Transmission sampling - 05 and newer ToyotaTundras

[btanchors]

Hello everyone,

I would like to take a sample of the automatic transmission fluid in my 2006 Toyota Tundra Limited Double Cab 4WD. In the past, I always take samples via the dipstick tube, using an extraction device connected to thin plastic tubing that fits down the dipstick tube. This is particularly convenient because it avoid draining the fluid, and, if I am careful, I avoid getting any sediment from the bottom of the pan in the sample, which might skew the results.

However, with my 2006 Tundra Limited Double-Cab 4WD, it presents a problem, since the transmission has no dipstick tube. So - my question is, how should I take a sample?

I have three choices:

1) Remove one of the rubber hoses under the engine compartment that connects the transmission to the coolers.

2) Remove the drain plug on the transmission, and take a sample while the fluid in the pan drains out.

3) Use the "Overflow" "check" tube which only drains fluid when it is above a certain level.

Of the three methods - I think I prefer the third one, if it will work - for two reasons:

a) It doesn't draw fluid from the bottom of the pan - it only takes fluid that is sitting at a high level in the pan, so it avoids getting any sediment from the bottom of the pan that would skew the analysis results.

b) It avoids draining all the fluid - presumably, it would only allow a few ounces to drain, which is all I need for a sample. I don't want to change the fluid at this time anyway.

Thoughts? Opinions? I hate these "No dipstick" transmissions!

 

[The Critic]

I'll try to get you the fluid level check instructions for a 06 Tundra, but it won't be easy to do this.

The overflow tube method isn't going to work because when the vehicle is running, only an ounce or two will come out.

Maybe you could start the vehicle and remove the FILL PLUG and extract a sample from there?

 

[kd5byb]

Originally Posted By: The Critic

Maybe you could start the vehicle and remove the FILL PLUG and extract a sample from there?


That's what I would do. Put a flexible tube in the Fill Plug and slurp enough off the top to get at what you need. Everything else seems too complicated.

Maybe I'd just warm it up, shut it off, and not do it with the engine running. Seems like you'd get a good result as long as it hasn't been too long since you've shut it off.

I don't know how the '06s are setup, but this is the way I'd do it on my '07 5.7L Tundra. I assume the '06s have the goofy fill port, overflow port, and drain plug?

Maybe the drain plug if you're careful and only sample the amount needed?

later,
b

 

[btanchors]

kd5byb and Critic,

Thank you for your responses. A couple of comments:

1) Critic - Do you think the overflow tube would allow enough fluid out if it were opened while the engine is OFF? What I would do it drive the truck around to warm up to operating temperature, then shut it down and immediately sample it. This is what I do on other cars when sampling via the dipstick tube. I am thinking when the engine is off, the trans fluid level is likely to be a bit higher, possibly making the overflow tube a practical way to get a sample.

2) Failing that - I might try sampling by pulling off the rubber hose from a connection to one of the coolers. This would appear to be easier, since it is located under the engine compartment.

I don't like the idea of crawling under the truck while it is running - it is already a bit dangerous even when the engine is off - given a hot exhaust system.

kd5byb - The set up on the '05 and '06 Tundra is very similar to the 07, from what I understand...

 

[The Critic]

From my experience, the transmission fluid level will rise fairly quickly once the vehicle is off, so uncorking the overflow tube immediately upon shutdown will probably remove A LOT of fluid.

Why don't you just leave the transmission fluid alone? At 30 or 60k (or whenever you decide to change it) take it to the dealer and have it serviced at that point.

 

[unDummy]

A sample can be taken at any mileage.

Dealer service is overrated, unless you own a dealership or work for one.

If any owner decides to adjust their maintenance intervals based on their driving style or vehicle expectations, then the OE recommended intervals can and should be tossed out.
In this case, the UOA sample will help pick an interval which may be longer or shorter then the OE recommendation.

There will be plenty of ATF to sample from the overflow tube when you shut the vehicle off. The cooler line hose sampling is easy too. Regardless of sampling method, make sure you top off the ATF.

 

[btanchors]

In case anyone is interested:

I took the sample today. I ended up pulling the sample from the rubber hose that connects to the bottom of the radiator cooler. On my 2006 Tundra, which has the optional transmission cooler, the radiator transmission cooler is in series with the external one that is mounted in front of the radiator. Your Tundra may be different, but in my case, it was *very* easy to do. I pulled the clamp off and slid it along the hose, then pulled the hose off. Note that the engine was OFF! Enough fluid came out to fill half the bottle. I then put the hose back on, started the engine and let it run for 5 seconds, then shut it off again, and repeated. I got the bottle completely full - whatever those bottles from Blackstone hold - perhaps 3-4 ounces, and I hardly spilled a drop. I am not even going to bother topping the fluid off - I can't see how such a small amount would affect anything. I will be sending the sample to Blackstone next week, and will post the results in this forum.