3rd Gen Tacoma Transmission Fluid Drain and Fill

Suh Dudes! This is a quick run through on how to perform a transmission fluid drain and fill on 2nd/3rd gen Tacoma. Dealer recommends this service at 90,000 I believe. I already knew that didn't sound right. Kinda like when the dealer tells you to change your engine oil every 10,000 miles because "its synthetic and last longer" No thanks! My truck was right under 80,000 and it was already pretty burnt/dirty...surprise surprise! I would say you're better off doing this every 35,000-50,000 to stay on top of it and not be draining out dirty fluid like me. This simple maintenance is crucial in keeping your transmission happy for the life of your Taco. It can be intimidating reading the steps on how to do this service. I know it was for me at first. Almost thought I would just have the dealer do it. Had to slap myself for thinking that...Close one! If you can do a oil change then you can handle this service no problem. Save yourself the $$$$ avoid the stealership and get this done at home. If you don't have a place to work on your truck no problem. You are saving so much money you can just bribe a buddy with brewskis and food to do this at his house/garage. Your Taco and Wallet will thank you!
Crush washers:
www.amazon.com...
Transmission Fluid: (I purchased 3x of these and it was just enough to do 4x drain and fills)
www.amazon.com...

[@seagraverider]

When you repeat the flushes do you run all new fluid each time?

[@dylanjischke1993]

@@seagraverider Yes every time you drain the transmission pan you need to pump new fluid back in. The idea is after each drain and fill with fresh fluid the system is gradually getting cleaner and cleaner. After about 4x drain and fills with fresh fluid on every refill the system now has new clean fluid throughout.

[@seagraverider]

@@dylanjischke1993 after I read what I wrote it sounded like a really really dumb question but thank you very much. I’ll do it more confident.

[@dylanjischke1993]

@@seagraverider 🤣 No worries man thanks for watching! Good luck on the fluid swap you got it 👌🏻🤙🏻

[@Nel-r8h]

My taco dosen't have #4 open only #13 - need to rum OBD2 scanner just to make sure it's on the right check mode. Any thought about if one of the pins are not available? How do you do it?

[@dylanjischke1993]

@@Nel-r8h What year is your Taco? On the 2020+ there is a way to do it without jumping any pins

[@Nel-r8h]

@@dylanjischke1993 I got a solution without messing the ODB2 port. Not using the paper clip. I got a bluetooth ODB2 dongle. I downloaded the Toyota Enhanced Diagnostics that includes Transmission temperature PID's. The next time I will change my transmission I will simply connect the dongle and look for the transmission temperature.

[@Nel-r8h]

@@dylanjischke1993 2020 SR5 V6

[@dylanjischke1993]

@@Nel-r8h AC6OF (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION / TRANSAXLE): AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID: ADJUSTMENT; 2020+ Tacoma To enter automatic transmission fluid temperature detection mode: Depress and hold the brake pedal. Start the engine. [# 1] Turn off electrical and mechanical loads Slowly move the shift lever from P to S, then move the shift lever to P. (~3 seconds each position [#2] While observing the D shift indicator on the combination meter, move the shift lever back and forth between N and D at an interval of less than 1.5 seconds for 12 seconds or more. [#3] Perform #1, #2, & #3 within 60 seconds Check that the D shift indicator comes on for 2 seconds. Move the shift lever from N to P. Release the brake pedal. Allow the engine to idle until the automatic transmission fluid temperature reaches 35 to 45°C (95 to 113ºF). The D shift indicator will come on again when the fluid temperature reaches 35°C (95°F) and will blink when it exceeds 45°C (113°F). Performing this operation will cause the vehicle to enter fluid temperature detection mode and engine idle speed control mode. In engine idle speed control mode, engine idle speed control starts when the fluid temperature reaches the specified temperature and the engine speed is maintained.

[@areyoukittenme9937]

Does running it with half quart extra cause any damage to the seals ect within transmission? I know it damages engine to over fill the oil.. I'd assume it would mess up the pressure system

[@dylanjischke1993]

I doubt that small amount of over fill would cause any damage. Now say two or three full quarts over...different story probably not a good idea! The extra half quart is only in the pan for 5-10 minutes while the transmission warms up at idle with no real pressure/engine load. Then you remove the check bolt on the pan and any excess drains right back out. Toyota engineered it that way so I trust it. Plus, I've even seen some guys run 1/2 to 1 quart overfilled engine oil for their track cars to help with oil starvation on sharp turns. Those guys are absolutely reaming on those cars. I wouldn't sweat it! Thanks for watching!

