T4R Transmission Fluid Servicing (sealed & non-sealed)

[CJ3Flyr]

EDIT: 2-22-2009-Mike did a great DIY post about servicing non-sealed trans here. Most of this info is identical across Toyota T4R autos. What varies is the fill method and fluid type. Between Mikes thread and this one you'll be able to service a 4th gen auto no problem. You can also learn a great deal about servicing all autos from this thread as a lot of the info is generic.

To those of you working on the newer 'sealed' type autos you may want to read Mike's thread too. He took the pan off, changed the filter and flushed the old fluid out of the converter. All of that is the same on the newer, 'sealed' type. (end of edit)





Many times people on this forum ask about servicing the new "sealed" transmission. I stumbled on to this at a Land Cruiser Prado 120 site and it applies to our T4R's. It's awesome & concise.

I vote to have this thread and or link as a sticky just based on how many times I've seen this topic come up over the few months I've been here.

http://www.lcool.org/technical/100_series/auto_fluid/auto.htm

A couple more great ones:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=215229
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=177215

:cheers:

 

[toto]

There are a couple of good threads here on the subject as well.

This one has a discussion and a PDF with the step-by-step process for checking the fluid level:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20483

And this one has another PDF from the service manual that fills in some of the details in the first PDF:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7686

 

[peter78]

Very cool The second links' .PDF is really the key piece of missing info for most.

I still am voting for the sticky. As the '05's get up in mileage and for the folks who have to change fluid more than they need to (like me) this is going to become more & more of a topic. To have the links you just posted in one place would be good.

Another thing: Based on something I read here I went to the Redline site and their fluid is WS approved. :cheers:

I will go ahead and make this a sticky, since this thread has all the links. Plus others can add more links to this one.

 

[mike508]

Transmission Fill Plug

I have read all the related threads and the PDF documents and I have the manuals for my 2006 V6 but I can't find the fill plug from the diagrams. I don't want to open the overflow plug and find it is the drain without knowing where the fill is located. I want to add an external transmission cooler because of our hot weather which will require adding some fluid.
Is it on the right or left side? If it is on the left side I may have missed it due to the front drive line. I sure would appreciate it if someone could post a picture of the fill plug area.

 

[spo0587]

I wouldn't even worry with changing it until 100K. To me anything before 60K is overkill. Mine has 112K and still looks cherry red and smells sweet. I just broke its towing virginity two weeks ago with a 4,000 pound boat. I am going to get mine done at 120K. I have known people to change it, and then run into huge transmission problems.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Re: Transmission Fill Plug

I have read all the related threads and the PDF documents and I have the manuals for my 2006 V6 but I can't find the fill plug from the diagrams. I don't want to open the overflow plug and find it is the drain without knowing where the fill is located. I want to add an external transmission cooler because of our hot weather which will require adding some fluid.
Is it on the right or left side? If it is on the left side I may have missed it due to the front drive line. I sure would appreciate it if someone could post a picture of the fill plug area.

:cheers:

 

[icantsee]

Thank you very much CJ3Flyr!!

I was scratching my head when I looked under the hood & didn't see a dipstick.

Did you use Toyota ATF WS?

And how many quarts did you use?

And do you have any pictures of the Transfer Case & Rear Diff?

And how many bottles & brand did you go w/?

And pictures of where to lub the zerks?

Sorry!!

 

[mike508]

Transmission Fill Plug

Thanks CJ3FLYR.
Your pictures and notes are certainly clear. I guess the fill plug is just not where I looked. Are you sure about the forward direction on the pan. Mine has a plug in the rear on the left side and the front wheel drive line on the left (drivers side). It appears yours is just the opposite.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Thank you very much CJ3Flyr!!

I was scratching my head when I looked under the hood & didn't see a dipstick.

1- Did you use Toyota ATF WS?

2- And how many quarts did you use?

3- And do you have any pictures of the Transfer Case & Rear Diff?

4- And how many bottles & brand did you go w/?

