Toyota Tacoma Transmission Fluid Change // Do It At Home

[@harrisonpennington5784]

Thank you for this, I accidentally drained my transmission fluid instead of my engine oil when I was trying to change the engine oil and you saved me from having 2-ton paperweight. Lesson learned, don't let the arrogance of "I've done this a dozen times" keep you from refreshing yourself with the procedure!

[@richardlundy6950]

I did the exact same thing yesterday ! Parts shop fella says it happens all the time.

[@alexrodriguez-dp9pq]

Has happend to me as well

[@ericsoldevilla1377]

I just did the same thing yesterday afternoon and realized today. Dumbass, gonna have mechanic come by and assisted tomorrow to ensure i do it correctly.

[@hyancer]

Add me to the list. This is almost as bad as putting fuel in the rod holder on the boat.

[@josejainherreradiazcatalan9219]

Same 😢

[@williams9071]

It's really cool to see someone using All data. This is the program we used when I was in college for my associates degree in auto tech, back in 2013. First video I've seen with someone using it.

[@JonahHawk]

This vid gave me the peace of mind to change my transmission fluid on my own. Thank you for being so clear and detailed. There are a ton of variations on this process. This was the clearest I’ve found.

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Awesome, that's great to hear.

[@CC-te5zf]

Ditto! Especially how to replace all the fluid as opposed to a percentage and how to get the lights to clear. No one else covers that last part. Yeah, it's simple but until I've seen it done I'm not satisfied. He covered it all perfectly!

[@stuntdriver2147]

By far the best Toyota “sealed trans service “ vid on u-tube and I’ve watch quite a few. Thx for taking the time to post !

[@tommccormick3622]

Nothing better than honesty and good work 👍🏼thanks

[@BDawg-b8n]

Dig it man! I must’ve watched a half dozen videos and most would have awful camera angles! Your angles are good, easy to see and understand! Subbed! Thanks!

[@dave.newcomb]

Dont usually comment but this video really saved me. Exactly what I needed. Thank you!

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Awesome. Thanks for watching and dropping a message.

[@bobwilliams7182]

Awesome videos my friend and thank you so much! How fortunate we are to have a professional like you, that can be trusted and is willing to share their knowledge with others. You are a blessing! Keep up the good work. With out intimidation, I used your videos to change all my fluids on a 2015 Tacoma v6 4x4.

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Thank you

[@Samonela2442]

My friend had a channel like yours fixing up bikes and Mercedes. Always hovering around 1-2k views. Then, one day, boom posts a video and 1.5 million views in a month. These videos are high quality, keep it up!

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Thanks man. Appreciate the kind words and encouragement.

[@CC-te5zf]

First vid I've seen that actually addressed how to got more than a couple of quarts exchanged in a system that has allot in it. I'm confident now that I can swap almost all of the fluid by repeating this procedure a couple of times. Thanks much!

[@hiersdable]

Great video, thanks! I can't speak to the 2gen, but the 3gen manual has you remove the jumper before removing the overflow plug for the final level check. After you put the truck in temp check mode, the manual states: "NOTICE: Be sure that terminals TC and TE1 are not connected. If the terminals are connected, the fluid level cannot be precisely adjusted due to fluctuations in engine speed." HINT: Disconnecting terminals TC and TE1 activates engine idle speed control mode. Even after terminals TC and TE1 are disconnected, automatic transmission fluid temperature detection mode will be active until the ignition switch is turned off."

[@monsieurbeefeur2270]

Thanks for the information! I believe this applies the same to the 3rd gen. This is definitely the best video I've seen on this. I take the information you give and apply it to the 3rd gen, you're the best, no-nonsense car maintenance/repair videos online. One thing I would do without fail is to check the fills at home, whether you buy new or used. I found my differential and manual transmission to be almost a half quart and about 10oz low from the factory, respectively, when cold. I'm not sure if they're eyeballing it at the factory or if there is a machine that dispenses fluids and has an error margin, but this is documented by many in the Tacoma forums, some people are over a quart low in the auto tranny and this can't be great for a "lifetime fluid".

