Gen 3 Transmission Fluid Level Check Temperature Range

Does anyone know the proper temperature range for checking the transmission fluid on a Gen 3? Specifically, a 2014 5.7L 4x4.

I believe the TSB floating around the internet for 2007 says 115-133 F. The video showing the guy using the trans cooler method says 99-111 for a 2009. I thought I saw somewhere that the Gen 3 was 99-111 or 104-115. Could have been a Tacoma or 4Runner, though.

I can read my temps via OBDII Fusion, and I'd prefer not having to go through the trouble of the jumper method.

 

I just did this yesterday, and I've only read that the range was 115-133. I've not heard of "the trans cooler method" nor instructions of other temperatures for the Gen 3, I'm pretty certain that the transmission is identical to the Gen 2s. The jumper method is a paperclip, not that difficult. With that being said, I used Tech Stream.

 

99-111, see attached for procedure:

 

This is awesome. Thank you.

 

Huh, the .PDF that I followed was mostly the same with the obvious exception of the temperatures. This also sheds light....as to why my "D" light was on steady <99F and started blinking at 111F. I think that I will supplant this copy with the one I currently have saved. Thanks!

Later: I did a little more digging around and found information back to 2009 listing the lower temps. I drove my truck a little today on errands and all seems well, but now I'm inclined to double-check the level next weekend.

 

I checked my temp via OBD2 this morning, and it read about 95. Immediately started up the paperclip jumper procedure, and by the time it started to read the temps, it was already showing D. So yea, 99 F for the lower # is confirmed.

Drained about 4 qts from the pan today. Then pulled out about another 10 qts via the trans cooler line in 2 qt increments while replacing 2 qts each round. The first batch was pretty dirty and very thin. The remaining 10 qts started to progressively look better. Still dark at the end, but with a consistency more like syrup. I'm at about 77000, and this was the first time the trans fluid was serviced. I plan to do another drain and fill of just the pan sometime next year, and regularly after that. Doing just the pan was easy.

 

I also dropped the pan and replaced the pan gasket because I wanted to swap out the filter. One of the pan bolts snapped, so that was fun. I'm at 62K and it was rather gross looking. The cooler got the purge as well. From this point on I plan on doing the pan only in more frequent intervals too, unless I don't like how it looks. In the back of my mind, I wonder what the rationale was for the change in what the fluid temps are during level check. It must've been programmed to the ECU as well judging by the fact that the "D" comes on at 99F and flashes above 111F versus what my dated info stated. I've noticed that some trucks with the tow package appear to have different trans fluid coolers on them, I wonder if that's a component. My neighbor's 07 cooler is generally vertical on the passenger side of the radiator and doesn't extend in front of the radiator, the one on my 11 covers most of the front of the radiator. Maybe they tuned the dimensions from a smaller L x W and more cores to greater L x W and fewer cores. Some time I'll have to try to do a visual side by side.

 

I haven't got the urge to drop the pan yet, maybe in a couple more years. From what I gather, somewhere along the line the transmission cooler and AC condenser were integrated together.

Anyways, it was a little messier than I hoped, but the truck seems to be shifting very smoothly after a test drive. I've done the diffs, transfer case, drive shaft, motor oil, and transmission all in the last week. My garage floor is a sticky mess, but the truck is happy.

 

Maybe I'll just check around the perimeter of the cooler for A/C lines, that would answer that. I spent about thirty minutes scrubbing the shop floor and degreasing the underside of my truck to squelch false drips and other sundry spills. I popped back in today to put the rock guard back on and the place still reeks of trans fluid. This was the last fluid on my truck that needed changed. The drive shafts are getting theirs soon, gotta get another grease gun. I seemed to have misplaced my last one.

 

Can someone tell me where to get a gasket and filter kit for an AB60F transmission?
Can't find them at any of the major auto parts stores online.
Dealer?

 

Honestly, sometimes the dealer is the best place to get the correct, highest quality part(s).

 

I have a write up of my experience on tundratalk. Check out the DIY section. I'll copy it over here later. You can also us Aisin fluid. Which is what I did. The new change process invloves draining the fluid in 3 batches while running the engine for 30 seconds. Check temp comes very fast after startup. Couple of minutes or so.

 

Gen 3 fluid level check temperature is different depending on the type of transmission, i.e. the engine size.

Check the bottom edge of vehicle spec decal on driver side door jamb to confirm transmission type. Transmission type for the 5.7L is AB60E/F (E=2WD, F=4WD), and fluid level check temperature range is 99-111 degrees F. Transmission type for the 4.6L is A760E/F, and fluid level check temperature range is 127-138 degrees F.

 

There is actually 4 different model transmissions for the 5.7 in the model year 2015 service guide. Some have the fill plug in different areas. It is always good to go by the decal or VIN lookup.

