Hey, I'm so glad I found this forum. I have an 05 Sport V-6 4WD. First let me assure everyone that I have indeed read everything on here about the sealed trannies and the special ATF. I will make this as brief as possible. The drain plug on my trans fluid was mistakenly pulled and all of the fluid in the pan (I figure about 3 or 4 quarts) was drained out. (it was dark and I was in a hurry, and I'm re****ed so I thought I was draining the oil) The vehicle was then driven for one day (to and from work - about 25 miles round trip). I noticed some slipping - nothing terribly bad - and took it to the dealer. (it's still under warranty) The dealer says that even though they have replenshed the tranny fluid, the transmission is "done" and that it will continue to slip until it's replaced. I'm assuming they're saying it will completely wear out eventually. However, he will not warranty it for me b/c I told him that I knew the fluid had been drained. I am just curious to get the opinions of anyone who is knowledgeable about transmissions. I find it hard to believe that that amount of mistreatment would ruin it. I know the system holds 15 qts and the slipping wasn't that bad. What do you think?
Tranny opinions appreciated
- Thread starter ag4runner
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CJ3Flyr
Super Moderator
ag4runner said:
"Tranny opinions appreciated" I'm a hetro, male WASP. Sorry I can't help:biggrin2: You said tranny uhuhuh....
Sorry, don't know what's wrong with me today. :bash: I have trouble believing your trans is trashed. I would confirm that they set the level properly. What I have found to be important, in addition to the instructions listed here http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=36489, is while it's running, run through the gears to engagement in D&R before placing it in N or P and checking the level. The key is don't shut it off between running through the gears and checking the level.
Does it slip and act funny now?
No problem, I did ask for opinions on Trannies - the subject didn't specify exactly what kind. Some people probalby thought I was on the wrong forum when they read the thread title.
Thanks for the input, though. I'm picking up my 4runner from the dealership tomorrow so I'll ask about what you mentioned. Is anyone on here savvy enough to know exactly what happens when an auto trans slips? Why would a little bit of slippage ruin a transmission?
Thanks for the input, though. I'm picking up my 4runner from the dealership tomorrow so I'll ask about what you mentioned. Is anyone on here savvy enough to know exactly what happens when an auto trans slips? Why would a little bit of slippage ruin a transmission?
CJ3Flyr
Super Moderator
I'm not an expert but there are some clutches that could wear to a degree. If the torque converter was starving for fluid that would wear the converter a bit. I think this transmission also has a pump in the back. If run dry the tolerances could open up a bit. If Toyota, officially in writing, disowns the transmission forever you do have an option. The type IV fluid in the older model has a slightly higher viscosity but it has a shorter service interval. If you have extra slippage due to low internal pressure and Toyota just says "sorry" then I'd experiment with Type IV before I spent big bucks.ag4runner said:
If it's behaving badly I'd play dumb and try another as my first course of action. Your dealer may be trying a scare tactic about the warranty. Another dealer is the only way to confirm that a warranty cancellation note was put in the computer.
What's troubling to me is what you siad about the fluid being dark. How many miles do you have. It's supposed to be 100k fluid and I would hope that it was pink to dark red rather brown with a hint of red if you're anything under 80k.
Well, I meant that it was dark outside. I guess to be specific, it was really dusk. That was why I didn't realize right away that it was red in coloring. I'm going to talk to them tomorrow and I'll definitely mention everything that I've read here as far as making sure that it's been refilled properly. After that I'll see how it behaves. Do you think a transmission specialist could be much better than the dealer? I don't want to void the warranty (if there haven't been any notations made in the computer) but I would like a second opinion. (oh and it's got almost 50K on it)
TechWrench
Senior Member
ag4runner said:
If you were experiencing any slippage when you drove it low on fluid, some damage was done. I'm not going to go into all the mechanical workings of an automatic trans, but it is not able to produce the correct amount of fluid pressure when the fluid level gets too low. The clutch packs are engaged by fluid pressure, and if the pressure isn't sufficient, the plates in the clutch packs will start to slip. Slipping means wear, and that wear can't be undone. That doesn't necessarily mean that the trans is ruined just yet. It depends on the amount of wear the clutch plates have sustained. There is no way to judge the amount of wear without dismantling the trans. If the wear wasn't too severe, you may not notice a problem as long as the fluid level is kept up. I would not try a different type of fluid, that isn't going to replace any missing clutch friction material. What I would suggest is to have the pan dropped, and the filter changed or cleaned. Any friction material that has worn off the clutch faces will find its way into the pan/filter area, and should be removed before it clogs the filter and restricts fluid flow which will also cause a loss of fluid pressure and lead to further clutch plate damage. Changing the fluid won't repair any damage that has already been done, but it MAY prevent any more from occurring. Good luck, only time will tell if you will get away with this mistake, or have to pay big time for it.
CJ3Flyr
Super Moderator
I hope it works out for you. I agree with TechWrench (in part 'cause if I'm a weekend poser mechanic he's the real deal), only time will tell and dropping the pan is a great idea, should've mentioned that. I can't speak to Toyota autos specifically but I defiantly agree, transmissions that have had low fluid sometimes run seemingly unscathed forever and other times they don't make it. I wish you all the best. There's a good bit of $$$ riding on this. Good Luck!ag4runner said:
:cheers:
Kmvreter
New member
ag4runner said:
I would take one intermediate step. Confirm for yourself what the rep. said. Take the vehicle for a drive (even if it's a short run near the stealership) to get it up to working temperature now that it has the right amount of fluid. Compare it to the slip you felt before. Then get them to drop the pan to do the filter.
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