Is there a special tool needed for a drain & fill for tranny fluid?

2014 Tundra 4.6 4wd SR

Brought my truck into a chain type service station. What I wanted them to do was 1. Oil change and 2. Drain and fill on the transmission fluid.

The service manager on duty told me they couldn't do the tranny fluid because it requires a 'special tool'. Is this true?

 

I believe this to be very untrue. Just need to be able to read the trans temp, or use the paper clip method to have the truck tell you when to check.

 

Others will chime in with more detail but from what I've gathered it is more than just a simple drain and fill. You have to monitor the temp through the OBD port and do a couple weird steps. Nothing the average DIY-er can't handle with a little research but I wouldn't let jiffy lube do it.

A search on this site will quickly find the procedure.

 

It's simple, drain and over-fill , check at the right temperature

All you really need is a scan tool that reads the trans pan temp

1. Drain and add fluid (add 1 qt more than you removed)
2. turn on truck and wait until trans pan temp reaches 115F, but before it reaches 130F (if you truck has a trans cooler, pin open the thermostat)
3. open the check plug to allow excess to drain until it reaches a trickle

when fluid is trickling out of check plug between 115-130F it's done.

 

Had a bad experience at the garage I usually bring my Tundra to today.
Like I originally said I wanted: 1 oil change and 2 tranny drain and fill.

Manager: We can't do the tranny because it requires a special tool.
Me: I had you guys do a tranny flush at 75k. You were able to do it back then so why can't you do a drain and fill now?
Manager: Well, the specific guy who did it last time is out today and he has the tool
Manager: BTW your shocks are original, they need to be replaced.
Me: No, they are not. The ones on the front I had this very shop replace at 100k. There were 3 settings and I had you guys replace them while they were on the middle setting.
Manager: Well the rear shocks seen worn.
Me: They look easy to replace. I'll do those myself......keep in mind this shop knows I built a kit cobra replica car... every nut, bolt and rivet.
Manager: The air filter is falling apart
Me: Thinking I drive on a often Dusty dirt road say "go ahead and replace it" Not knowing they were going to charge me 40 for an air cleaner. I should have asked how much for that first.

I get to the counter where I have to pay for the oil change and air filter. 69 was the total but I get a glimpse at what they wanted to charge me for.....(everything but the drain and fill) was over $3,000.
Me: I'm not going to let your mechanic send his kid to college on one service visit with my truck.

Made an appointment with a local toyota dealership. About 40 more than this shop said they would charge me for it......assuming the guy shows up who has this special tool. At least it will hopefully be done right. I know this dealership has a man who's sole purpose is to upsell on stuff you don't need but I'll kindly say no.

Kind of mad that this friendly shop that I've known for 8 years now tried to stick it to me. I got on social media and asked friends about good shops in my area. I've got 5 suggestions so far.

Thanks for letting me rant

 

Good videos on YouTube showing how to refill, block temp sensor, and verify correct level as well as change Tcase and diff fluids.

 

this is the only "special" thing I use. it makes it easy to fill the trans.

whole drain & fill should take you 25 minutes.

do it when you change your oil & 2 birds are killed.

 

They may think they need tech stream, which they don't.

Just need to have a pin to hold the transmission thermostat open (if you have one on your model), and an OBD jumper which can be a paperclip.

The rest is just various common automotive hand tools.

And a lot of fluid.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/the-proper-way-to-set-the-transmission-fluid-level.92625/

 

I think I used slippery Pete when I did my drain and fill since the fill hole was inaccessible with a funnel.

But really, just drain the tranny fluid into a clear container, and fill up with the same amount you take out with Toyota ATF.

 

I have the Slippery Pete filler. After 5 qts, your forearms will be on fire.

I’ve since switched to a fluid transfer pump that doesn’t directly attach to the bottle.

I’ve eyeballed that transfer pump nobodyintexas uses and might get that before I change the fluid this winter on both our trucks.

 

How bout some pics of that cobra! Factory Five?