Transmission Question

[1998Yota4Runner]

I believe I may be running a little low on trans fluid, maybe you guys could help me determine this.

Say I'm driving at 50mph, and gas it a little. It seems that its a little bit of a 'jerk' or thump, maybe like a hard shift. I also feel this when I gas a little hard leaving stop lights.

If I am low on ATF, how do I go about adding a little bit back to it? I do not intend on draining fluid, that'll come sometime in the summer, possibly in a rebuild.

I'd imagine adding through the dipstick tube would be ideal. Is this a good method? If so, how much? Things to watch out for?

4R: 1998 v6 automatic 4x4 non lockable diff (if that matters).

 

[kball]

You're already planning a rebuild? Is there something else you haven't mentioned going on here? Check the dipstick when the trans is hot and see if it's low. If it is add accordingly. How much will depend on how low you are. Through the dipstick tube is the ideal method because it's the only way. How does the fluid look?

 

[1998Yota4Runner]

Fluid looks ok. Its the original fluid, 263,xxx miles on the motor so I was planning on all new belts new timing belts flushing the radiator new spark plugs and such so why not add the trans to the list. She's never gotten much of a tune up whatsoever. No 100k check up at the Toyota stealership ever.

 

[Unner]

Original fluid at 263k miles! You realize that's supposed to be changed every 30k right? I doubt it looks ok if it is the original fluid...

 

[gamefreakgc]

Fluid looks ok. Its the original fluid, 263,xxx miles on the motor so I was planning on all new belts new timing belts flushing the radiator new spark plugs and such so why not add the trans to the list. She's never gotten much of a tune up whatsoever. No 100k check up at the Toyota stealership ever.

There's no way you went 263k miles on the original fluid. You'd be on tranny number 2 or 3 if someone tried something like that. The fluid should be clear and pink/red in color. Any amount of brown or black means it's going bad, if it is solid black then you will need a new tranny soon.