Hello guys, checking the oil level in the automatic transmission of a Toyota vehicle is a mandatory procedure. Without it, the machine will quickly become unusable. The clutches will burn out and the automatic transmission will overheat. This will lead to a major overhaul.
The lubricant replacement intervals in Toyota automatic transmissions must be observed.
Checking the oil level in the automatic transmission on a Toyota Corolla: instructions
Every modern car with an automatic transmission needs timely and, most importantly, quality service. In this article we will talk about how to properly check the oil level in an automatic transmission on a Toyota, and also tell you why you need to check the level, what problems can be caused by low or high oil levels in the box.
- 1 How to check correctly?
- 2 Automatic transmission problems on Toyota Corolla
- 3 How much lubricant to pour into the automatic transmission on a Toyota Corolla?
When and how to diagnose an automatic transmission
The benefit of initial detection of problems at the first sign of incorrect automatic transmission operation is enormous. If you immediately identify the cause of incorrect operation, you can avoid expensive repairs and not have to stand idle during repairs.
Of course, if you decide to buy a used car, then you need to check all the components and pay attention to small details, such as, for example:
If the oil has been changed and there is no towbar, then you still need to diagnose the automatic transmission.
The initial check of an automatic transmission includes well-known procedures:
Now in more detail how to complete the above steps.
To check the transmission fluid, then oil, you need to learn how to check the level and its quality. The level is usually checked using a dipstick, which has special marks. However, there are boxes without a dipstick.
American automatic transmissions have a dipstick for checking the oil level, but European ones usually do not. How to check the oil level in an automatic transmission if there is no dipstick? The answer is simple: if there is no dipstick, oil was added from somewhere, then there is a plug. Oil is poured into such boxes to the level of the hole. This means you need to unscrew the plug, the level of this hole will be the mark for the correct filling of fresh transmission oil for the automatic transmission.
Regardless of whether there is a dipstick or not, the oil level is checked to ensure that the oil in the box is warm. To heat the oil in the box to operating temperature, which is about 90 degrees, you need to drive 13 kilometers. After that, we put the car in a level position. If there is a dipstick, then everything is simple: pull the dipstick out, wipe it with a clean napkin, put it in again, stick it out again and see how far the dipstick sinks into the oil. Usually there are marks HOT (hot) - the upper level and there is a lower mark COLD (cold - cold), when the oil level should be cold. If the oil level does not exceed the upper mark and is not lower than the lower mark, then there is a normal amount of oil in the automatic transmission.
If there is no dipstick, you will have to drive into a hole or overpass, unscrew the plug and check the level with a clean wire or stick. As we said, the level in such automatic transmissions should be up to the hole itself.
If metal shavings are visible when checking the oil, this means that the parts working in pairs are touching each other and wear is occurring. In this case, a more in-depth check is required at a specialized car service center.
Oil selection
At the manufacturing plant, gearboxes are filled with oil that meets the JWS3309 and Type T-IV (or T4) approval. To change technical oil, it is necessary to select a technical fluid with the specified parameters. Figure No. 2 shows the original oil from the manufacturer, which is intended for the retail chain. Packaging: Manual transmission oil for Toyota automatic transmission is offered in plastic canisters with a capacity of 0.946 liters. The product can be supplied in 4 liter tin cans.
Practical advice on choosing oil in a Toyota automatic transmission
Original Toyota gearbox oil can always be distinguished by its hard plastic and non-blurred inscriptions on the product sticker. Only such a lubricant can protect the automatic transmission from problems with it and major repairs.
The original oil does not lose its level as quickly as a non-Chinese counterfeit does. An automatic transmission manufacturer will never flood someone else’s transmission, which in terms of technical properties does not correspond to the developments of Toyota engineers.
So, let's look at what transmissions need to be filled and what is the level or displacement for a Toyota transmission.
Original oil
Original Toyota transmission lubricants include the following fluids:
- Toyota WS - began to be poured into automatic transmissions after 2005;
- Toyota Type T IV.
These oils do not interact with rubber gaskets and seals of automatic transmissions and have a stable viscosity index. The automatic machine does not overheat in the summer and when traveling on dirt roads and country trails.
