Toyota Corolla transmission fluid level

[BirdyFlying]

Recently my mechanic changed the transmission fluid of my Toyota Corolla 4 speed 2014 with 40K miles. The level on the stick is now more then 1 inch above the maximum marking. He said that it is not a problem with these transmissions (old 4 speed) but I do not feel sure about it. He drained probably about 3 liters and added 4 liters. The transmission runs very smooth, better then before but I would like to know if it is better to drain some fluid?

The level is where I put my thumb on the stick.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Are you sure it is a 2014? Doesn't the use 2014 a CVT?

 

[dubber09]

Are you supposed to measure with engine running? If so then level will drop but the question is how much.

 

[supton]

Are you sure it is a 2014? Doesn't the use 2014 a CVT?

I'd have to go look for the years but I want to say they had some overlap at the end, like the base model got 4AT and LE was CVT.

But since the OP is showing a dipstick it's the 4AT. CVT does not have a dipstick. Source: I have a CVT version and it most certainly lacks one.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I'd have to go look for the years but I want to say they had some overlap at the end, like the base model got 4AT and LE was CVT.

But since the OP is showing a dipstick it's the 4AT. CVT does not have a dipstick. Source: I have a CVT version and it most certainly lacks one.

I think you are right! The L trim, entry level, offered the gear type transmission.

 

[kschachn]

Are you supposed to measure with engine running? If so then level will drop but the question is how much.

Yes, make sure the level is being measured exactly as the owner's manual or FSM states it should be done.

 

[BirdyFlying]

Are you sure it is a 2014? Doesn't the use 2014 a CVT?

Yes, it is the last 4 speed old model, assembled here in Brazil. In 2014 the new model with CVT came on the market.

 

[Tkonrr]

Your 4 speed transmission is super durable but like all automatic transmissions, the fluid level should never be higher than normal range. The foaming of the fluid and increased fluid temperature will shorten the longevity of the transmission resulting in an early failure. It should have a 10mm hex drain bolt on it's transmission pan. Draining the excess fluid is an important next step.

 

[BirdyFlying]

Your 4 speed transmission is super durable but like all automatic transmissions, the fluid level should never be higher than normal range. The foaming of the fluid and increased fluid temperature will shorten the longevity of the transmission resulting in an early failure. It should have a 10mm hex drain bolt on it's transmission pan. Draining the excess fluid is an important next step.

Thanks, will ask my mechanic to drain to the right level. I even asked him if it was not to high but he told me it didn't harm with this model. Better i go for the save margin and drain.

 

[Rhymingmechanic]

That's way overfilled if you checked it with the engine running, in park. Every owner's manual or service procedure I have ever read warns against overfilling automatic transmissions. One consequence is that it could puke fluid out of the vent or possibly the filler tube when the trans gets really hot. There are probably other possible problems like fluid aeration.

I used to maintain a 2010 Vibe with the same engine and transaxle. After a pan drain, I would add about 2 quarts and then adjust up to the proper cold level, a few ounces at a time. It usually took somewhere between 2.5 and 3 quarts at the most. Then I would drive it and check the hot level, and adjust more if needed.

Here's the basic procedure from the Vibe manual:

Park on a level surface. Check fluid with the engine running, trans in park.​

​

At normal fluid operating temperature (70-80C, 158-176F), the level should be between the two upper notches. The Vibe's dipstick was marked "Hot" there and "Cold" between the two lower notches.​

​

It says to drive 15 miles to reach operating temp. I found that a 15-20 minute drive around town worked.​

 

[BirdyFlying]

That's way overfilled if you checked it with the engine running, in park. Every owner's manual or service procedure I have ever read warns against overfilling automatic transmissions. One consequence is that it could puke fluid out of the vent or possibly the filler tube when the trans gets really hot. There are probably other possible problems like fluid aeration.

I used to maintain a 2010 Vibe with the same engine and transaxle. After a pan drain, I would add about 2 quarts and then adjust up to the proper cold level, a few ounces at a time. It usually took somewhere between 2.5 and 3 quarts at the most. Then I would drive it and check the hot level, and adjust more if needed.

Here's the basic procedure from the Vibe manual:

Park on a level surface. Check fluid with the engine running, trans in park.​

​

At normal fluid operating temperature (70-80C, 158-176F), the level should be between the two upper notches. The Vibe's dipstick was marked "Hot" there and "Cold" between the two lower notches.​

​

It says to drive 15 miles to reach operating temp. I found that a 15-20 minute drive around town worked.​

Thanks for your reply, tomorow it will be resolved. I called my mechanic and he will drain the excess fluid. I did not like the high level but it worked well untill now, hope nothing is damaged..

 

[JeffKeryk]

Thanks for your reply, tomorow it will be resolved. I called my mechanic and he will drain the excess fluid. I did not like the high level but it worked well untill now, hope nothing is damaged..

Please post your results.

 

[sw99]

I wouldn't trust a mechanic that says an inch over the fill lines is ok... I have two 09's with the same transmission. You want it warmed up and make sure it has been throuth the entire gear range on the shifter. Check it in Park, it should not be over the top line for the "hot" section.