[@mjeezyca]

Your tacoma vids are a blessing thank you

[@michaels3203]

Great video! Perfect timing. I wanted to drain my 2010 Tacoma and was looking for more of a professional walk through. Thank you, I'm subscribing .

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Thank you very much.

[@estacionlaguna1056]

@@Beacon_Offroad I was in a hurry and instead of draining the engine oil I drained the transmission fluid on my 15 Tacoma. I already filled it back up with transmission fluid but I am wondering how to check the fluid level, with engine running or not?

[@Justin_Ports]

Thank you! I was able to replace the 2.5 Qt of fluid that I accidentally drained when doing an oil change for my dad’s truck for the first time. You made it so easy to follow that I felt competent to do it on our driveway. Thanks a lot!

[@stevemeister3840]

I did the same thing to my 2022 lol

[@bullfrogpondshop3179]

Just did the same thing myself, despite years of changing my own oil. Duh!

[@breezinalong4831]

I just use the trans cooler lines to drain and fill. Run engine and pump 4 qts out. Shut engine off. Fill with a 12v pump with 4qts. You can change it all that way if you want. I've used Max Life in my 4runner with no issues. Being ocd I also install a inline magnefine filter on the cooler line.

[@SlickDiecast]

Is the procedure the same for all 4x4 and 2wd?

[@jimmatzek5895]

Did mine today on my 06 Tacoma. Dropped pan and replaced filter wiped down and cleaned magnets. Was still reasonable but probably hadn't been done. No major sludge or metal on the magnets. I made s huge mess and aligning the gasket took a while..... Took for a road test and shifted sooo smooth.

[@stuntdriver2147]

Toyota sealed transmissions are a bit of a pain and have watched many videos with missing or improper procedures re: this maintenance. Thank you for filming and posting the correct way to do this.

[@jteague238]

Excellent video and explanation. Works perfectly. Saved me a trip to the stealership.

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Awesome.

[@jwgaitan4500]

Thank you very much for your excellent educative video. Finally, I was able to do it properly the transmission oil change. I looked through many videos and they did not have the right information. I followed your step by step video and I had good results!

[@Beacon_Offroad]

That's awesome. Good to hear.

[@NitrousExpressCoyote]

I always drain and fill mine 3 times. Flush at home basically in 30 minutes 👏🏽

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Yes! Good work.

[@TheJjacquay712]

It says in the video that it takes about 3 liters to fill. When you say you flush it 3 times, does this mean you fill and drain 3 times, which would be 9 liters total? And you throw out the other 6 liters?

[@Beacon_Offroad]

@@TheJjacquay712 yes, each time will require a out 3. So if you want to do it 3 times you're correct, you'll need about 9 liters.

[@MrMice...]

Yes there's a difference between "drain and fill" maintenance versus a "flush". You should do it at least 3 times to clear out torque convertor and trans cooler. You can remove the return hose from cooler and pump out most of the old fluid (3l at a time using measured bucket and an assistant to turn truck on and off and cycle gears)

[@Heatt13]

Thank you for this video! Could you please provide some guidance on a inexpensive odb reader that will check my trans temp so I could bypass the cotter pin method? Thank you.

[@williambanas2831]

Thanks for the great video. Hardest part of the whole job was getting the overflow/level bolt loose. It was really stuck. Of course the truck has 150,000 miles on it.

[@jamesnewland9532]

Outstanding work! This video is an amazing template for anybody trying to organize a maintenance procedure.

[@Earlsph]

You do a great job explaining everything.

[@langstonlyle6211]

i realize it's quite off topic but does anybody know a good place to watch new tv shows online ?

[@sterlingmisael133]

@Langston Lyle Flixportal :P

[@langstonlyle6211]

@Sterling Misael Thank you, I signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :) I really appreciate it !

