correct fluid is used. IMHO, 60k is a reasonable mileage for a change, if you are not abusing the vehicle. There are those who feel that changing the fluid every 30k, regardless of usage is the smart thing to do. More frequent changes will not hurt the trans, as long as it is done correctly, but I am not convinced it is necessary, again, my opinion. If you tow heavy, or often, this causes higher operating temps in the trans. Then I would shorten the mileage figure. If the fluid EVER starts to smell burnt or get dark it should be changed as soon as possible. I guess it all boils down to what you feel comfortable with.

 

[Kanab]

If you are towing a 3000lb boat once a month, I would have the transmission serviced every 50K miles. But I'm conservative.

 

[Blackie]

first question...

Thanks for the advice, but reverting back to an idiot here for a minute, how do I check the fluid? Do you do it like on a manual by simply sticking your finger in the case or is there another way?

 

[Sac State]

Re: first question...

Thanks for the advice, but reverting back to an idiot here for a minute, how do I check the fluid? Do you do it like on a manual by simply sticking your finger in the case or is there another way?

You have a sealed transmission and cannot check the fluid.
Mid-03 was the last of the dipstick tranny's for the Runner. I have a dipstick on my 2/03 build Sport, and they changed around april of that year.

Catching any Bass? How 'bout Crappies?

 

[Boaz]

Re: Re: first question...

You have a sealed transmission and cannot check the fluid.
Mid-03 was the last of the dipstick tranny's for the Runner. I have a dipstick on my 2/03 build Sport, and they changed around april of that year.

Catching any Bass? How 'bout Crappies?

Huh? My 04 SE V-6 has a tranny dipstick, I checked it yesterday.... hmmmm

 

[Kanab]

Re: Re: Re: first question...

Huh? My 04 SE V-6 has a tranny dipstick, I checked it yesterday.... hmmmm

That's because you got that old 4 speed boat anchor transmission versus the new high tech 5 speed Time to trade in the old sled for the new stuff

 

[Boaz]

Re: Re: Re: Re: first question...

That's because you got that old 4 speed boat anchor transmission versus the new high tech 5 speed Time to trade in the old sled for the new stuff

Nope 4 Speed V-6 till she dies....

to much character on this ole girl to trade her in...!

 

[Kanab]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: first question...

Nope 4 Speed V-6 till she dies....

to much character on this ole girl to trade her in...!

Don't blame you, that 4 speed has been doin the job since 1995 for the Landcruiser/4runner with no problems that I've ever heard of. Personally I was a little worried when I traded my 1995 Landcruiser in on my 2004 4runner. 135K miles on the LC and never a problem. Flushed the transmission every 60K miles with synthetic ATF and drove the sh#t out of it.

 

[Blackie]

tranny and fish

Well that's one mystery solved. I guess I'll wait a little longer before changing the fluid if everyone suggests at least 50k or more on the transmission. I've caught a few bass this year but I haven't tried any crappie fishing. My boat wants to go too fast from one bass spot to another to slow down and park it for crappie. Maybe when I get too old to drive like a madman across the lake I'll tie up to a bridge piling and crappie fish like the old farts.

 

[TeryT]

Re: Re: first question...

You have a sealed transmission and cannot check the fluid.
Mid-03 was the last of the dipstick tranny's for the Runner. I have a dipstick on my 2/03 build Sport, and they changed around april of that year.

Catching any Bass? How 'bout Crappies?

Not so. I have an Aug. 03 built Sport V8 & it still has a dip stick. (They changed the tow rating back in April, which is maybe wat you were thinking about.)

 

[Sac State]

Re: Re: Re: first question...

Huh? My 04 SE V-6 has a tranny dipstick, I checked it yesterday.... hmmmm

Sorry, 5 speed tranny. The 5 spd. is new to the V6 this year. The old 4 spd was also used with the 3.4 and the newer 4.0.

 

[Boaz]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: first question...

Don't blame you, that 4 speed has been doin the job since 1995 for the Landcruiser/4runner with no problems that I've ever heard of. Personally I was a little worried when I traded my 1995 Landcruiser in on my 2004 4runner. 135K miles on the LC and never a problem. Flushed the transmission every 60K miles with synthetic ATF and drove the sh#t out of it.

SHould I really flush at 60K? I never tow, so could I push it to 100k? I might just drain the pan and refill at 60k...? I dunno.

 

[rossmon1]

Re: Re: How do you check auto tranny fluid?

There are almost as many opinions on this topic as there are members. So, here's mine for what it's worth. The major cause of trans fluid faliure is heat. And once it has started to turn, there is no going back, the only way to fix it is to change it. I believe that if you check it regularily, and it stays clear and red, you should be alright. That being said, I also believe that changing the fluid after a set mileage has been reached is a good idea as long as it is changed properly, and the correct fluid is used. IMHO, 60k is a reasonable mileage for a change, if you are not abusing the vehicle. There are those who feel that changing the fluid every 30k, regardless of usage is the smart thing to do. More frequent changes will not hurt the trans, as long as it is done correctly, but I am not convinced it is necessary, again, my opinion. If you tow heavy, or often, this causes higher operating temps in the trans. Then I would shorten the mileage figure. If the fluid EVER starts to smell burnt or get dark it should be changed as soon as possible. I guess it all boils down to what you feel comfortable with.

So, if there is no way to check the condition of the fluid on newer 4-runners, how do you see if your fluid is burnt?
Guess you have to drain a little.
BTW, where do you fill the fluid? Maybe you could check its condition there.

 

[TeryT]

Re: Re: Re: How do you check auto tranny fluid?

So, if there is no way to check the condition of the fluid on newer 4-runners, how do you see if your fluid is burnt?
Guess you have to drain a little.
BTW, where do you fill the fluid? Maybe you could check its condition there.

No fill, no check, no nutin! They don't want you a messin' with it!

 

[TechWrench]

Re: Re: Re: How do you check auto tranny fluid?

So, if there is no way to check the condition of the fluid on newer 4-runners, how do you see if your fluid is burnt?
Guess you have to drain a little.
BTW, where do you fill the fluid? Maybe you could check its condition there.

If you do have one of the new 'sealed' 5-speed units, then checking the fluid condition does become a problem. Since I have not actually seen one of these units up close and personal, I can't give you a specific answer. But, I would feel pretty sure that there is a 'sight' plug somewhere on the side of the unit like those used on standard transmissions to fill and check fluid level. Maybe someone with an '05 who has looked underneath at the unit might have some specific info. Or someone who has the '05 service manuals might be able to shed some light. I know Toyota's apparent position on the new 5-speeds is that the fluid is good for 'life', and therefore doesn't require any type of maintenance. But, in the unlikely event that one did fail under warranty, I would guess that the dealership would have to have some way to fill the new replacement unit when they install it. It doesn't seem logical to me that Toyota would ship a replacement unit to the dealer prefilled.