Transmission jerky after fluid change

I changed the transmission fluid about 1000 miles ago. Manual said 2 quarts, and the guy at Toyota counter said 2.1 quarts - I made sure to buy proper Toyota fluid.

I replaced it - probably for first time ever - and added just over 2 quarts. But, ever since, there is an occasional low-speed jerkiness to it. Basically, what happens is if I slow down for a light but the light changes from red to green, and I accelerate, the truck feels like it’s not in gear and then it pops into gear with a noticeable jerk.

Fluid levels when engine hot are normal. Every other gear shift is normal, zero issues. Jerkiness is random and rare - it happened maybe 10-20 times in last few hundred miles.

Did I cause this with the fluid change? I don’t understand how I could have, but the timing is undeniable. Truck only has 133k miles, and tranny should not be going bad. Any ideas what’s going wrong, and if I can do anything to prevent it?

Thank you!

 

It would help to know which Tundra you're referring to, and what engine, tranny, etc. But for what it's worth, I think the normal drain/refill amount for the AB60E/F used on the 5.7L engine it closer to 3.2 quarts. How much did you drain? Describe your method of determining that the fluid level is "normal when engine hot" The xmsn temp is what you're supposed to monitor when you measure the level, regardless of engine/xmsn combo. I'm betting you're a good quart low, at least.

 

I've heard it's bad to change the tranny fluid when it's been in there for an extended period of time like that. This is just hearsay though, I don't really know if anyone else had heard that or not - or what the reasoning is behind it. Maybe others can chime in.

 

Sorry, I posted in 1st gen forum so I presumed it’d be obvious.

It’s a 2000 V8. Manual calls for 2 quarts and Toyota service desk said 2.1 quarts. As for checking the level when engine was hot, I pulled the dipstick and read the levels of the fluid.

 

See I heard that on one video on YouTube that showed how to do a 120k mile service and change all fluids. The mechanic skipped the tranny fluid change, but I figured that must be just weird hearsay - how could new, proper fluid be bad?

I could take it for a flush - apparently there is a lot more fluid in there but only 2 quarts can be drained. I hope flush would get more out, and they could refill it with all new fluid instead of just 2 quarts that I can do when I drain. I wonder if anyone has done that?

 

Okay. I didn't pay any attention to which forum you posted. I saw it in the recent posts. You're still supposed to check the level according to the temperature of the tranny, not the engine. And you should have a hot mark and a cold mark on the dipstick. Still acts like possible low fluid, could be a sticking valve in the valve body, weak solenoid. New fluid itself wouldn't cause any problems. Does the performance issue happen at all temps, or just when the tranny is cold, first few minutes of driving, or hot, after being driven for a while?

 

I just drained my fluid last weekend, and the early Manuals are wrong, you drain 4 quarts out when you drain the pan. So my guess would be your low on fluid.

Go drive your truck for 20 minutes or so getting the fluid up to temp and then check the dip stick with the engine idling in park.

 

Take your truck to a reputable transmission shop and have them assess your situation and have them do a full service. All new fluid and diagnostics. Pan drop and clean. New solenoids. The total works. Money well spent.

 

This is good info/correction knowledge. So, you are saying you only pulled the plug and did NOT drop your pan?

 

Do this first...most likely that is your issue...and it's free (or simply the cost of two more quarts of ATF)....

If it's still there do this...based on your first post, I really think the advice above is your most likely answer. Let us know how it goes.

 

My last 2 trucks (Tacoma and current Tundra) both did this in the situation you describe. Where you're coasting to a stop, the transmission disengaged the gear, and the engine RPMs are declining. Then, before a complete stop, you give it gas to re-accelerate and there is a lag in the tranny/torque converter re-engaging a gear. If you're too hard on the throttle at this point you'll get an RPM ramp-up and jerk when the tranny engages. If you are soft with the throttle it will be smother but it's still a noticeable lag/jerk.

I thought this was common...but now I'll be following this thread to see if it's something I need to worry about.

 

Did you leave the engine idling while checking the trans fluid level?

 

Did you do it on a 2000 V8 with a 4sp auto?



AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Fluid capacity (drain and ref
ill), L (qt.,
Imp. qt.):
Up to 2.0 (2.1, 1.8)
Fluid type:
Automatic transmission fluid D- II or
DEXRON
III (DEXRON
II


I drained right around 2 quarts and added just over 2 quarts - just as the manual and toyota service desk say. Later models have more oil that comes out when draining.

 

Never happened until this fluid change, so I presumed it was related

 

I did not - came home after driving it, stopped the engine, and then checked the level.

 

I notice it more when cold, but it happens at all times.

 

Correct, I just pulled the plug, drained and refilled. Only 2 quarts came out.

 

Always check the level while idling in park or neutral. Use the cold mark on the dipstick to get you close before you drive it again.

 

Got checked should be done while idling and trans temp up to operating temp. The idea of not changing trans fluid until there is an issue has to do with sediment and it's usefulness for friction. I've heard arguments both ways from mechanics, engineers and "just-googled it" experts.

 

And yours is a 2002 V8? I can’t remember, but if 2 came out and 2 went in then it doesn’t matter what year.

Seems like maybe the fluids are not compatible. You know what brand/type is the old fluid? Maybe the new isn’t matching up with the old? Syn v. Dino?

I need to call the shop that did my last transmission service to see there brand they used so when I do mine the fluids are talking the same language (brand, synthetic,etc).

If I was in your shoes, then I’d just go get a full transmission service performed. Have them put it on a diagnostic machine and run it through the courses. Go ahead and do a pan drop so they can see the health of things in the filter. Clean filter and do a full flush and all new fluids at full capacity with their special machines.

I know its expensive, but its the safe thing. Plus the peace of mind.

 

When I did it? I only pulled the plug and drained the pan.

 

Yes 2000 Tundra just like yours, from what I’ve gathered on this Forum the manuals were wrong in the early years. So I bought 4 just in case and measured exactly how much came out when I pulled the drain plug and I got exactly 4 quarts out of my 2000 on just a drain.

 

Ok. Musashi drained 2 and filled 2.

Phil drained 4 and philled 4.

Anyone know whose on phirst?

 

I added about .8 of a quart today. Measured levels while idling, and they were a bit under cold level. I might buy another quart to add some more. Still positive I drained 2 and added 2 - but I wonder if it was low to begin with?

But, not a single “jerk” today, so I’ll take that as a good sign.

 

Was wondering the same thing. It sounds hopeful.

 

Thanks for the update. Looks like I need to check my 2nd Gen and make sure it’s topped off. Did you reuse the crush washers after checking/filling again or buy new?

 

I reused everything on the transmission. So far so good.

 

He has a dipstick on his 2000, so only the drain plug would be in question. Unlike us 2nd gens. We also require a very specific temperature range to check fluid level.

 

I'm pretty sure on my 03 I used more than 2 quarts. I remember buying 4 quarts I think, I always left Toyota with a bag and I wouldn't get a bag for 2 quarts. Keep checking the fluid level and top off as needed, do both a cold check and a "just got home from work and its warmed up" check.

If you are even an little bit low or won't drive right. One time after doing my trans fluid I was driving home from work and it wouldnt hit 4th gear, just revving high in 3rd. I was really freaked out, it was as if the overdrive was off but it wasn't. I hit that button a few times, didn't help. Pulled over and was just a bit under the cold line. Topped off and it was fine.