[@sterlingmisael133]

@Langston Lyle Happy to help =)

[@danaedge1658]

Thanks! That is the best and easiest explanation I have seen.

[@nofear6235]

Very helpful, thanks for putting this video up. Planning to do this on my 2008 Toyota 4RUNNER SR5 v6

[@ronwiley6548]

Thanks for the excellent video. I have a 2013 Tacoma and will be checking the fluid level soon. This will help me a great deal.

[@truthalways247]

Wonderful helpful tips and guide. I have a 2018 Toyota Tacoma SR5 3.5L V6. @ 36,000 miles I have a question and wanted to know if the same things you use work for mine as well or should I get a different kind of oil? Second question is what kind of transmission oil fuild do I use to change and what other things do I need to change also? It's hard to find real loyal mechanics so I came across your channel and hoping to get some help all the way from: Juneau Alaska

[@breezinalong4831]

Thanks KB for how to get the trunk in at temp mode.

[@richhunt7303]

so, for those of us who are mechanically declined….. What’s the OBD2, and what exactly did you do with the cotter pin?

[@nuclebros8001]

I did this and removed 3 qts. I refilled 3 qts. When idling I opened up my overflow and nothing came out. I shut off engine and 750 ml came out. I put another qt in and when idling a couple drops came out. My question is should I add more and wait for the slow trickle from overflow during idle? Was I low to begin with? 3 qts sounds like the most people are putting in but I currently have 3.25 qts inside. Please help.

[@richardlundy6950]

Now that is funny ! I ended up painting 'Oil' on oil pan and 'Transmission' on the other. Now if I could only find my keys !!

[@rafaellara4122]

How many quarts did you put in

[@MaRaChan7]

alldata i use all the time when i was a mechanic at a shop is the best thanks for this

[@ricardotrujillo2538]

Thanks for your excellent video tutorial. That’s what I needed to do it. Just have a quick question, do I have to put that pin on connector for the ecm or just let the oil warmup, thanks, blessings to you and your family and business.

[@derekp6636]

Cool vid, I'd just add make sure you remember the crush washer on the overflow drain.....since mine has been dripping for 3 days and I had to stop by the dealership to get new ones and additional fluid!

[@PhanOT11]

Nice video. Question: Do we really need to do the wire jumping/pin poking in those wire harness holes to get the temperature? That part kind of turn me off.

[@johnnymurff4137]

I'm late to you're channel. I have 1999 Camry CE manual shift or 5 speed, is there a video showing how to check and change the manual transmission fluid i really would like to know.

[@dusttoyou4550]

Kelly, just found your channel, and subscribed. tTorough and easy to understand demonstration. 58,000 on 2019 Tacoma V6 4X4. I am planning to do full trans oil and filter change. You showed some manual pages in the video, any chance a link to those pages so can printout and have on hand during the change?

[@larrykates3910]

God you killing on these tutorials thank you bro LOL this is the second job you have helped me with everybody needs to take lessons from you of how to do a tutorial! You're the man thanks dude

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Thanks dude, I appreciate it.

[@Beacon_Offroad]

On a side note I see you ride mtb. If you're bored check out my channel, Mtb Ryds. I dont post a ton but I plan to slowly keep at it.

[@larrykates3910]

@@Beacon_Offroad absolutely!!! Thanks bro!

[@hubbcapp2109]

I have a Gen 2, 2011 did the service but wasn't sure if i needed to do the OBD thing, however did watch the overflow come out. hope I didn't screw anything up.

[@MrDLRu]

No you didn't, as long as it was up to operating trans temp(max temp), as whatever fluid in excess will flow into the overflow tube. It's really just a Toyota procedure to make you think you need to take it to a Toyota service center.

[@notcharles]

I've got a 2007 4cyl have to see if it looks like this one

[@nestor1485]

Just wondering what's the point for the codder pin under the dash is for?

Great video. Exactly what l was looking for!!!!!

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Awesome, glad it was helpful.