5- And pictures of where to lub the zerks?

Sorry!!

First and foremost, I have NOT done mine yet. I have changed similar type transmission fluid several times. Having said that:

1) Toyota WS or Redline Synthetic will work. One of the Redline trans fluids IS WS compatable. Update on fluid for WS and a helpful pic here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=53168[/B]

2) Loaded question... I will use 12-13 qts. 4-5 quarts should cover a simple drain and fill, the regular owners manual has the exact number. I will drain and fill, pull the return fluid cooling line at the radiator, start the vehicle and pump out old fluid. I'll shut it off as it begins to gurgle and the flow decreases at the coolant line. I'll then refill and repeat the procedure until clean, fresh fluid is squirting out the hose. I'll button it all up and do the final fill. Good pics for the V8 guys here. For the rest see the "update on WS fluid post above or Mike's thread. Option 2, for me, will be to do a simple drain and fill every 20k using 4quarts each time and getting all new fluid by the time it gets to 60k (I do tow). ***NOTE:***(For some reason I want to say the manuals listed capacity is a bit low, I think one more bottle than they say.)

Here's some pics for those of you interested in flushing after a drain & fill... http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&postid=350327#post350327 Scroll down to almost the end of the 1st page.

3) Check this, good stuff w/some pics: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showt...10117&perpage=40&highlight=fluid&pagenumber=1 Another good one for t-case and axles: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=48527

4) I used Amsoil 75w-90. I like the convenience. Mobil1, Redline or any of them should be good. I use synthetics and feel comfortable going 45k between changes. I probably 'over-maintain' the axles and t-case. If I use conventional gear lube it's every 30k (or less) without fail. Capacities in the owners manual. I think 7-8 quarts does it.

5) Zerks http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28414

Mike508, thanks, I did have it backwards:bash: Fixed now:bigok:

:cheers:

 

[boostedprozac]

so this is a simple drain and fill like the earlier years....except for the new transmission type fuid? Seems easy enough. It would be great to know the level but this will be fine. Does anyone have a washer PN for the WS bolt?

 

[kn38ms]

IIRC the ATF temp must hot when changing
but must be within certain temperature parameters.
Other than that it looks very EZ to perform.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

IIRC the ATF temp must hot when changing
but must be within certain temperature parameters.

Yes, the first post in this thread has a link to lcool.org that explains how to do the temp check.

:cheers:

 

[thumper]

Has anyone replaced the transmission filter before?

If so, how did you do it?

 

[Mike the Wino]

For those of you that have non-sealed transmissions and would like to do your own filter change along with a flush & fill, see this DIY: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=42071

Hope it helps!

 

[h-bone714]

Dealer serviced my AFT-WS

Dealer flushed and changed the transmission fluid for my 2006 2WD 4Runner SportEdition today. Here is the story: After waiting for about 1 1/2 hours at the dealer, the service advisor came to me and told me that my car is ready. I went to cashier to pay for the service and took the receip outside to pick up my 4Runner. While I was waiting the lot attendant to deliver my SUV, I read the receipt and it stated like this "perform transmission fluid flush using a two part kit. The transmission cleaner is installed into the old fluid and the vehicle is taken on a road test to ensure proper shift quality and overall transmission performance. After which, using the specialized equipment our factory trained technician flushes out the torque converter, cooler & lines, valve body & trans pan using up to 10 qrts of new fluid to evacuate virtually all of the old depleted fluid. Then install the ATF supplement to protect against thermal break down and foaming to help extend the fluid life completed as requested. 1 qrt trans additive = $29.95, 8 qrts Castrol ATF = $23.60 and labor = $53.55." I was mad, approached the service advisor and asked him that "is it that the sealed transmission required AFT WS? He called couple technicians and asked about it and told me to wait another 1/2 hour so his tech. could replace the AFT WS. Anyway, if I have to start over again, I probably say nothing to them, just take my SUV and drive for a few trips to see how it performs under Castrol ATF with trans additive before complaining about it. I'm not sure the tech. replace the AFT WS fluid after I complained about it or not, but the truck's shifting pattern is about the same before the service. However, it drives a little lighter, may be because the tech. inflated the tires that why it drives lighter. Please advise...........

