Transmission fluid level confusion/issue

[DoorDing]

I just attempted to do a trans fluid check on my 2005 v8 4runner with 170k miles on it, but I'm a bit confused after doing it amd have some questions for the more experienced members out there.

Truck was warmed up for a while before setting temp check mode.

When the AT temp light came on solid, I almost immediately removed the inspection plug and a LOT of fluid came out. I quickly plugged it back up with the hex screw, but I couldnt believe how much came out. Id guess i lost a 1/4 of quart to a 1/2 quart maybe?

It was a solid stream the full size of the inspection hole.

Is there a period of time you're supposed to wait before checking it?

Is it possible that the transmission temp sensor is out of adjustment somehow and the trans wasn't up to temp yet even though the light came on?? Im confused.

Of course I didn't have an empty pan to drain it into so I have no way of determining how much fluid I lost. Was it totally overfilled from when the previous owner did a trans flush 10k ago or is there something out of spec possibly? Has anyone heard of a temp sender going bad?

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

[KaseyMcc]

I'm curious on this too. I recently did a pan drop/filter replacement and fluid refill about 1000 miles ago and wasn't 100% sure if I got the fluid level set right either. I refilled with about 3.5 quarts of fluid, enough to make sure it was coming out of the inspection hole when cold, then drove it very conservatively about 4 miles to reach operating temp, checked the pan temp with a infrared temp gauge (read 125-133*F) and pulled the inspection plug to let the excess flow out to a trickle and replaced the plug.
It's shifting smoother than it had been for the most part but I'm still not sure if I got the level set correctly, mostly due to the method I used to test the temp.
Now I've got a slight whine under heavy throttle, but can't determine if it's an intake noise, or coming from the transmission, or perhaps an exhaust leak even from taking the exhaust down a bit to get the trans fluid pan out. The noise almost sounds like a quiet supercharger whine, but I can't quite isolate where exactly it's coming from. With the 4Runner on a lift, I can see the transfer case has a slight leak, so I've wondered too if the whine might be due to low oil in that--need to check that, but it doesn't appear to be a major leak.
Would love to hear some of your thoughts.

 

[VT245]

Now I've got a slight whine under heavy throttle, but can't determine if it's an intake noise, or coming from the transmission, or perhaps an exhaust leak even from taking the exhaust down a bit to get the trans fluid pan out. The noise almost sounds like a quiet supercharger whine, but I can't quite isolate where exactly it's coming from.

I had this supercharger-like noise after I had my transmission flushed. I could hear it under heavy throttle especially when towing my boat. I brought it back in and I was running about 3/4 quart low so they topped me off and the noise went away after that.

 

[ZiaMan]

Truck was warmed up for a while before setting temp check mode.

...

Is there a period of time you're supposed to wait before checking it?



Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

I'm curious on this too. I recently did a pan drop/filter replacement and fluid refill about 1000 miles ago and wasn't 100% sure if I got the fluid level set right either. I refilled with about 3.5 quarts of fluid, enough to make sure it was coming out of the inspection hole when cold, then drove it very conservatively about 4 miles to reach operating temp, checked the pan temp with a infrared temp gauge (read 125-133*F) and pulled the inspection plug to let the excess flow out to a trickle and replaced the plug.
.

This is the best how-to I've found and how I did it on my GX. Temp needs to be between 115-130F. I had access to a Snap-On Scanner than showed actual trans temp, and as I was finishing, fluid would continue coming out as the fluid was warming up and expanding. It is definitely tricky and I think the margin of error is only half a quartish.

Sticky Lin - first post has pdf:
Replacement of Trans oil on GX - Club Lexus Forums

This is the transmission temp check procedure from pdf above:
5. FLUID TEMPERATURE CHECK
NOTICE:
The fluid temperature should be less than 30C (86F) before
beginning the fluid temperature check.
(a) With hand−held tester
(1) Connect the hand−held tester to the DLC3.
(2) Select the tester menus: OBD/MOBD, ENGINE,
DATA LIST and A/T.
(3) Check A/T OIL TEMP.
(4) Allow the engine to idle until the fluid temperature
reaches 46C (115F).
(b) Without hand−held tester (Using A/T OIL TEMP indicator)
(1) Connect terminals between CG (4) and TC (13) of
the DLC3 using SST (09843−18040).
(2) Move the shift lever back and forth between N and
D every 1.5 seconds for six seconds.
(3) The D shift indicator on the combination meter
comes on for two seconds. This indicates that the
fluid temperature check mode has been started.
(4) The D shift indicator will come on again when the
fluid temperature reaches 46C (115F) and will
blink when it exceeds 56C (130F).
(5) Allow the engine to idle until the fluid temperature
reaches 46C (115F).