[@areyoukittenme9937]

@dylanjischke1993 thank you for your video and reply. I am curious as to why you can't just drain and refill cold and just put back exactly what u drained out wouldn't work. Vs the paperclip and scary flashing lights🤷🏽‍♂️

[@dylanjischke1993]

@@areyoukittenme9937 I hear you! Definitely an intimidating process the first couple times. Especially compared to the older Toyotas where you can drain, fill, then simply check the transmission dip stick. Technically you could just drain it cold and replace the same amount without doing all the extra stuff. Only downside to that would be you can’t confirm if the system was/is actually full. Say the fluid was low from the start and you did it that way you run the risk of it still being low.

[@tyhoff1622]

Hey how do you do this on a 2020 trd offroad without the #13 pin on the obd2

[@dylanjischke1993]

@@tyhoff1622 AC6OF (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION / TRANSAXLE): AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID: ADJUSTMENT; 2020+ Tacoma To enter automatic transmission fluid temperature detection mode: Depress and hold the brake pedal. Start the engine. [# 1] Turn off electrical and mechanical loads Slowly move the shift lever from P to S, then move the shift lever to P. (~3 seconds each position [#2] While observing the D shift indicator on the combination meter, move the shift lever back and forth between N and D at an interval of less than 1.5 seconds for 12 seconds or more. [#3] Perform #1, #2, & #3 within 60 seconds Check that the D shift indicator comes on for 2 seconds. Move the shift lever from N to P. Release the brake pedal. Allow the engine to idle until the automatic transmission fluid temperature reaches 35 to 45°C (95 to 113ºF). The D shift indicator will come on again when the fluid temperature reaches 35°C (95°F) and will blink when it exceeds 45°C (113°F). Performing this operation will cause the vehicle to enter fluid temperature detection mode and engine idle speed control mode. In engine idle speed control mode, engine idle speed control starts when the fluid temperature reaches the specified temperature and the engine speed is maintained.

[@mcdermottrobert]

I've got a 2021 sport and I'm able to get it into temp check mode without bridging the pins. I just go from N to D a few times and everything else works the same way you showed it. Do you know if bridging the pins is necessary?

[@dylanjischke1993]

@@mcdermottrobert No jumping pins is not necessary to get into temp check mode on the 2020+ models. The way you’re doing it is all you need. Jumping pins is only required on 2016-2019 models 👍🏻

[@mcdermottrobert]

@@dylanjischke1993 thanks for the quick response!

[@Doc1855]

Sadly my vision has failed enough that I can no longer see well enough to do the maintenance on my vehicles, so I have to take our vehicles to the dealership. Yes it sucks. I’d rather do it myself.

[@dylanjischke1993]

@@Doc1855 Man I’m sorry to hear that, especially with how hard it is to find people that do good/honest quality work these days. Not to mention how expensive everything is. I’m grateful for my health everyday even if I’m having a bad day…Crazy the things we take for granted in this life. We all have an expiration date on the things we love to do just a matter of time. I try to do what I can now, but one day I won’t be able to do this stuff anymore either. Just trying to enjoy it and share while I can. Thank you for watching. Hope you have a great weekend! 🤙🏻

[@Doc1855]

@@dylanjischke1993 Thanks for your reply. Yeah having to take my Tacoma to the dealership for repairs is definitely expensive but in our area finding an honest mechanic is absolute. We do have an honest mechanic who solely works on Subaru’s, so that’s where we take my wife’s Outback to. We’re going off roading tomorrow with my Tacoma on part of the WA BDR.

[@dylanjischke1993]

@@Doc1855 Sounds like a perfect way to spend the weekend. I really need to plan a off-roading trip soon. I’ve been so busy with work/life I keep forgetting to have fun. Hope you guys have a blast out there in the Taco! Be safe and enjoy the trials my friend! 🤙🏻🌲🌮😎

[@shawnpedri7948]

Nice video, how does she drive now, you notice a difference?

[@dylanjischke1993]

Thank you! At first not really, but after about 800 miles of driving and letting the new fluid work through the system I have definitely noticed my shifts getting smoother by the day! My 17’ always had slightly rough shifts for the first few shifts in the morning when the trans was cold, even that’s getting less noticeable. She’s a happy taco! 😎🌮🤙🏻

[@michaelsteelepix]

Good job and thanks for the link

[@dylanjischke1993]

Right on thanks for watching! 🤙🏻

[@georgelennon3618]

Great video! My Tacoma is a 2009 (86,000 miles). I note that the back of the Valvoline container doesn’t specify that it’s specifically approved for Tacoma’s. Will this Valvoline be suitable for my 09? Thanks again!

