Tranny fluid and level question

[04SR54me]

I have 126K on my 2004 v/6. Had the dealer do the tranny fluid change. I did an oil change today and checked what I believe is a tranny dip stick on the pass side of the engine w/ a red handle. When I pulled it and checked the fluid level it appeared at the cold level and their were a few notches on the stick which I can't find the significance of in the owners manual. Some posts say there is no dip stick, but that's what this appears to be.
Do we have to use the world service fluid and anyone know the correct procedure for determining level and what the dip stick markings mean. Thanks much.
Also, it sounds like my engine is a little noisy on the front drivers side like a noisey clicking I don't hear on the pass side. I've run mobil one since new. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[Gecko123]

I have 126K on my 2004 v/6. Had the dealer do the tranny fluid change. I did an oil change today and checked what I believe is a tranny dip stick on the pass side of the engine w/ a red handle. When I pulled it and checked the fluid level it appeared at the cold level and their were a few notches on the stick which I can't find the significance of in the owners manual. Some posts say there is no dip stick, but that's what this appears to be.
Do we have to use the world service fluid and anyone know the correct procedure for determining level and what the dip stick markings mean. Thanks much.
Also, it sounds like my engine is a little noisy on the front drivers side like a noisey clicking I don't hear on the pass side. I've run mobil one since new. Any ideas? Thanks.

The older 4th gen did have a tranny dipstick. I know for sure the 2003 has one. When you check the tranny fluid it needs to be in operating temperature with the car running and put in park.

I highly suggest not messing with the tranny fluid if you are not sure. Too much or too tranny fluid can be very damaging to the tranny and very expensive to fix.

 

[sonerick]

Also, it sounds like my engine is a little noisy on the front drivers side like a noisey clicking I don't hear on the pass side. I've run mobil one since new. Any ideas? Thanks.

The noise is the vacuum switching valve (VSV) and it is normal. Some have placed an insulating layer of foam tape to reduce the noise, but its not necessary IMO.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/42542-v6-tick-tic-tap-noise-reduced.html

 

[stevec5000]

The older 4th gen did have a tranny dipstick. I know for sure the 2003 has one. When you check the tranny fluid it needs to be in operating temperature with the car running and put in park.

There's also a cold level on the dip stick, the lower one, but I don't think it's as accurate. You should check the owners manual to see which kind of fluid the tranny takes in case you need to top it off. It's also stamped on the dip stick if you don't have a manual. Don't mix different kinds of fluid or get a "generic" fluid at the auto parts store though, use the real stuff from Toyota.