Analogs
Of the analogues, I can recommend Aisin ATF AFW. According to the specifications, the lubricant is compatible with the original transmission fluid. It has an increased viscosity index and does not freeze at temperatures of minus 45 degrees below zero.
Mobil ATF 3309 from an American company. Also fully compatible synthetic oil. It has proven itself well among experienced car owners.
Having decided on the choice of oil, we proceed to checking the lubricant level in the automatic transmission.
Checking the level
Checking the lubricant level should always begin with warming up the car. It is not recommended to increase or decrease the level. Automatic transmissions do not like such actions.
Since Toyota automatic transmissions are available with dipstick and without dipstick, the algorithm for checking the oil level in the automatic transmission will also depend on the modification of the automatic transmission. Let's take a closer look at the examples I will give below.
With dipstick
Let's look at how the level is checked in automatic transmissions that are equipped with a dipstick. Such automatic transmissions are easily controlled by beginners, because it is easier to check the level on the dipstick than to crawl under the car and unscrew the control plug.
- Warm up the Toyota automatic transmission and place it on a flat surface.
- Turn off the engine.
- Open the hood.
- Unscrew the dipstick.
- Wipe the tip with a lint-free cloth.
- Re-insert it into the hole and rotate it 180 degrees. Then you take it out.
- Look at the risks that the lubricant has reached.
If the oil corresponds to the level marked “Hot” or “Max,” then there is enough transmission fluid in the machine. If it is lower, then you need to top it up. Just don't overdo it.
Read
What are automatic transmission clutches and how to replace them yourself
Excessive levels of lubricant are just as harmful to the gearbox as underfilling. Excess oil will be squeezed out by the breather, resulting in air entering the system. And this will lead to the fact that the box may go into emergency mode.
Underfilling is also dangerous. The automatic transmission will overheat even in the cool season. The clutches will burn out, the machine will knock, kick, and push.
Attention! An automatic transmission system in good condition requires no more than 0.5 or 1 liter to top up to the desired level.
Now let's look at how to check the transmission fluid level in an automatic transmission without a dipstick.
Without dipstick
In a box without a dipstick, checking the level will be more difficult for beginners. We do the procedure this way:
- Warming up the automatic transmission.
- We park the car on a pit or overpass. This will allow you to crawl under the car without lifting it with a jack.
- We don't turn off the engine. We go down under the Toyota.
- We unscrew the control plug, which is usually located on the side of the pan.
- We wait a few seconds.
- The hole should not be dry. Lubricant should drip from it.
If it is dry, then the transmission fluid level needs to be replenished. Check the oil level when the automatic gearbox is warmed up to a temperature of 35, 45 degrees above zero.
Read
Do-it-yourself oil change in a Chevrolet Aveo T300 automatic transmission
If you warm up the automatic to 70 degrees, the oil will simply stream out of the Toyota automatic through the control plug. Therefore, follow the rules for checking the lubricant level for your automatic transmission.
Only original oil needs to be added. If you replace it with an analogue, both transmission fluids will interact and damage the gearbox.
Consequences of operating a car with an incorrect automatic transmission oil level
When operating a car with insufficient oil level in the automatic transmission, the following symptoms appear:
- The vehicle handles worse;
- Uncharacteristic sounds are heard from the transmission;
- The car reacts worse to gear shifting.
If you notice any of the symptoms, you should add or completely change the oil.
Problems with the car due to lack of lubrication in the automatic transmission are caused by the fact that the pump draws in air. Contacting parts are less well lubricated and wear out over time. In addition, the box gets hotter.
Consequences of driving a car with a high oil level in the automatic transmission
Excess fluid is only possible in machines equipped with a dipstick. There is no automatic reset of excess. Excess liquid foams, oxidizes and evaporates when heated strongly. As a result, system valves and other elements fail.
When driving for a long time in this mode, the molecular structure of the oil changes, which affects its quality. As a result, the box parts are poorly lubricated and wear out faster. If you miss the moment, you will most likely need serious repairs.
What's the result?
As you can see, there are several simple and accessible methods that allow you to pre-check the automatic transmission when buying a used car right on the spot. If the operation of the transmission and the condition of the oil in the automatic transmission do not cause any comments, then you can safely go to the service station, and you should not neglect professional and complete diagnostics of the car at the service center.