[@JudahwardIV562]

Goats recognize 🐐S... thanku big homie

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Thank you sir 🙌

[@oberurselts]

I own a 2005 Tacoma Prerunner, Crew Cab, Extended Cargo Bed (6 ft) with the 4.0 Engine. I have owned the truck since 2007. It has 170,000 miles and runs beautifully. After having the tranny fluid changed at 100,000 I have changed it in the following manner: 1. remove the fill plug, 2. remove the drain plug. 3. Run 1 quart of WS tranny fluid through the fill plug and let it drain out (the tranny filter is actually a wire mesh filter device and running a quart through the tranny will clean it up pretty much). 4. close the drain plug and add 3 quarts back into the trans. 5. Reinsert the fill plug. This I was told by a Toyota mechanic that is the same procedure used at the dealership. I have never pulled the overflow plug ever.

[@Wishnuful]

Thanks for the video. Where can I buy this transfer pump?

[@girthbrooks8795]

Amazon, napa, autopro

[@arthurschmidlein9652]

good stuff , would have liked to see cotter pin installed but everything else was right on. thanks

[@stludachris]

Thank you for this video! Some tips you covered but seeing the order below may help someone: Make sure overflow plug is hand tightened, then fill. Wire in, turn ignition and start engine Slowly shift from Park to Low and back to Park. Then immediately shift to Neutral and shift to Drive then to neutral then to drive then to neutral then to drive, this should take 6 seconds so go slow. You will see AT oil light while shifting. Then shift to park. AT oil light goes away. Wait. …I waited 15 minutes or so from a cold start. Here he states only 5 minutes. So it may vary. Once AT light is on, leave engine idling in Park, remove overflow plug until it slowly drips, then seal it back up. Turn off engine. Torque all bolts accordingly, careful it’s hot! 29 fill bolt 15 for both overflow and drain plug. Remove wire Start engine *Then come back to this video and Like and Subscribe!*

[@jackdavis1375]

Mine has been on for about 20 minutes and the light still hasn’t come on is there something I can do

[@cosmicbonzo7559]

@@jackdavis1375same

[@charlieanguiano3437]

How many miles you changed the trasmicion oil a you tacoma 2015 ?

[@loverboy-mq4bb]

Hi did you put 3.5 liter with the level set??

[@clifffoltz651]

Is this information for most modern day Tacoma's 4.0 and newer ?

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Yes, will work on 3rd gen as well.

[@ralphcintron6195]

i have a 05 4 runner and went by the owners manual and have never change the transmission fluid. As this stage should i do that being that its atf long life oil. A lot of people have told me not to do it being a lot residue might appear so late in the service my truck has 152,000 miles

[@4Runner21]

We own an 07 Tacoma 4Cylinder Manual Transmission with over 250K miles on her, and we have owned since about 30K miles and we have never drained the transmission fluid, nor rear differential fluid, nor engine coolant either. Would you suggest doing these services at this point or just leaving it be, since such high miles and replacing these fluids especially on manual tranny might do more harm than good?…

[@abhijitdasz]

Will this be the same procedure for a 2005 Toyota Tacoma? (to verify ATF temp?). Also, when you raised the car up, was it running while checking the level by unscrewing the overfill bolt?

[@igorteller1516]

I wanted to find out about the Toyota Yaris 2013 when opened the screw By the time the oil meter comes out, oil will be poured out and it can reduce the amount of chalk transmission?, Chalk testing was done only for a general need and not for any other problem The color of the oil itself is bright red which I guess is good. If this is a mistake and because of this it is necessary to completely change the gear oil.?😨, The test itself for a car in a licensed Toyota Israel garage but that does not mean that the test is correct that's why I need your recommendation tnx.

[@jimcarothers6250]

Just bought a 2016 Tacoma. Thanks; very good video.

[@waterpolito10]

What is the website us on this video that provide you this information? I am just curious

[@ronnienelson3555]

Awesome video and after watching it I will be doing this trans service to my 2015 Tacoma.