[@dylanjischke1993]

@@georgelennon3618 Thanks for watching! If possible It’s always best to check your owners manual to make sure you’re using the correct fluid for any vehicle. The Valvoline container doesn’t say Tacoma specifically, but it does have a “recommended for use in” list of makes and models on the back. On that list you’ll find “Toyota/Lexus WS” which is the correct fluid for these trucks. If your 2009 Tacoma has the 5 speed automatic transmission then this fluid will work great! My fluid was overdue for replacement. After running this Valvoline fluid for a few hundred miles my transmission shifts noticeably smoother 👍🏻🌮😎

[@georgelennon3618]

@@dylanjischke1993 What a great reply! Very much appreciated. You’re so right! I had forgot we were to use the ‘WS’ designation until you mentioned it, and there it is alongside the Toyota listing! Your video was very clear and easy to follow, so at 72, I’m determined to do this myself. It’s not complicated - just a bit labor intensive. I can handle that. I just need a pump and a big ole paper clip and I’m ready. :) Thanks again!

[@dylanjischke1993]

@@georgelennon3618 Right on! I really appreciate the positive feedback. I’ve learned a lot on this platform over the years, so I’m happy to hear this video was helpful to you. The only thing that will be different on your 2009 Tacoma when performing this job is when you jump the pins on the obd2 connector you will see the “A/T Oil Temp” light flash on then turn off almost immediately. You’ll know the transmission is at the correct temperature and ready to check fluid level when the “A/T Oil light” turns back on then stays illuminated. This should take about 10-15 minutes of warming up the truck at idle while the pins are jumped. Otherwise, everything else is the same as the video. Stoked I was able to inspire you to knock out this maintenance on your own. I hope I’m still able to work on my Tacoma at 72. I love it you are an inspiration my friend! I have no doubt you’ll handle this maintenance like a pro. No better feeling than taking pride in your own work and giving our great trucks the love they deserve! Not to mention keeping your hard earned money in your pocket rather than spending it at the stealer-ship. Happy wrenching! 😎👍🏻🌮

[@georgelennon3618]

@@dylanjischke1993 I’m SO glad you told me the indicator would be the AT Temp icon or else I’d be shifting between D and N! Arghhh.. As a note- I got under my truck this morning to familiarize myself with the plugs (especially to locate the fill plug.) It was NOT where I expected it to be! It was about 15 inches away towards the rear of the trans housing than where yours is located. It’s quite visible and easy to access (I used a 15/16th socket to make sure it would back out - no problem there.) It did have the WS designation on it as well. Should be a breeze getting the pump hose up and into the fill hole. Amazon should be bringing me my supplies Friday so I’m planning on Saturday for the job. I’ll let you know how it goes. Thank you again - you are an inspiration and excellent motivator!

[@jmonroetoe]

Is the draining and filling 4 times the ear of a transmission flush

[@dylanjischke1993]

@@jmonroetoe Yes the 4x drain and fill method Is basically the equivalent of a flush. The benefit of this method is you can do it at home yourself without any special equipment. Thanks for watching!

[@stevie6249]

Why are you reflushing it/????

[@dylanjischke1993]

@@stevie6249 When you drain the pan you only get roughly 2.5 quarts out. The system holds about 10 quarts. The idea is that after 4x drain and fills the system should be all clean fluid at that point. Thanks for watching!

[@kiranodin]

what gauge are you using for the temp readings

[@dylanjischke1993]

@@kiranodin ultra-gauge.com/ZC/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=224 Just make sure to select Toyota Tacoma under pre programming option when purchasing 🤙🏻

[@bbogue4]

Straight to the point, good video! Did you notice any differences with the valvoline fluid?

[@bbogue4]

One more thing, where did you get that gauge?

[@dylanjischke1993]

Thank you! At first I didn't notice much of a difference, if any at all. I was just happy to get that old burnt fluid out of the poor gurl. However, after about 800 miles I can say I really have noticed the shifts getting much smoother day by day! My 17' has always had slightly rough shifts on the first couple of stop and goes in the morning when the transmission is still cold. Even that has gotten much less noticeable ever since the fluid change and giving it some time to work itself through the system. Stoked on that, Taco is much happier now! 🌮😎

[@dylanjischke1993]

@@bbogue4 Here is a link for the gauge I have! Actually picked it up for my 3rd gen 4runner a while ago, but they are programable to work on different models. Had to change some parameters to work with my 3rd gen taco to see trans temp etc, but its simple to do and works like a charm. Make sure you select the "Toyota" option when purchasing. ultra-gauge.com/ZC/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=224