Transmission fluid change on my Tundra

im very happy to see what I did today. The pan was a pain to get off but when I did I was happy. The previous owner did the bare minimum at maintaining this truck. It’s at 346,923 miles and I’m changing the transmission fluid and the filter. I’m happy with what I see in the am and how good the fluid was when I drained it. I was honestly dreading this. I feel a lot better about this truck now that I see what I see.

 

Looks like he was at least changing transmission fluid!

 

@Filthyphil I used to drive this for the previous owner for weekend work, and a few years back I put 2 quarts in it it because it started slipping and was low. Stopped slipping after that so that’s why the fluid might be clean hahaha

 

Gotcha why was it low?

 

I have a theory that it was short 2 quarts because the factory manual says a drain and fill is 2 quarts. We know (today) the drain and fill is about total 4 quarts +/- per a Toyota correction and real world evidence today.

Maybe someone followed the wrong instruction?

Also, probs reason for many of the A340f earlier years transmission failures. Bad manual info.

 

Crazy how many miles that trans has lasted!

When I serviced mine, I drained it into a container and put the same about back in. Probably do it again in another month or so and when it hits 200K, I will do the filter.

 

When I did my drain and fill, I think only two quarts came out.

 

When I did mine (for the first time last year after others being in charge) 3.5 quarts came out.

Did some mediation after running down multiple internet rabbit holes on the A340f and decided to add another 3/4 quart for experimentation. Was fairly smooth before (no problems) and with the added fluid it shifted smoother. I check the fluid with my engine running at hot. I make sure the dipstick is just a hair over the H line.

 

Looks like minimal shavings on the magnets, too. Confirms for me to just leave this transmission alone other than frequent fluid drain/fill changes. I think Marbles pulled his pan and confirmed minimal shavings on his 2002, as well. One less work thing that needs checking.

 

What I find most impressive about these trucks is that a lot of them hit 350K miles even though they have been neglected.That's amazing when you think about it.

 

Yep. I was watching a youtubes on this guy about Land Cruisers. He had all the different generations lined up. IIRC, he was discussing the 4.7L engine which is the one the earlier 1st Gen Tundra shares and he said Toy made these engines to last 25 years in the third world. Maybe the A340f transmission, too?

 

You aren't kidding! The ones around here are completely hammered and still selling for $5K+! What is strange, is most of them are 2WD though which is surprising for Colorado. I am still shocked what I paid for mine.

What is the proper method of checking the trans fluid? Hot in gear/neutral?

 

I was told operating temp in neutral. That's what I do.

 

Someone double check this older service procedure bulletin. I grabbed it from a link on A340f research but cannot determine if the checking fluid in PARK at full operating temp is the correct method. The DEXII is a giveaway on the pages age.

@Festerw

 

For those A340f transmissions.

 

I know that the 00-03 FSM that I refer to(can't find 2004 FSM) uses that same method. Mine don't have pretty pictures like yours

 

Service manual I have shows the same procedure but lists ATF Type IV.

 

Just curious, what reasons would cause it to be necessary for me to change my Tran fluid as the Owners Manual states ?

from 2004 OM....
"Change automatic transmission fluid only
as necessary"

 

Its arbitrary by design. I believe my manual says if dark or burnt smelling to change. Also, the recco miles were around 50k (half that for severe driving).

Fortunately, over the years I had the shops (at great expense) change all my fluids early and often. I think this earlier change interval is even more important the older the vehicle becomes.

Wished I had just done it myself early on due to the ease and low cost.

 

The way I look at it, it's a fluid. All fluids like this break down eventually. Spending $20-30 on ATF is a small price for peace of mind. Unfortunately, changing the fluid in the double cabs is more difficult but still doable.

 

That's what I am finding out from reading here and other articles. At my cough cough age and other physical limitations(vertigo sucks), I'm having to let others do some of this initial maintenance that I have neglected over the years but learnt my lesson recently on here and won't mention what I paid the dealer for parts/labor

Did pick up parts for valve cover gasket changeout as soon as this artic wx subsides !

 

Not on the 04 DCs they've still got a drain plug and dipstick.

It's an easy 20-30 minute job for piece of mind.

 

Yeah I just realized he had an 04. That's the odd ball year that still has the 4 speed right?

 

Correct, the 04 DC is like a bastard step child.

 

It’s funny with the newer tranny(forget the number) they use WS fluid and claim it’s a lifetime fluid....pssshh
And it’s not terribly difficult to do a full fluid swap under the power of the trannys own pump. I did a full 12qt swap on our 4Runner at 80k and I’m really glad I did, used amsoil ws equivalent.

 

Everyone ripped you for that receipt paid which I though was mostly within reason. A couple parts they gouged and the labor was slightly higher due to stealer status.

Overall, it was a thorough job and I doubt you’ll be reporting back like many coming through here do here with post-partem problem$$$ caused by el cheapo shade tree (or by their own accord).

 

Thanks, now I got a new name for Matilda

 

I checked mine tonight and I was about 1.5 quarts low. I had one extra and it brought it just shy of the sweet spot line. I’ll put half in tomorrow but it seems to be shifting better already.