I learned a lesson yesterday that cost me $120. In changing the oil on my 2008 4runner (for the first time, previously done by dealer) I mistakenly unscrewed the transmission drip pan instead of the oil drip pan. When I saw the bright red liquid coming down I quickly screwed it back... probably lost 1/4 of a quart of trans fluid. Anyway, through reading on this site I figured out there is no transmission dip stick or fill place... I had to go to the dealer to have fluid added back... several hour process in that they need to get temp of fluid just right and fill it from below the chassis.... that is where the $120 came in. I figure that is probably the most expensive oil change I've ever made. I thought I share the info... with hope of helping someone else.:ybrick:
Oil change advice to newbies
- Thread starter ympunicos
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Sorry to hear that.
Same thing happened to my friend, but it was a 1998 Corolla.
He also stripped the transmisson drain plug, needed a new pan, gasket, drain plug & drain plug gasket.
On top of that...he screwed the new oil filter on, which didn't have a gasket attached to it.
That's why some people should never work on their own cars...that's why there's mechanics.
Same thing happened to my friend, but it was a 1998 Corolla.
He also stripped the transmisson drain plug, needed a new pan, gasket, drain plug & drain plug gasket.
On top of that...he screwed the new oil filter on, which didn't have a gasket attached to it.
That's why some people should never work on their own cars...that's why there's mechanics.
CannondaleMan
New member
Yeah. Um..... I just changed the oil and rotated the tires on mine yesterday.
So I got the oil filter off and realized that I did not have a small container handy to catch the oil. So.....I improvised. Seems the filter is juuuuuuuuuuuust able to fit under the lip to catch the oil from the little drain plug. I'll have to remember that next time.
MikesToy
Banned
WTF?
I know my '03 Limited 4WD V8 has a transmission dip stick (yellow).
BTW, Welcome aboard!
TechWrench
Senior Member
As I remember, from about 05 and up, the transmissions do not have a dipstick. Toyota refers to them as 'sealed' transmissions. It has been discussed in great length here many times, and the procedure to refill one of these transmissions is quite involved. Also, they use a different type of fluid than the earlier ones.
take time to plan out what you are going fix
That was kinda careless man but I assume you are new to any type of mechanical work so at least you are trying to learn, unlike most.....So, sorry....but......
Always take a moment to really inspect at what you are going to take apart before starting a job....That few minutes, or even seconds of looking over the car in advance will save you hours if you make a mistake...Even the most seasoned mechanics take a good look over things and get a mental plan of what to do before starting...I promise you will be a better mechanic if you take it slow...Good luck man....
That was kinda careless man but I assume you are new to any type of mechanical work so at least you are trying to learn, unlike most.....So, sorry....but......
Always take a moment to really inspect at what you are going to take apart before starting a job....That few minutes, or even seconds of looking over the car in advance will save you hours if you make a mistake...Even the most seasoned mechanics take a good look over things and get a mental plan of what to do before starting...I promise you will be a better mechanic if you take it slow...Good luck man....
leftyguns21
New member
agreed. ive changed my own oil in all of my Honda's and Acura's so i have a good idea of what im doing. the 4Runner was tricky at first but thanks to everyone here and a little extra inspection i was able to avoid any mistakes like that.
sorry to here but now youll at least know for next time.
For a 2008 4Runner access to the oil pan is located under the removable plastic piece in the skid plate which is about 6 inches wide, correct? I would always change my own oil in my old Honda Accord and Mitsubishi Eclipse, but have never changed it on my own in the 4Runner. I went to do it once, wasn't 100% sure I was pulling the right plug and just ran it to Jiffy Lube instead for the extra $10. The owner's manual doesn't seem to give any information on the location of the plug. Also, how do I go about reseting the maintanence light on the dash?
JB.
New member
1. Turn the ignition key to the “ACC” or
“LOCK” position with the odometer
reading shown.
2. Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position
while holding down the trip meter
reset button.
Hold down the button until the light goes
off. Before the light goes off, it illuminates
for 3 seconds, flashes for 2 seconds and
illuminates for 1 second.
If the system fails to reset, the light will
remain flashing.
KB084RUNNER
New member
The trans fill plug is on the passenger side of the transmission about 4/5 of the way back on the trans with WS stamped on the plug. A 15/16 socket will remove it. It should have a rubber gasket so no crush washer is needed to fill. But a crush washer is needed on the drain plug and fluid level check plug. The trans drain plug is the one furthest to the rear on the trans pan and takes a normal wrench. The fluid level check plug is about 1/2 way back and takes a 5 MM allen wrench.
To change the trans oil (vehicle cold and on level surface with no ramps or jacks) remove the pan drain plug and measure the fluid that comes out. reinstall the rain plug with a new crush washer and tighten. Refill through the fill plug with exact amount drained plus 1/2 quart. Replace fill plug and tighten.
To check trans fluid level: Loosen fluid check plug (5mm) but do not let fluid out. have crush washer handy. Start vehicle. Cycle shifter through PRND4321 twice and leave running in Park. Using a IR thermometer take temp readings on trans pan every minute until pan reaches 114 degrees F. The best readings are in the recesses where the pan bolts go and make sure the pan is clean (no dirt) to get an accurate reading. When at 114F with vehicle running remove fluid level check plug and allow excess fluid to run out until it is at a trickle ( 30 seconds). During this 30 seconds put new crush washer on plug. When at a trickle reinstall fluid level check plug and tighten. You are done.
Drive vehicle 2-3 miles and check for leaks.
Note: Use WS fluid if your manual calls for it. If the fill bolt has WS on it you need WS.
Last edited:
