Automatic Transmission Service

[2alandvan2]

May seem like a stupid question but can you refill through the dipstick? I am having trouble getting the filler bolt out.

[mun]

Hi Everyone,

I am reasonably sure that you check the Auto transmission level when the engine is running, or straight after it stops, I would also suggest that you do change the auto fluid, no matter what the book says. Most manufactures now don't specify auto tranny fluid changes, some like the 5 speed prado don't even get a dipstick! I have a 2005 SR falcon as a family car and the book says that the auto service is only required under harsh conditions, frequently stopping or towing conditions. Long story short the box started slipping in reverse, full rebuild required. $2000 later a rebuilt box, ford 4 speeds are really common and cheap to repair, i would not like to guess what the 4 speed hilux box would cost to fix let alone a 5 or 6 speed version. Auto tranny guy suggests dropping oil every 20 000KM, on the hilux this only yeilds about 4-5litres out of a total of over double that. If as suggested you pump the system dry you will change out the whole lot and the service interval will be a lot longer. I think that you can also have it set up to be sucking out of the new oil drum while it empties out the old oil, then wait until the oil out goes nice and red and clean then stop, this uses a lot more oil than normal but it changes it all. To make an auto last you need to keep the oil clean and keep it cool. If the oil is brown and smells burnt i would definetly be changing it out. My 4 cents.

John

[jap]

Dipstick = one more access point for contaminants

[crosssport]

May seem like a stupid question but can you refill through the dipstick? I am having trouble getting the filler bolt out.

Not a stupid question, most autos with a dipstick do not have any other filler plugs, you fill the auto through the dipstick tube. Remember to check fluid level with vehicle idling. If checked with engine off you will get an overfull reading. I always fill auto, cycle through each gear and then recheck.Then I road test which also gets the fluid up to operating temp and then check again and top up to hot running level as needed.

[2alandvan2]

Thanks guys

[danmcccc]

May seem like a stupid question but can you refill through the dipstick? I am having trouble getting the filler bolt out.

Not a stupid question, most autos with a dipstick do not have any other filler plugs, you fill the auto through the dipstick tube. Remember to check fluid level with vehicle idling. If checked with engine off you will get an overfull reading. I always fill auto, cycle through each gear and then recheck.Then I road test which also gets the fluid up to operating temp and then check again and top up to hot running level as needed.

every auto trans i see at work you have to fill thru the dipstick...its the ony wany...ZF and allison

[jap]

Whats an 'ony wany'? Some special transmission tool?

[Hilux Max]

Just thought Id add to this....I was under the misconception until today that the 4 speed auto in the hilux D4D was a sealed unit...I was wrong.

The 4 speed auto is not a sealed unit and can be serviced like any traditional auto gearbox can.

Dump the oil, replace the valve body oil strainer and refill and check whilst engine is running till warm. Also ensure you use Type 4 auto tranny oil only.

There isnt a gasket for the auto sump, but sealer, so you have to clean the old shit off and reseal before re fitting.

The V6 auto's 5 speed is a sealed unit and doesnt need servicing (or so they say) and replacing the fluid gets done by a machine of some sort (not sure exactly) but it pumps out the old oil while pumping in the new stuff.

Make sure you use Type WS (World Standard) auto oil.

hope that helps.

[jap]

For those interested, this is what an A750 5 speed looks like with the pan and filter off

[danmcccc]

Whats an 'ony wany'? Some special transmission tool?

only way haha typo. missed an L

[danmcccc]

is the oil a dexron 4???? or some other type 4??????

[mun]

Toyota type IV , ie 4 in roman numerals, this is a genuine Toyota oil only available from Toyota. Unless someone knows who makes this for them. There is other equivalents in mobil and penrite.

[mun]

http://www.penriteoil.com.au/pis_pdfs/A ... 202011.pdf

[Vega]

Just had my 4 speed auto (diesel) serviced for the first time (25k km's) at Craig's Automatics, Chipping Norton (near Liverpool, Sydney) as mentioned by a member. Cost $250.00.
Oil used was Valvoline Maxlife which Craig states it's far better then the Toyota ATF (getting ready for the Cape, "Baradise" in upcoming trips section, in a couple of weeks). All staff were very polite and happy to answer any questions.

The boys at the Australian Transmission Centre place the separate trans cooler on the Toyota about 2 years ago and bypassed the radiator completely. $330.00 from memory. Was towing a heavy camper trailer for about 6k km's on various trips.

I have no affiliation with this companies.

Craigs Automatic Transmissions‎
16/21 Childs Road
Chipping Norton NSW 2170
(02) 9755 1158
craigsautos.com.au‎


Australian Transmission Centre‎
5 Bourke Street
North Parramatta NSW 2151
(02) 9630 8833
autotrans.net.au‎

http://www.valvoline.com.au/files/productpdfs/23.pdf

[jap]

What do they include in a 'service'?
Filter change, full flush and replacement?

[Hilux Max]

thats basically it I would assume....replace the valve body oil strainer, clean and reseal the pan and put new oil in.

[Vega]

They tested drove, removed pan and clean, removed old ATF, replaced two filters, reseal pan, replaced pan, ran till operating temp., checked ATF level, sticker on windscreen (replace 44k), will I waited (booked in prior) OOP's forgot, removal & replaced bash plate.

[jap]

Cool

[Hilux Max]

2 filters? wtf?

pretty sure theres only a valve body oil strainer there which is the filter....happy to be corrected.

[Vega]

Hi mmaxx, I'll ring and ask 2morrow it may have been only one (I thought they said two, but I'm getting old) Cheers