 

[h-bone714]

One more thing, the service advisor told me that 2WD model doesn't have transfer case fluid, only differential fluid. But when I looked up in the manual it says 1.5 qrts. Please enlighten me,,,

 

[Uneek]

One more thing, the service advisor told me that 2WD model doesn't have transfer case fluid, only differential fluid. But when I looked up in the manual it says 1.5 qrts. Please enlighten me,,,

That is correct.

The owner's manual is generic in the sense that it's for every 4Runner of that model year, be it a V6 or V8, 2WD or 4WD; and trim SR5, SE, Limited. It will also cover options that may or may not be present on yours.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Re: Dealer serviced my AFT-WS

Dealer flushed and changed the transmission fluid for my 2006 2WD 4Runner SportEdition today. Here is the story: After waiting for about 1 1/2 hours at the dealer, the service advisor came to me and told me that my car is ready. I went to cashier to pay for the service and took the receip outside to pick up my 4Runner. While I was waiting the lot attendant to deliver my SUV, I read the receipt and it stated like this "perform transmission fluid flush using a two part kit. The transmission cleaner is installed into the old fluid and the vehicle is taken on a road test to ensure proper shift quality and overall transmission performance. After which, using the specialized equipment our factory trained technician flushes out the torque converter, cooler & lines, valve body & trans pan using up to 10 qrts of new fluid to evacuate virtually all of the old depleted fluid. Then install the ATF supplement to protect against thermal break down and foaming to help extend the fluid life completed as requested. 1 qrt trans additive = $29.95, 8 qrts Castrol ATF = $23.60 and labor = $53.55." I was mad, approached the service advisor and asked him that "is it that the sealed transmission required AFT WS? He called couple technicians and asked about it and told me to wait another 1/2 hour so his tech. could replace the AFT WS. Anyway, if I have to start over again, I probably say nothing to them, just take my SUV and drive for a few trips to see how it performs under Castrol ATF with trans additive before complaining about it. I'm not sure the tech. replace the AFT WS fluid after I complained about it or not, but the truck's shifting pattern is about the same before the service. However, it drives a little lighter, may be because the tech. inflated the tires that why it drives lighter. Please advise...........

Get them to give you a copy of the internal work order for replacing the Castrol with WS and make sure it has your VIN on it. In 3 years you could live somewhere else and get screwed! If you have a trans issue they may claim you used the wrong fluid. Get it documeneted!

:cheers:

 

[gotpakalolo]

I just got my transmission fluid flushed and refilled but now each time I "put the pedal to the floor" I smell a bad odor coming from the vehicle. I checked the fluid levels from the dipstick and all seems normal. Is this common after you flush out the tranny fluids? The smell is like a bad skunk or burnt smell. It has been two weeeks and at first I thought it was other vehicles in traffic but now came to a conclusion it is my 4runner. Any input?

 

[04 sc V8]

I just got my transmission fluid flushed and refilled but now each time I "put the pedal to the floor" I smell a bad odor coming from the vehicle. I checked the fluid levels from the dipstick and all seems normal. Is this common after you flush out the tranny fluids? The smell is like a bad skunk or burnt smell. It has been two weeeks and at first I thought it was other vehicles in traffic but now came to a conclusion it is my 4runner. Any input?

I reluctantly just had mine flushed and filled@ my dealer. The tech was great, let me watch, knew what he was doing and parts gave me 20% off the WS fluid. The tech told me he hasn't serviced a trans. with WS fluid that doesn't come out clean. I saw my old fluid with 60k hard miles on it and it looked brand new. It does feel to shift better after the service though but that may just be in my head? On the way home I noticed a slight hint of ATF smell that went away within 10 minutes. I figured the odor got into the Cabin air filter. you may have a leak with yours?