If necessary, car service employees separately draw the buyer’s attention to the presence of extraneous sounds during the operation of units and components, point out parts that need to be changed soon, etc. As a result, the identification of certain malfunctions and defects can become a serious basis for reasoned bargaining or a complete refusal to purchase a specific used car.
Why the automatic transmission kicks, the automatic transmission jerks when changing gears, jerks, jerks and impacts occur in the automatic transmission: the main reasons.
What is automatic transmission emergency mode? Why does the automatic transmission go into emergency mode: the reasons why the automatic transmission goes into emergency mode, diagnostics.
Changing the oil fluid
Changing the oil in a Toyota Corolla automatic transmission is divided into three types:
- Intermediate. It is carried out to remove used lubricant and fill in fresh petroleum product.
- Standard. This is carried out if the lubricant poured into the Toyota transmission has exhausted its life.
- Full download.
An intermediate oil change for a Toyota Camry takes place in several stages. First of all, the waste is drained. Then fresh consumables are poured into the gearbox. It is necessary to dismantle and thoroughly wash the transmission pan and oil filter.
Transmission oil color
The standard shift is more difficult to perform than the intermediate shift. First, the spent oil product is removed (drained through a special hole). After this, the pan and oil filter are removed from the Corolla gearbox. The filter element is replaced, the pan is mounted in place. Only after this fresh oil is poured into the transmission.
The scheme for completely pumping lubricant into a Corolla automatic transmission involves the use of special equipment. Correctly connect the equipment to the oil filler neck, pump out the waste, and then pump in new motor oil under pressure.
I've been driving for many years, and everything seems to be fine, but the accumulated tension from this fact haunts me at night.
The HOT and COOL levels are marked on the dipstick. So, the dextron level works exactly the opposite - a hot car - the level is on COOL, a cold one - on HOT. And it’s always like this, I’m already used to topping it up when replacing, and everything seems to be in order.
What could this mean?
Well, everything is correct, the only bad thing is that your hot box has a Gold level, you need to top it up. And when it’s cold, are you looking at it with it turned off?
How do you see the level? Stupidly pulled out the dipstick, wiped it, inserted it, pulled it out and looked?? if so, it’s not correct, do a search here, we’ve been told a thousand times (including me) how to check the oil level correctly
I look at the level from the AutoDat book. Cold - I move the selector back and forth, and at idle I look at the level - the HOT mark. Hot - COOL.
In general, I topped it up to HOT when it was hot, well, the behavior remained the same, only above the marks. Yes, and if there was not enough dextron, the box would slip on the slides, but there is no such thing.
I went to a local auto repair shop and they said the dipstick might be from another car. Something is doubtful.
Actually, the level in the automatic transmission is checked when it is “hot”, at operating temperature
.. With the engine running, move the selector knob through all positions several times, delaying each for a few seconds, then check the level in the “P” position..
I'll join! And here's another thing. It takes at least 20 km for the box to become hot. drive around the city, because the box only heats up when switching. At XX, at least thresh the engine until the dexron warms up from the antifreeze, look at COOL. I only measure the level then. when you can no longer hold the automatic transmission dipstick in your hands, i.e. Temperature is at least 70 degrees.
By your logic, the COOL label is not needed, it turns out, since it is checked for “hot”. So?
And here it’s not at all clear what you wanted to say. Watch COOL on singles? I did that too.
It’s more likely not AVTODAT, but some kind of samizdat))) “notches”)))) I haven’t seen anything similar in any serious instructions..
By your logic, the COOL label is not needed, it turns out, since it is checked for “hot”. So?
Transmission diagnostics. How to check the automatic transmission?