 

Quoted information above regarding transmission type is from the 2015 Service Repair Manual.

No other unique types are mentioned there, but location of fill, drain, and check plugs could be different on the same type of transmission. Such changes may be indicated by a single character change in the prefix, suffix, or digit in the model number, but I would expect the two basic transmission types to be unchanged.

The two different transmissions are required by the different torque ratings of the two engines. If there are actually six? unique models of Gen3 transmissions, then I'm misinformed, but always looking forward to learning new things here.

 

There are 4 types in that Service Repair Manual. A760E, A760F, AB60F and AB60E. They are listed under the column "TYPE". Like you said, AB60F and AB60E are tied to 5.7s and the A760F and A760E are tied to 4.6s.

 

Exactly what I said in my original post. I just wrote it AB60E/F and A760E/F, where /F means the same as AB60F etc.

 

I made the mistake of saying 4 types for the 5.7 and you made the mistake of saying 2 types in relation to AB60 and the A760. There are 2 types for each engine for a total of 4.

Sorry for the mistake.

 

No mistake on my part. I'll write the whole thing out for you next time.

 

No need. I can read....

You said....

 

Mebbe not as well as you think. But, here...I'll write it all out again for you just in case:

Basic Transmission Type #1 = AB60 = 99-111*F fluid level check range (Usually found with 5.7L).
Basic Transmission Type #2 = A760 = 127- 138*F fluid level check range (Usually found with 4.6L).

I wish to hell I had simply posted the two lines above for the confused. Note that, with 20/20 hindsight, I didn't say those engine/transmission combinations are ALWAYS found together: Maybe the factory made a mistake (NOT), or the previous owner could have dropped in a different engine. But, just in case the reader IS confused about what size engine they have, you do have to admit that I covered that base by saying in my original post:

Now...I have no idea what to say if someone has changed the original transmission type. No good deed goes unpunished.

 

No problem. No worries. Thanks for your information. I appreciate it. The actual process to check the level is the same if you don't use tech stream. I assume the flashing or steady "D" works properly even if the temp is different for different types.

Thanks again.

 

I got confused in the part about using the paper clip method. The D light on means temp is in range, correct? Most of the method was written assuming TechStream was being used. I can read temp with Torque Pro on my phone from underneath the truck. Seems like a better way. What do you think?
Thanks,

 

If you use an OBD2 scan tool/app, which PID do you go by for setting the fluid level? Trans 1 - which i think most have setup for "pan" temp, or Trans 2 - which i believe is the temp at the torque converter?
Thanks in advance, getting ready to do this service this weekend on my new to me 2014 with 129k miles - betting it's never been touched.

 

Also - not sure where this should be posted - but AISIN WS trans fluid is at RockAuto for $5.77/qt - i ordered 15qts.

 

The SRM does not say which temp sensor Toyota is using to measure ATF temperature for level setting. Logic would indicate they're probably using the pan temperature imo...that's where the ATF temp is most relevant for fluid level.

Personally, I would not use a scan tool. My opinion is it's best not to get preoccupied with the actual temp value. I would focus on getting the level right using Toyota's recommended method in lieu of TechStream; i.e, of jumpering the OBD2 terminals and using the shifter to put the cluster display in "level checking" mode. Keep in mind that the acceptable ATF temp range for level checking covers 12 degrees, so there is some latitude in the ATF temp anyway.

Check out the youTube video below. This video is for a simple drain, fill, and level check of Gen3 5.7L 4WD, and was posted since the OP. The details will be simpler for other transmissions without the tow package heater/cooler. The video is tedious and long, but the guy is learning the process as he's making the video. He repeats himself to further refine the method, and he covers most mistakes a first-timer could make, including getting burned bad by the exhaust pipe while trying to unpin the fluid heater . It follows the Tundra SRM closely.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOrsNW2GXJs

 

Thanks for all the great info. I've watched a handful of Toyota trans videos, not sure how that one escaped me - I'll check it out. Thanks again!

 

I can confirm this ^^^. Great find and thanks for sharing. I too just ordered 15 quarts. Less than a hundred bucks. And now I'm all set when the time comes to do the service.

Thanks.

 

Just a FYI. I have a 2007 tundra 5.7 with the AB60E. Wasn’t clear of the correct check temp so I went outside and done some digging! I entered my truck into temp check mode. Once the “D” illuminated I pulled my paper clip and connected my Ultragauge. It read my pan temp was 100.1 degree. So I reckon I confirmed that the 99-113 is accurate and not the 115-130.

 

Hey, I also have a 2007 5.7 Tundra. could you please confirm the exact pins that need to be jumped to activate the “temperature detection mode” thanks