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transmission fluid check after service

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by denver kid, Jun 7, 2022.

  1. Jun 7, 2022 at 11:44 AM
    #1
    denver kid

    denver kid [OP] New Member

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    recently had my transmission fluid exchanged at toyota dealer ship, can I remove just the side filler plug without losing any fluid? would like to dip a white pipe cleaner in filler hole to see the color of fluid. I was told they change fluid by hooking up to transmission cooling line at cooler. I can see they did not have drain plug and fluid level check plug out, as level plug still has dirt in 5mm hex bit hole. ( dont really know for sure if it was changed)
     
    YardBird likes this.
  2. Jun 7, 2022 at 11:57 AM
    #2
    MadMaxCanon

    MadMaxCanon New Member

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    Too many, but not enough....
    you can open up the fill plug, it wont leak unless you are on a crazy hill. Not quite sure how far below it the fluid would be though.
     
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  3. Jun 9, 2022 at 5:17 AM
    #3
    baraynavab

    baraynavab Toyo Junkie

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    You can take the overflow plug in to front on the transmission out real quick get the fluid and close it back up (the hex/alenkey nut bolt ). If filled correctly only a small amount of liquid would leak from it. If nothing is leaking then you are low in Transmission fluid. Obviously, your car needs to be on a level surface.

    BTW there is also a rear DRAIN plug on that trans pan. You DO NOT want to open that one.. for obvious reasons. that is a normal bolt

    upload_2022-6-9_7-57-2.jpg
     
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  4. Jun 9, 2022 at 7:07 AM
    #4
    COTundie

    COTundie Whoa Black Betty

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    Don't imagine the fluid would be more than a few inches below the fill port.

    But I too would just Crack the overflow a bit to let some fluid drip out on a paper towel. Be quick about it though and dont remove it completely. I am always amazed and perplexed by the large and varying amount of fluid which will drain from the check port
     
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  5. Jun 9, 2022 at 7:10 AM
    #5
    MadMaxCanon

    MadMaxCanon New Member

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    Too many, but not enough....
    Its a bit tricky to do, Toyota has a very specific temperature range to check the level accurately. If the fluid is too cold nothing will come out and if its too hot, you will drain too much. This is all assuming of course you have the correct amount of fluid in there. I think if you use something that has no chance of breaking off in the tranny, like a piece of wire, you can get a couple drops out to check color.
     
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  6. Jun 9, 2022 at 8:00 AM
    #6
    COTundie

    COTundie Whoa Black Betty

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    This is exactly my point.

    Every time I have performed a drain and fill the transmission is cold (you know, so I can perform the appropriate leveling procedure afterwards). Multiple quarts have drained from the overflow every time I have performed a drain and fill....while cold.

    I honestly thought something was wrong the first time, but the leveling procedure always works as it should after replacing the expected 4ish quarts.

    Also thought I made it fairly clear one doesn't want to completely remove the bolt(s) unless draining or performing the leveling procedure. Should be able to loosen just enough to get a couple drops without draining the entire pan. Less chance of getting foreign debris inside your transmission as well.

    I would love to hear some other firsthand experience with the overflow. In my experience, some fluid has always come out of the overflow, even when cold.
     
  7. Jun 9, 2022 at 8:11 AM
    #7
    MadMaxCanon

    MadMaxCanon New Member

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    Too many, but not enough....
    I honestly think there is a pretty big "close enough" factor with the fluid since there is so much in there. I think if you are off about half a quart or something, it should probably be fine. I did my level check when I installed my tranny cooler so when i go to do my first drain and fill at 20k miles, I will change the fluid cold. I plan on putting my case of new fluid outside with the truck overnight to make sure its at the exact same temperature as whats in the truck, then plan on matching the amount drained out exactly with how much new fluid i will put in. Its hard for me to level the truck on my hilly, slopey area.
     
    coldcanuk likes this.
  8. Jun 9, 2022 at 8:48 AM
    #8
    COTundie

    COTundie Whoa Black Betty

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    If you're fairly sure the trans fluid is currently at the prescribed level, replacing the amount of fluid which you drain should get ya pretty close. I don't think I would risk "the procedure" either without a level surface to perform it.

    My garage is somewhat close, but I still lift the rear a few inches to compensate for the grade. I add about a half quart more than what drains from the pan, then pour a couple out for the homies upon proper leveling.
     
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  9. Jul 13, 2022 at 11:04 PM
    #9
    Cclaire3

    Cclaire3 New Member

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    07 Tundra , 196,000 miles on original sealed transmission fluid. Don’t mess with it until 100-150k miles. If people are draining theirs at 30k they don’t understand the purpose of the Toyota sealed transmission.
     
  10. Jul 13, 2022 at 11:09 PM
    #10
    AZBoatHauler

    AZBoatHauler SSEM#140/ASCM#3/2ndGenNaysayer/BAF140

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    Not sure why the maintenance guide says to change it at 60k.
    :monocle:

    And if you open the check plug with the engine off be prepared for a crap load (2 qts?) of fluid to come pouring out.
     
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