 

[wc11]

Keep in mind that the levels will vary based on temperature so top up accordingly.

 

[KaseyMcc]

I had this supercharger-like noise after I had my transmission flushed. I could hear it under heavy throttle especially when towing my boat. I brought it back in and I was running about 3/4 quart low so they topped me off and the noise went away after that.

AH! Thanks so much for the reassurance! This was about what I expected, I will try to get it back up on the lift tonight and redo my fluid level!

 

[VT245]

AH! Thanks so much for the reassurance! This was about what I expected, I will try to get it back up on the lift tonight and redo my fluid level!

So far, so good for me. Fingers crossed its nothing else!! My 08 is at ~90k and I need it to last me a couple more years before I can upgrade to a 200 series Cruiser.

 

[ben550]

I just attempted to do a trans fluid check on my 2005 v8 4runner with 170k miles on it, but I'm a bit confused after doing it amd have some questions for the more experienced members out there.

Truck was warmed up for a while before setting temp check mode.

When the AT temp light came on solid, I almost immediately removed the inspection plug and a LOT of fluid came out. I quickly plugged it back up with the hex screw, but I couldnt believe how much came out. Id guess i lost a 1/4 of quart to a 1/2 quart maybe?

It was a solid stream the full size of the inspection hole.

Is there a period of time you're supposed to wait before checking it?

Is it possible that the transmission temp sensor is out of adjustment somehow and the trans wasn't up to temp yet even though the light came on?? Im confused.

Of course I didn't have an empty pan to drain it into so I have no way of determining how much fluid I lost. Was it totally overfilled from when the previous owner did a trans flush 10k ago or is there something out of spec possibly? Has anyone heard of a temp sender going bad?

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

It is possible the previous owner overfilled it. If you removed the check plug as soon as the A/T Temp light went solid, you should be good with the correct level. Let it drain unit it slows to a trickle. Then close it.

I'm sure this is stating the obvious, but the vehicle must remain on/running while you check. If you turn it off, the fluid settles in the pan and will drain way more than you should.

 

[KaseyMcc]

It is possible the previous owner overfilled it. If you removed the check plug as soon as the A/T Temp light went solid, you should be good with the correct level. Let it drain unit it slows to a trickle. Then close it.

I'm sure this is stating the obvious, but the vehicle must remain on/running while you check. If you turn it off, the fluid settles in the pan and will drain way more than you should.

Well crap! I really screwed up the process then! I ran mine to operating temp, trans oil pan was reading 125-130*F with infrared gauge, shut it down and pulled the inspection bolt until it slowed to trickle.
:frusty:

 

[07V8]

Well crap! I really screwed up the process then! I ran mine to operating temp, trans oil pan was reading 125-130*F with infrared gauge, shut it down and pulled the inspection bolt until it slowed to trickle.
:frusty:

Follow the procedure. You're definitely low on oil now.

 

[DoorDing]

I'm curious on this too. I recently did a pan drop/filter replacement and fluid refill about 1000 miles ago and wasn't 100% sure if I got the fluid level set right either. I refilled with about 3.5 quarts of fluid, enough to make sure it was coming out of the inspection hole when cold, then drove it very conservatively about 4 miles to reach operating temp, checked the pan temp with a infrared temp gauge (read 125-133*F) and pulled the inspection plug to let the excess flow out to a trickle and replaced the plug.

It's shifting smoother than it had been for the most part but I'm still not sure if I got the level set correctly, mostly due to the method I used to test the temp.

