AB60 Technical Question

I have been trying to answer this question on my own and have not been able to come up with an answer.

For the AB60E/F in the 3UR powered trucks. Does anyone know where the fluid in the line labeled "From ATF Cooler" goes once its back in the trans?




My assumption is it just returns the fluid to the pan? I found this generic diagram that indicates that. However I'm not sure if Toyota would be sending the fluid back somewhere else internally.


I watched this video, but couldn't see anything clearly to be sure.


For those wondering why, 1) General knowledge. 2) I want to know if using the return line to drain fluid for fluid swap could hurt anything. I have concept for doing fluid swaps and its feasibility hinges on this.

Thanks!

 

I believe it does go back into the pan based on how I monitor my trans temperatures. I watch A/T Oil Temp 1 and 2 on my ScanguageIII. Temp 1 is the pan temperature, Temp 2 is the temperature as it exits the torque converter. I also monitor gear and torque converter lockup. Through correlation and normal operation when the torque converter is unlocked in gears 1-3 and then modulated between locked and unlocked in gears 4-6 the fluid temp coming out of the converter is higher and climbs compared to the pan temp. The longer the converter is unlocked the warmer the pan gets. As soon as the converter locks, temperature 2 on my display usually falls to right around pan temperature and gives the transmission cooler a chance to bring things back down.

Here is an example of what I'm talking about. You can see in this picture, which was taken in my driveway and I likely just got off the county road to my house that A/T temp 2 is about 25 degrees warmer than temp 1. You can also see the trans is in 1st gear with the torque converter unlocked as it should be when sitting in drive. This is the main screen I keep up all the time, and especially when towing I watch the trans temperatures like a hawk.

 

Yes as stated it goes back to the pan. I've been doing complete drain and fills using the cooler return line since 2012. No issues and it helps to swap as much fluid as possible. I usually go through 13-16 qts. There are different methods you can look at.