Is Toyota pulling a fast one?

[WilliamD]

I have a 2009 Toyota Matrix XR automatic. The Owner's Manual Supplement states on page 31 that it is the owner's responsibility to check the automatic transmission fluid, among other things. However, there are no instructions anywhere in the Owner's Manual or the Supplement on how to do this. In contrast to this Toyota has devoted 4 1/2 pages in the Owner's Manual giving detailed instructions on how to check and add oil to the engine.
I wonder if the omission of instructions about checking the AT fluid is deliberate or just an oversight. If it is deliberate presumably Toyota wants you to go to the dealer and pay to have it done. If it is an oversight it is pretty sloppy on Toyota's part since they have included it in the manual for my Totyota Tercel and I would guess, other models as well.

(I know how to check it but for the average owner it might be a problem.)

 

[d00df00d]

Interesting. Have you asked Corporate?

 

[WilliamD]

No, I haven't. But not a bad idea.

 

[Norse]

Originally Posted By: WilliamD
Is Toyota pulling a fast one?


Well, I’ve seen stories on the news about it happening unintentionally and quite often to boot.

 

[demarpaint]

Toyota's recent track record is less than perfect so anything is possible! JMO Flame suit on!

 

[MarkM66]

Originally Posted By: WilliamD

(I know how to check it but for the average owner it might be a problem.)


The average owner never even looks in the owners manual.

I think my Vibe states how to check it.

 

[The motor guy]

Just check it like you do every other vehicle. Go drive it for about 15 miles to warm it up and then check it on level ground with the engine idling in neutral. Not all transmissions circulate fluid in park so it's always best to check while in neutral if you don't know if it does or not. But basically unless you have a leak the transmission fluid shouldn't go anywhere. It should however look slightly red and should not smell burnt or like rotten eggs. Remember to set the parking brake.

 

[hate2work]

2009? Wouldn't that mean this car has the "sealed" transmission that does not have a dipstick?

 

[ARCOgraphite]

I thought most A-trans are dipstick-less and "sealed for life" - A short-er life it may be ....

 

[Quest]

RE: is Toyota pulling a fast one...

IMHO depends on how you wanna interpret it.

On a contrary: how many motoring avg joes now still actively practice the routine of popping the hood and check all the fluid levels every weekend?

If you can give a definitive answer to this, you got the answer to your Matrix A-trans already.

Q.

 

[WilliamD]

No, it's not sealed - there is a dipstick and I've checked it regularly.
I know most people don't check fluid levels these days but why does Toyota have 4 1/2 pages on checking and filling engine oil, 2 pages on checking and filling coolant, 1 page on checking and filling brake fluid, 2 pages on the battery, and 1 page on checking and filling washer fluid but nothing on the AT? Did they just forget or are they really pulling a fast one?

 

[Scienceman]

call and ask. May be a mistake.

 

[rslifkin]

Chances are, they don't worry about it much, as it doesn't go anywhere unless there's a leak, and most people won't change it themselves. Those that would, likely know how to check it.

 

[jorton]

On most cars the level only has to be checked 2 times because transmissions don't consume oil like the engine does. Check the level before, and after a transmission is serviced.

 

[nthach]

Toyota is still installing dipsticks on the newer Corollas, FYI.