Now I've got a slight whine under heavy throttle, but can't determine if it's an intake noise, or coming from the transmission, or perhaps an exhaust leak even from taking the exhaust down a bit to get the trans fluid pan out. The noise almost sounds like a quiet supercharger whine, but I can't quite isolate where exactly it's coming from. With the 4Runner on a lift, I can see the transfer case has a slight leak, so I've wondered too if the whine might be due to low oil in that--need to check that, but it doesn't appear to be a major leak.

Would love to hear some of your thoughts.

Mine has a bit of a whine as well. Always had since I bought it. I'm fairly sure mine has too much fluid at this point as losing some of the fluid has it behaving more like I remember my Tacoma used to.

It's now doing things like holding a lower gear for the duration of the hills after downshifting itself even when you lift on throttle for a couple seconds it still holds the lower gears. I did about 160 miles today, long enough to form a pretty solid opinion on its current behavior...

It's also smoother in quick on/off throttle situations like when in traffic in 4 or 3. There's less of a thud when you get back on the gas again.

I'm thinking I'll get an IR thermometer and go by that temp reading as opposed to the blinking idiot light...

There seems to be some confusion in the various posts about what temp to begin testing at. Most say it should be between 97-115 degrees, but now I'm seeing posts saying 115-130? Which is it?

 

[KaseyMcc]

Mine has a bit of a whine as well. Always had since I bought it. I'm fairly sure mine has too much fluid at this point as losing some of the fluid has it behaving more like I remember my Tacoma used to.

It's now doing things like holding a lower gear for the duration of the hills after downshifting itself even when you lift on throttle for a couple seconds it still holds the lower gears. I did about 160 miles today, long enough to form a pretty solid opinion on its current behavior...

It's also smoother in quick on/off throttle situations like when in traffic in 4 or 3. There's less of a thud when you get back on the gas again.

I'm thinking I'll get an IR thermometer and go by that temp reading as opposed to the blinking idiot light...

There seems to be some confusion in the various posts about what temp to begin testing at. Most say it should be between 97-115 degrees, but now I'm seeing posts saying 115-130? Which is it?

That temp range is something I'm not 100% sure on either, but I wouldn't base your approach on anything I've said or temps I've used because I really screwed up on mine! :sorry:

 

[DoorDing]

Now I'm even more confused . Can anyone post the factory service manual procedure for the 4th gen 4runner specifically?

 

[ben550]

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.63851/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-full-flush-for-automatic-transmission.68462/

"Step 10: At this point you should have approximately the correct amount of fluid in the AT and everything is reconnected. It's time to perform the fluid level check to ensure that the right amount of fluid is in the transmission. I will briefly go over this as a great write up has already been done by ForTech (http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/63851-how-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.html ). Do NOT use an IR thermometer - the pan reading won't be anywhere close to the internal temperature.

Cliffs notes version, but I highly suggest reading ForTech's post:

Make sure you're parked on level ground,
Start truck, shift through all gears several times to get new fluid moved all around.
Using a small wire, jump pins 4 and 13 on the ODBII port.
Start the truck, you should see a lot of your dash lights flashing.
From park, put truck in neutral for 2-3 seconds
Shift down to drive for ~1 second, enough for it to barely engage the gear then go back to neutral then back to drive after ~1 second. (repeat 3 times, total of 6 shifts).
Once back in neutral after 6th shift, you should see AT Temp in red light up for 2 seconds on the Tach face plate.
Shift back to park, you should see the AT temp light again for 2 seconds then go off. If you don't see this, you've messed up and need to do it again.
Let the truck idle until the AT temp light stays on. It's close when it starts flickering. It may take up to 20 minutes of idling to get to temp, especially in colder environments.


Step 11: With the AT Temp light on and the truck still idling, remove the check plug(5mm hex). Be mindful of the Y-pipe / exhaust as it's hot and you will burn yourself if more than lightly touched. Also have your catch bucket ready. Hopefully you've added a little more than what's needed and fluid will come out. Allow fluid to drain until it's a light/thin trickle. Add your new crush washer to the bolt and replace the bolt torquing to spec (15 ft.*lb). Turn the engine the off."

 

[ZiaMan]

Now I'm even more confused . Can anyone post the factory service manual procedure for the 4th gen 4runner specifically?

Sticky Link - first post has pdf:
Replacement of Trans oil on GX - Club Lexus Forums

GX470 Trans = 4Runner Trans...