Transmission slipped today, replaced it last year...should i panic?

[BrianSD_42]

So .... did it stop slipping?

Oh and was the fluid low or just fine?

Btw I am pretty sure the fluid in that Amazon link (pictured below) is NOT the correct Toyota ATF for 3rd gen 4runner. That is for newer Toyota transmissions. The plastic bottles look different and it should be a different part number.


Not Correct:

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[BrianSD_42]

This is the correct Toyota OEM ATF for our years.

The price is high. I would buy it from Camelback instead. Use the 3% discount code and enjoy the tax free purchase. Combine with some other parts to get high enough for free shipping.

https://www.amazon.com/Toyota-Genuine-00718ATF00-Dexron-Transmission/dp/B004SL5FM0/



CORRECT: Toyota 00718ATF00

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[T4R2014]

This is the correct Toyota OEM ATF for our years.

The price is high. I would buy it from Camelback instead. Use the 3% discount code and enjoy the tax free purchase. Combine with some other parts to get high enough for free shipping.

https://www.amazon.com/Toyota-Genuine-00718ATF00-Dexron-Transmission/dp/B004SL5FM0/

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Even at $11 a quart(am I right?), that's still very pricey. At that point you are pushing into Redline D4 and Amsoil territory. And frankly I think that all of the major lubricant companies are capable of producing a Dexron 3 ATF. It's such a basic and universal spec for damn near every 90's vehicle in some way.

Edit: God I hate oil threads.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Sure and please note that I'm not pushing "everyone must use Toyota fluid" but if you do I want to make sure the correct Toyota bottle/part-number is listed for a 3rd Gen 4Runner (at least a 97 anyways).

Personally I have no idea how non-Toyota fluid holds up. I have never used anything but Toyota fluid and I've owned the truck since 65K miles. Now at 255K miles on original transmission. I am a bit late in the game to change things up.

For those folks who bought a 4Runner used (or anyone really) ... hey try whatever you prefer. I know that A LOT of folks here run non-Toyota ATF and have gotten fine results.

BTW, Camelback has it at < $9 / bottle and no tax. Shipping FedEx ground only $10 to California, free if you spend more on Camelback's site.

Also, this site is pretty awesome. Parts.Toyota.com simply click the search icon and paste in an OEM part number. Enter your zip code and look at competitive Toyota parts prices from local dealers. These are the dealers that want to play ball. It seems to work pretty well, at least for ATF.

--> https://parts.toyota.com/p/AUTOMATIC-TRANSMISSI/69278804/00718ATF00.html
MSRP: $11.63, lists 3 local dealers based on zip and the cheapest is El Cajon for $8.31 local pickup. Not bad!

:ranger:

 

[theriddler]

So .... did it stop slipping?

Oh and was the fluid low or just fine?

Btw I am pretty sure the fluid in that Amazon link (pictured below) is NOT the correct Toyota ATF for 3rd gen 4runner. That is for newer Toyota transmissions. The plastic bottles look different and it should be a different part number.


Not Correct:

.

Low and behold I it was a quart LOW, thanks to you and thegipper for your quick advise. Yes i'm an idiot, i missed the forest for the trees on that one. Stupid mistakes like this just makes my OCD worse. My bro and I re-dressed and re-clamped the tranny cooler lines a week or two ago and apparently that much fluid drained out during the process. I topped it off and haven't driven it yet, was waiting for a nice day to drop the pan and do the inspection.

As far as the Toyota WS goes, I'm sticking to Dex III or something with a similar viscosity. I couldn't find the actual numbers for the WS like I did for the Valvoline, but I heard enough bad stuff about the WS to keep me away from it. Funny how viscosity numbers matter when it comes to motor oil but viscosity numbers are all over the map on the atf for our trannys...and they all claim to be compatible.
:noidea:

 

[thegipper]

Always check the simple/obvious stuff first. Often, that is all it is.

Glad you got it squared away.

 

[mtbtim]

Low and behold I it was a quart LOW, thanks to you and thegipper for your quick advise. Yes i'm an idiot, i missed the forest for the trees on that one. Stupid mistakes like this just makes my OCD worse. My bro and I re-dressed and re-clamped the tranny cooler lines a week or two ago and apparently that much fluid drained out during the process. I topped it off and haven't driven it yet, was waiting for a nice day to drop the pan and do the inspection.

As far as the Toyota WS goes, I'm sticking to Dex III or something with a similar viscosity. I couldn't find the actual numbers for the WS like I did for the Valvoline, but I heard enough bad stuff about the WS to keep me away from it. Funny how viscosity numbers matter when it comes to motor oil but viscosity numbers are all over the map on the atf for our trannys...and they all claim to be compatible.
:noidea:

First of all, I'm happy for you that your transmission is not toast. Secondly, Dude, you missed letting us in on a pretty big fact that you had been messy with your tranny cooler recently. This would have been a dead give-away that the culprit was most likely a fluid level that was too low.

Having all the facts helps us help you.

 

[thegipper]

First of all, I'm happy for you that your transmission is not toast. Secondly, Dude, you missed letting us in on a pretty big fact that you had been messy with your tranny cooler recently. This would have been a dead give-away that the culprit was most likely a fluid level that was too low.

Having all the facts helps us help you.

Yup.

The devil is in the details. Always provide as much information as possible even if you think it may be irrelevant.

 

[theriddler]

First of all, I'm happy for you that your transmission is not toast. Secondly, Dude, you missed letting us in on a pretty big fact that you had been messy with your tranny cooler recently. This would have been a dead give-away that the culprit was most likely a fluid level that was too low.

Having all the facts helps us help you.

My bad, fluid level was good at when I first installed it but I didn't like the way I routed the hoses and I added a heat resistant sheath for them...mainly for abrasion resistance. When removing the hoses I lost more fluid than I thought apparently... Sorry for wasting your time on my stupidity...not one of my finest moments

Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk

 

[thegipper]

You didn't waste anyone's time. Don't sweat it, that's what we are here for. Everyone makes these kinds of mistakes.

Threads like this often help others (check the simple/easy stuff first).

 

[3bears]

just throwing this out.

glad you found the it was just low,
but why, keep your eye on it, maybe you have a small leak someplace.

I also found that if my truck is not dead level I get false readings on the dipstick

 

[T4R2014]

Good to hear. BUT, now I recommend you use a more expensive synthetic fluid.

 

[theriddler]

I don't think i have any leaks, but i will check again before i get it back on the road again. I agree on finding a level surface and checking the fluid there, seems to have an effect on it.

I have a magnefine filter on order for it and along with some synthetic tranny fluid, I'll get this installed this week.

Good weather rest of this week in Indiana, here's my to do list:

-replace 4x4 actuator in front diff
-replace power steering rack bushings
-put sway bar back in with some urethane bushings
-install Magnefine filter
-drop trans pan and clean filter and magnets
-flush old trans fluid out and replace with synthetic
-change engine oil/filter
-deckplate mod
-intake silencer removal
-change spark plugs

and then double check my fluid levels again and check for leaks!