We tried to collect in one article all the diagnostic procedures that will help you figure out what exactly went wrong in the automatic transmission. We recommend searching for a breakdown of the machine in the following sequence:
Checking the oil level and condition
Before we begin this procedure, let's take a closer look at how to check the oil in an automatic transmission. In fact, there is nothing complicated about it. We start the car engine and switch the gearbox selector to the “P” (parking) position. While the car is idling, check the oil. We take out the dipstick, wipe it and insert it back. After this, take out the dipstick again and look at the oil level. Now you need to wipe the dipstick with white paper. There should be no traces of metal shavings or other foreign microelements on the paper sheet. If the oil has darkened (ideally it should be red), it means that it has not been changed for a long time. On some modern car models with automatic transmission, this dipstick is missing. In such a situation, you can check the level and condition of the oil only at a car service center.
Checking the level and condition of the fluid in the automatic transmission | Video
Checking the adjustment cable
The next stage of automatic transmission diagnostics is checking the throttle valve control cable or, as it is also called, the adjusting cable. During operation of the gearbox, the adjusting cable wears out, which leads to disruption of the entire transmission. In particular, the need to adjust the cable is indicated by premature gear shifting at high or low speeds. As a result, wear on the main components of the box increases, and fuel consumption also increases. The cable may need to be lubricated or tightened if it is loose.
How to check an automatic transmission with a stationary car
We recommend that this procedure be carried out in the presence of a qualified specialist.
The so-called Stall Test is carried out on a completely braked car, with the engine running at maximum power. As a result of this test, it is possible to evaluate the braking properties of friction discs, the quality of operation of the torque converter and the engine as a whole. Before checking, you must make sure that the car is securely braked. Set the automatic transmission selector to position “P”, and also turn on the main and auxiliary brakes. Also, secure the wheels with some kind of chocks. During the inspection, there should be no people in front or behind the vehicle.
This test will not take much time. To check the automatic transmission, you must perform the following steps:
If during this procedure there are unusual extraneous noises in the engine operation, then the test must be stopped immediately.
After this, it is necessary to compare the obtained indicators with the values set by the manufacturer. If the number of revolutions exceeds the manufacturer's specifications, then the problem is likely low pressure in the main line. If, on the contrary, the number of revolutions does not reach the recommended value, then, most likely, the free-motion clutch of the torque converter reactor has become unusable.
How to check the automatic transmission while the car is moving
Road tests are one of the most important tools for automatic transmission diagnostics. During this test, the following transmission performance indicators are checked:
— timely gear shifting;
— no jerking when moving;
— the presence of third-party noise or vibrations under the hood;
— correct operation of the box in various driving modes;
— timely response of the box, no slipping.
If, as a result of this check, slipping of the car or an unexpected increase in engine speed when changing gears was revealed, then, most likely, the friction discs have become unusable or there is a problem in the freewheel.
Oil change steps
In Toyotas, replacing the lubricant in the gearbox is divided into 3 types:
- Interim replacement. It is performed in order to remove the old product and then add new transmission fluid.
- Standard replacement. It is performed when the time for filling a new lubricant is approaching.
- Full download. It is called continuous downloading.
When carrying out work to change the oil in the gearbox, it is necessary to unscrew the drain plug and wait until the oil drains completely.
An intermediate oil change in an automatic transmission is carried out in several stages. First, the old lubricant is carefully drained, after which new fluid is added to the automatic transmission. It is necessary to remove and thoroughly wash the box tray and filter. After you complete the fluid replacement process, the automatic transmission pan and filter are mounted back.
This method repeats the process of changing the oil in a Toyota manual transmission. Intermediate replacement should be performed every 20-30 thousand km.
This system has several disadvantages. Firstly, half of the old grease remains inside the box. Secondly, even if you regularly fill in new oil, the share of old oil will still be significant.
A standard lubricant change is more difficult to complete. First, the old grease is removed; this is very easy to do through a special drain hole. Then you should remove the pan from the box, the old filter should be removed. After the procedure is completed, install a new filter, put the pan back, and pour new oil into the automatic transmission.
The full injection method differs from others in that the driver will need special tools to change the oil in the automatic transmission. Connect them to the automatic transmission by connecting them to the lubricant supply system. Oil is pumped under pressure. First, the old fluid is pumped out of the automatic transmission, then new oil is poured into it.
This is the most effective method that allows you to completely remove old lubricant from an automatic transmission. It should be noted that there is no accumulation of old product on the inside of the box.
The oil filter also needs to be changed when fully pumped; this is done at the very end of the procedure.
