1st Gen transmission issue

When I got the the fluid and filter changed out, I had the engine on and was making sure it was filled to the correct level, and after checking it a couple times, I pulled it out of the tube and the bottom 5 or so inches was gone. We had a heck of a time trying to get that out of the tube. The stick has a part right below the hot section that twists about 90 degrees and it broke right where it bends.

 

So it broke off inside the pan? Did you retrieve it?

 

It got stuck in the pipe because it takes a 90 into the pan and the pan and pipe are one piece. I was running a couple wires through it, and I was able to snag it by twisting the wires. It was a major pain.

 

Welp, the 35330-30010 filter is definitely not the original filter I took out. It's pretty much identical to 35330-30011.
I've found a couple on eBay that look the same as the original, but the spout is in a different spot. The vehicle fitment is for a 96-99 4Runner with the same engine.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/353990108761?fits=Year:2000|Model:Tundra|Make:Toyota&epid=1624905420

 

What's the build date of your truck? There were 2 different filters available.

35330-30011 (02/1999 - 07/2000)
35330-30020 (08/2000 - 07/2002)



Edit: also if the fluid when cold and engine not running is below the 'hot', you're definitely low. If you are low enough the filter won't be able to pickup enough fluid for the trans to work. Have you tried adding a quart (or more) to get it to register on the dipstick?

 

The date is 03/2000. I'm waiting till I get the new dipstick before checking the fluid levels.

 

This is a common misconception with a dash of truth mixed in.

If your fluid is really dark that means there is a lot of clutch fluid in suspension. Changing your fluid in this scenario can lead to trans problems. Primarily because you drained out all the clutch material.

If your fluid has a ton of miles but still looks nice and red you can change it with limited risk.

 

It's about as black as old oil and smells worse ;-;

 

@Seethan with regards to identifying the correct part(s) go to this site and enter your vin and search for the desired part: https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com

Changing the fluid should not result in the transmission from going into gear regardless of the condition of the original fluid. You must have disconnected something else beyond simply removing the bolts to the drain pan and filter. Check the shift linkage on the side of the transmission. Are any of the gears working?

You shouldn't have installed a new filter/part if it was identical to the original and/or failed to verify the correct part #.

3.4 L 5VZ-FE V6 190 hp (2000-2004)
4-speed A340 automatic (2000-2004)

 

I verified the part number on that website when I got it, so I know that it's the correct part (according to that website). I simply removed the bolts and nothing else. I really had to wrangle the pan out though; maybe I knocked something loose I'll check the shift linkage.

What do you mean by that?

 

When you put it in reverse or any other gear besides drive nothing happens as well correct? Usually when you put in it gear you should feel the torque from the engine preload the driveline before releasing the brake to move. If your not experiencing this I would assume the shift linkage isn't engaging the transmission.

 

That is correct. And that is exactly what I noticed (and failed trying to explain) wasn't happening.

 

The transmission is really at its heart, a hydraulic pump. If there is not enough fluid to in the pan to feed the inlet of the pump, it's not going to build pressure and load the drivetrain. Didn't you say earlier that when the shift lever in is Park the transmission is "locked" as it should be. And when you shift into Drive the truck will roll as if it was in Neutral? If that's the case, then your linkage is fine.

 

Yeah, it sits perfectly on an incline in park.
So at this point, the main suspect is not enough fluid.

 

I think that's been the assertion many have tried to make since page 1. Main reason I never jumped in. Pretty sure they nailed it.

 

I’m still suspicious of the new filter setup. Even if 4 came out and you only put 3 in I would think it would do something. I think the new filter isn’t allowing fluid to be pumped through the trans. Think the holes don’t line up the same.

 

The only differences between the filters is the length and the new one doesn’t have the spout. Maybe the spout on the old one caused it to be able to suck it up even at low levels?
The filter is the secondary suspect for me at this point. I'll check it if the fluid check doesn't work.

 

Here's the old fluid

 

Would love to see a few drops of that on a paper towel, just so the color is more obvious.

 

Jeez that's ginormous

 

That's not quite what I was thinking of, but I see the error of my suggestion.

You got a small transparent cup you can put barely enough fluid to cover the bottom and hold it over something white like this, taken from my previous truck's tranny?

Just enough to actually see the color of the fluid. What you got in the bucket looks like it's burnt to a crisp, but when it's that deep, it doesn't take much to make tranny fluid look like motor oil.

 

Thar ya go (still massive)

 

Looks like 20yo fluid to me.

My photo above has a little more garnet, but that was on a 80k mile half-ton GMC with 4l60e transmission that typically didn't tow, just hauled stuff in the bed occasionally.

 

Looks like a need for the good ole blackstone lab analysis. See if that’s atf, motor oil or a combo of the two with metal shavings thrown into it.

 

If what I found is correct, doing a fluid change replaces around half of all the fluid in the tranny. I'm gonna go ahead and put in new fluid, so last chance to tell me if it's a bad idea

 

Actually, it’s only a third since it’s 12 quarts or 3 gallons when you include the fluid in the torque converter.

 

What he said.

Most people try to do multiple drain-and-fill on set cycle, like every oil change or every 6 months. No filter change.

I'd start by replacing exactly what you took out, start up, shift thru every gear a couple of times, then use the proper method to check fluid level with a fully-functional dip stick. I suspect you're going to find you're low, which I still think was the instigator to your initial problem.

 

Doesn't look great but doesn't look terrible. Looks like it's been overheated a time or two, which I believe you said it smelled burnt so that tracks. Likely from being underfilled, once you get a new dipstick and get the correct amount in I think you'll be fine.

 

Thank the good Lord above, it worked. I ended up putting 6+ quarts into it. I only emptied about 3.5 to 4. Needless to say, she was thirsty. Now off to get new tires and get the alignment fixed and she'll be good as new.

 

Yay!!!