[@SpicyMcGeezak]

My only question is were you adding fluid once it got into trans temp check mode? I mean, you are the mechanic but isn’t it defeating the purpose if you are adding fluid in that isn’t at the correct temp to be checked?

[@livingwaterutube]

If I leave check plug off and pump fluid in, it runs out like at 5:32. But put the plug in, add fluid...and run car, open check plug...it doesn't flow out. makes me think circulating the fluid is essential to getting check right. agree? so need to keep car running while pumping in fluid last time? Or fill it til overflows cold...then open check plug, and let come out. That seems more risky as could put too much in.

[@ashleybellino4193]

Just wondering if you measured out the amount of fluid that you took out just replace it with that same amount of clean fluid?That would work wouldn't it?

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Yes it would assuming it was good before.

[@ashleybellino4193]

@@Beacon_Offroad It's OK yeah I'm assuming it's OK I bought the truck brand new.

[@sschevmale24]

How often do you do this guys ? Every40k? 60k miles?

[@gooberfootrc3866]

So I check and fill it with the truck running?

[@estebanaceves2491]

Thank you for the video my Toyota has 115000 miles should I change the filter also on the transmission

[@Drugaaa]

Having a very difficult time taking off the fill plug. I’m using the correct size socket but it is giving me hell. Any tips?

[@kevinkable9126]

When you are doing the final fill to set the fluid do you have the truck running? Thank you

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Yes absolutely.

[@kevinkable9126]

@@Beacon_Offroad Thank you so much! 🙏

[@agustinherrera5600]

At what milage is it recommended to change the transmission fluid on this truck . Mine has 50k and has not been changed . Also about how long did u let the truck run to reach the correct temperature?

[@JonahHawk]

I’m changing mine for the first time at 90k miles.

[@keepingup2952]

So the sump holds 3.5 liters?

[@ericlewis4997]

Excellent self explanatory video. Everything right ✅on point. GODSPEED

[@DH-mf2lv]

2015 V6 Tacoma, No towing & no abuse. How often do you recommend changing the fluid?

[@Mike-c6f4k]

Hey man, you explained everything perfectly. Thank you for that 👍

[@Matt-xq6ow]

Do you have the link for the procedure still? Want to do this on my 4th gen 4runner.

[@jerryvikla3925]

Thanks for the info! I subscribed. I could not find the atf in my scan tool so this hack was awesome. A toyota mechanic friend thought the only way was with their proprietary equipment so this was great.

[@Beacon_Offroad]

No problem 👍. The temp can be accessed with all kinds of tools, maybe it was the abbreviation. I can't quite remember what it was at this moment.

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Also, if you have a infrared temp gun you can just check the outside of the pan. I just use a slightly lower temp since the sensor is internal and this would be a external reading.

[@dalepremo3695]

Thank you! This was the best video about this on the Internet. I'm about to do this on my 2010 4Runner and was really unsure about how to make sure about the correct temp until watching your video. One question, if I may: since you refill it to just overflowing when cold, then just letting the overflow dribble until it stops AFTER correct AT OIL TEMP reached should guarantee the correct level since the fluid expanded when hot. You shouldn't have to add any when hot, correct?

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Thank you. Yes that should basically do. You'll do fine, goodluck.

[@EliFox-s7f]

Is the procedure still posted? I can’t seem to find it.

[@drpthemc]

Why did you do a drain/fill instead of a flush? I always hear people say not to flush. Is it a myth that flushing is bad?

[@maryannolivares8811]

How many quarts of transmission fluid does a 4.0L engine on a 2wd sr5 Toyota tacoma v6 prerunner 2015 need? Also how much of differential fluid does it need

[@KauaiCarpenter]

Might i ask why you need to find the trans temp in this procedure and why you need to go into the obd? Just curious.

