Atf service instructions and other question

I'm doing a simple drain and refill but cannot fine straight instructions for my 01 tundra. People online say "drain and fill and put in 4 quarts, and 4 quarts only. No matter if 3.5 comes out, put 4 quarts back in, if 6 quarts come out put 4 back in". And others say "put as much fluid back in that came out". For me checking the atf dipstick on my camry to make sure it was all good was a pain in the ass and instructions are never clear. Does anyone know where i can find a service manual online?? Or the exact instructions that are suggested by TOYOTA. I just want exact instructions cause i am as close to ocd without getting diagnosed and will spend 2 hours checking my atf dipstick after doing the job. Sorry for all the posts but i cant find a thread talking about this. Thanks. 01 tundra 4x4

 

https://www.amazon.com/Toyota-Tundra-Sequioa-Haynes-Repair/dp/1563928485/ref=sr_1_1?crid=7EUZWK13KJF5&dchild=1&keywords=toyota+tundra+service+manual&qid=1588256279&sprefix=toyota+tundra+service+%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-1

Pucks18

 

Why not just Measure what drains out and replace the same amount to start with?

Then drive, warm up and re-measure to be sure....

 

This is what needs to be done.

@Pucks18 Luckily, it's very simple on the 00-04 Tundra's with dipsticks. Here is the process.

• let vehicle sit overnight to cool off.
• drain out contents of transmission pan. It will be somewhere around 4 qts but you'll want to measure it.
• using the transmission dip stick, refill exactly what you took out.
• test drive and get transmission up to working temp.
• check fluid on level surface. I normally shift it through the gears and then stop in Neutral, set the parking brake, and go check it with the vehicle running.

I got this funnel from AutoZone for $5 and it's a perfect match for the transmission dip stick.

 

@YardBird just bought it.

 

@FirstGenVol thanks. It came with the hose too?

 

@FirstGenVol 1 question? What do you mean by " to check how much you took out, use the dipstick"?. I was planning on taking out the fluid, pouring it in a milk jug, then marking where the fluid fills up to, pouring it out, and then putting brand new fluid all the way up to the fill line.

 

Yep. It's all one piece.

https://www.autozone.com/shop-and-garage-tools/funnel/flotool-transmission-funnel/557785_0_0

Yes. However you want to measure is fine, so long as you do it. I typically drain everything in to a catch pan. Then I start filling up quart bottles from previous jobs.

 

Measure what you take out and put that much back in...drive and check, add if necessary, repeat until you like the dipstick level. You can also use the trans cooler lines and a couple of jugs to pump X amount out with the truck running, stop, measure and add the amount drained...repeat until you get fresh, clean fluid from the trans cooler. Drive, check and adjust as necessary.

 

I assume the collective confusion over this results from people having the improper level in the transmission to start with. If you drain yours and only get 3.5 quarts, your fluid was low by a half quart. If you drain and get 6 quarts, your fluid was overfilled by 2 quarts. Regardless of how much came out, 4 quarts is the proper amount for the refill in order to put your fluid at the proper level.

If you want to satisfy your undiagnosed OCD, check the level using the instructions provided above before you do the drain/fill. Then drain the fluid and measure the amont that came out. Make a note of the amont on a piece of paper, and throw the paper in the trash. Then reinstall the drain plug, add 4 quarts of fluid, and check the level again per the instructions provided above.

FYI: The drain & fill only replaces about 1/3 of the capacity of the transmission. So if you really want to do a thorough job, after the drain & fill, do as @tmac58star suggests and pump out/replace a quart at a time via the cooler line. It'll take another couple gallons, but you'll have a more complete fluid exchange than with the simple drain & fill.

 

I’ve done about 4 ‘drain and refills’ over the past 2 years. The refill amount is usually around 4.25 +/- quarts. Check the level when engine is warm. Try to hit the upper hash mark level. Better to be higher than lower IMO.

 

I've given up on trying to check it hot. I don't know what Toyota's spec is for "hot" but in other vehicles I've owned it was 130 degrees F. My ATF never seems to get that hot. I drive around for 15-20 minutes, come back and check it, and the fluid is still just luke warm. So I just go with the cold reading, and check it first thing in the morning. It may not be ideal, but it's consistent and repeatable.

Edit: I should have read the instructions posted earlier in this threat. Toyota's spec for "hot" 165-170 degrees F.

 

Update on my experience trying to check the fluid level when hot. Earlier this week I drove two hours pulling an empty utility trailer. As soon as I got home, I popped the hood and checked the ATF level. It was between the "cold" and "hot" level, but the fluid was still just over luke-warm. Ambient temperature was about 60 degrees F.
What are you guys doing to get a hot reading?

 

@tvpierce dude idk man, when i serviced my camrys atf it was a huge pain in the butt to get peace of mind of the atfs level. Today when i do the tundra ill just try and put exactly how much i took out.i can already see me scratching my hear at this. Actually, I'm just gonna put 4 in and be done with it.

 

It's not difficult at all to get an accurate reading cold.

 

@tvpierce i understand that. But the thing i dont understand is when (using my camry as an example again) my cold mark is between the two marks, then id go drive like a mad man in city traffic to make the tranny as hot as i can, it would be way over the hot mark. It is very unscientific.

 

You are checking fluid level whilst the engine is still running I assume.

While engine is still running and warm after a drive: I’d add about 1/8 quart then drive it and check it again. Keep adding in increments until the fluid line hits the HOT sweet spot. I aim for the upper portion of the HOT line. Check both sides of the stick. One side will be more definitive and thats the reading.

You might notice a slight improved shift/feel in your transmission.

 

Yes, engine running, transmission in park.

I'm fine going with the cold reading. As I said, it's consistent and repeatable. I set it to the top of the "cold" range and I know I have enough in there without overfilling.

My point with posting my experience was to point out that if people are getting a good "cold' reading, then driving for 15-20 minutes and topping up using the "hot" scale on the dipstick, they're probably overfilling their transmission.

 

Park puts the transmission in neutral and applies the parking pawl, so they're effectively the same thing. Either gear position is acceptable for checking ATF level -- obviously be sure to set the parking brake if you insist on checking the ATF level while in Neutral.
But if you want to spit hairs, the manual calls for the transmission to be in Park.

 

Nuetral/park. Doesnt matter.. i certainly hope no one tries doing it while in drive