What is the proper way to check your automatic tranny fluid ?

[MudbogPete]

Should you do it with the motor off?

Should you do it with the motor running ?


I noticed that there are 2 notches for cold and hot, so that is a no brainer .....as long as the level falls between those two notches.


The reason I ask is, I drove a 99 4 runner with 50K miles and it shifted crisp and firm. My 97 shifts real soft. Mine has 103K miles but the fluid with the motor off read way high! I think I overfilled it when I change tranny oil. The owners manual tells you nothing about checking the tranny fluid. :50cal: :50cal: :50cal:




Any suggestions ??

Thanks !

 

[MudbogPete]

I know this is a really hard question.

Sorry.


I will probably just call Toyota and see what they say, then come here and post the answer.


... used to be on GM cars, you left the car running while you checked the fluid.

 

[jharris2]

... used to be on GM cars, you left the car running while you checked the fluid.

That's the way I've always checked it....

 

[TSP-MIKE]

If you wanna check your transmission fluid correctly. You must drive it for atleast 10 mins at highway speeds. Then stop the car and let the engine idle with the A/C off. Check the fluid, it must be between the top and bottom of the HOT marks. Engine must be running while you check!

About your transmission, Why it shifts so soft and the 99 4runner shifts firm and crisp. In 1999 Toyota updated the vehicle to handle the supercharger, so they made the transmission shift harder and updated the computer to handle the boost.