[@MrDLRu]

Is there really a need to do this at a very specific temp? No matter what, at the point of max trans temp to move the fluid to the top of the overflow tube, the fluid will flow into the tube and never go back into the trans. With that said, one only needs to warm up the trans to normal operating temps, about 15min or just go drive around for 1/2 hr and it'll be warmed up to op temps. They make this way more difficult than it has to be. Just add fluid until it comes out of the overflow tube...DONE.

[@evanm.2300]

Is that for a 2nd gen v6 taco? I have a 2wd 2nd gen v6. Will this work?

[@rkb3573]

Great Video. Will be doing this soon. Way behind on my 2011 maintenance, lol.

[@loverboy-mq4bb]

Hi, I have a question? What did you do? While you checking the level of fluid and adding fluid the truck was running?

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Once the vehicle is at right temp add fluid enough fluid until it comes slightly out of the overfill glug. This is all done running.

[@loverboy-mq4bb]

Thank you so much.

[@andrewkimbril3264]

If my tacoma has 80,000 miles on it would it be safe to change the fluid?

[@Beacon_Offroad]

yes, change it.

[@andrewkimbril3264]

KB Autotech & Adventure i changed it today, when i take out the overfill plug should the oil coming out be hot?

[@allenroyal1464]

Is the pinout the same on a 2009 tacoma?

[@charlieanguiano3437]

Only the oil ? Filter to in gaskets

[@Beacon_Offroad]

There is no filter inside, it's only a screen. You could add a external filter in line. I plan to add a cooler and filter on my 4 runner. Video on the next couple weeks. It would be the same for basically any toyota truck.

[@jackdavis1375]

My truck idled for about 20 minutes and my atf light never came on how should I go about this

[@jimmykhong]

thanks for showing video can you do video on 2016 Tacoma V6 transmission fluid level check with no teachstream thanks.

[@Beacon_Offroad]

This procedure will be the same.

[@rv3789]

Thanks I'm on the process of doing this 👍

[@cliffordlanders210]

Do you leave the engine running check the fill level?

[@Beacon_Offroad]

yes, leave it running

[@VJTrey1]

Hi so flushing is not really necessary? Just simple drain and fill? Im at 30k mils never done this. Per manual I need to do it at 60k miles. I have tow package can I follow this same procedure?

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Well not that flushing isnt necessary, theres nothing wrong with that, but you can service it without needing a machine. This is a simple service that can be done at home. You can do it early or more often if you wish. Tow shouldn't change anything with the procedure.

[@Syncubus]

Great video lighting and angles as well as clear instructions. Nicely done!

[@bayareapackleader]

For transmissions fluid on a 3rd gen Tacoma, I am at 51k miles, do you recommend a drain and fill or a flush? I spoke with the dealership and they said they would do a flush which seems overkill for such low miles.

[@Beacon_Offroad]

I personally over service all my own vehicles. Flush or drain and fill is really up to you. You can also do multiple drain and fills to get a better fluid service.

[@bayareapackleader]

@@Beacon_Offroad Appreciate the feedback! If I have and scan tool or an OBD II port adapter that tells me the temperature of the transmission there’s no need to put the truck tempt check mode. Is that right?

[@averageguy2525]

Excellent video & easy to understand for the do- it- yourselfer.

[@jaredbeck5002]

So at 3:20 do you put oil back in before putting the cotter pin in to the OBD2 and putting it in neutral and drive within the 6 seconds? If so how much did you put in? Enough for it to drain out the overflow? If not, did you fill it after it got up to temp? Thanks.

[@jasmeonce]

I have the same question.

[@stoge420]

So this is over my level of expertise and not as easy as a differential or transfer case so i will not be doing this. What dose Toyota charge to do this??

[@agustinherrera5600]

One more thing . Do these transmissions have a filter ?

[@ronnienelson3555]

Did you actually add fluid with the vehicle running?

[@Garren.B]

Great video. Why does the Tacoma manual list 11.3 qt. (11.5 qt. with tow package)?

[@Beacon_Offroad]

That would be from dead empty. So in reality you'd never get that much out.

[@Garren.B]

Carcraft Autotech makes sense. Thanks man.