How to check the transmission fluid in a Toyota 4Runner?

Checking the transmission fluid in your Toyota 4Runner is an important maintenance task that helps ensure your vehicle's transmission is functioning properly. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of checking the transmission fluid level and condition in your 4Runner.

Why Check the Transmission Fluid?

Regularly checking the transmission fluid in your Toyota 4Runner is crucial for several reasons:

• Prevent Transmission Damage: Low or contaminated transmission fluid can lead to increased wear and tear on the transmission components, potentially causing costly repairs down the line.


• Optimize Performance: Maintaining the proper fluid level and condition helps ensure your 4Runner's transmission operates smoothly and efficiently.


• Extend Transmission Life: Regular fluid checks and changes can help prolong the lifespan of your vehicle's transmission.

By following the steps outlined below, you can easily check the transmission fluid in your Toyota 4Runner and catch any issues before they become major problems.

Steps to Check the Transmission Fluid

1. Park your 4Runner on a level surface and apply the parking brake. This ensures an accurate fluid level reading.


2. Run the engine for a few minutes to warm up the transmission fluid. The fluid should be at normal operating temperature, around 175-200°F (80-93°C).


3. Locate the transmission fluid dipstick. It is usually located near the front of the engine, often with a bright-colored handle for easy identification.


4. Carefully pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth. Reinsert the dipstick fully, then pull it out again to check the fluid level.


5. Compare the fluid level to the "Full" and "Low" markings on the dipstick. The fluid should be between these two marks. If it's low, add more fluid of the recommended type until it reaches the full mark.


6. Inspect the fluid's color and condition. The fluid should be a clear, reddish-pink color. If it appears dark, burnt, or has a burnt odor, it may be time for a fluid change.

By following these steps, you can easily check the transmission fluid in your Toyota 4Runner and ensure it is at the proper level and in good condition. Remember to consult your owner's manual for any specific instructions or recommendations from Toyota.

How to check transmission fluid in 2014 Toyota 4Runner?

How To Check Your Transmission Fluid

1. Run your Toyota for five to ten minutes if it wasn't running beforehand.
2. Use your Toyota owner's manual to find the transmission fluid dipstick.
3. Remove the dipstick and use your fingers to feel the fluid.
4. Use a rag or a paper towel to wipe off the dipstick.

How to check transmission fluid level 4Runner?

To check the transmission fluid on a Toyota 4Runner, you will need to locate the level check plug on the transmission pan, as most models lack a dipstick. The process involves warming the transmission fluid to a specific temperature (around 115−133∘F115 minus 133 raised to the composed with power cap F115−133∘𝐹 for some models), ensuring the vehicle is on a level surface with the engine running, and then removing the overflow check plug. If the fluid trickles out, the level is correct.
 
For sealed transmissions (no dipstick)
This video demonstrates how to check transmission fluid on a Toyota 4Runner without a dipstick: 59sThe Car DoctorYouTube · Mar 4, 2015

1. Warm up the transmission: Drive the 4Runner for about 15-20 minutes to get the transmission fluid to its operating temperature. 
2. Park on a level surface: Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface. Engage the parking brake. 
3. Start the engine and put it in park: Start the engine and keep it running. Shift through all the gears, pausing for a few seconds in each gear before returning to park. 
4. Locate the overflow/check plug: On the transmission pan, locate the overflow or check plug. This is typically a smaller plug near the drain plug and requires a specific tool to remove (often a 5mm hex head). 
5. Remove the check plug: Remove the plug. If the fluid level is correct, you should see a small trickle of fluid run out. 
6. If low, add fluid: If no fluid comes out, add the specified transmission fluid (ATF WS for most recent models) through the fill plug, which is located higher up on the transmission, until fluid starts to trickle from the check plug hole. 
7. Replace the plugs: Reinstall both the check plug and the fill plug, ensuring the new gaskets/O-rings are in place, and tighten them to the specified torque. 

For older models with a dipstick
This video shows how to check transmission fluid on an older Toyota 4Runner with a dipstick: 58sToyota MaintenanceYouTube · Aug 28, 2014

1. Warm up the engine: Run the engine for a few minutes until it reaches its normal operating temperature. 
2. Park on a level surface: Park on a level surface and put the transmission in park. 
3. Locate and remove the dipstick: Find the transmission fluid dipstick (often to the right of the oil dipstick) and pull it out. 
4. Wipe and re-insert the dipstick: Wipe the dipstick clean with a rag, reinsert it fully, and then pull it out again to check the fluid level. 
5. Check the level and condition: The fluid should be between the "cold" and "hot" lines on the dipstick. It should be clear and pinkish; if it's dark, cloudy, or smells burnt, the fluid needs to be serviced. 
6. Add fluid if necessary: If the level is low, add more fluid through the dipstick tube using a funnel, but be careful not to overfill. 

Why did Toyota remove the transmission dipstick?

Toyota, along with other manufacturers, removed transmission dipsticks to create sealed transmissions. This is driven by the desire to prevent contamination, reduce cost, and because modern, more complex transmissions use specialized "lifetime" fluids that are not designed for frequent checks or changes by the owner. Instead, these sealed units require a specific, often more complex, service procedure for fluid checks and maintenance at a dealership.
 
Reasons for removing the dipstick

• To prevent contamination: A dipstick can be a point of entry for dirt and moisture, which can damage a modern transmission. A sealed system prevents this. 
• To use specialized fluids: Modern transmissions use specialized fluids that are designed to last for a long time and may be sensitive to contamination. These fluids are not meant for routine checking by the average driver. 
• To control the service process: Sealed transmissions are more complex and require a specific procedure for checking or changing the fluid. This process is best handled by professionals to ensure the correct fluid is used and the level is set properly at the correct operating temperature. 
• To reduce costs: Eliminating the dipstick and tube saves a small amount of cost in the manufacturing process. 

How to check the fluid

• Consult the owner's manual: Your owner's manual is the best source of information for your specific vehicle. 
• Take it to the dealer: If you suspect a leak or a problem, you should take your vehicle to a Toyota dealership for diagnosis. 
• Follow a specific procedure: If you need to check the fluid, the process is different. It often involves locating a fill plug, removing it, and adding fluid until it reaches the correct level at the correct temperature. This procedure can be complex and specific to your vehicle's model and the type of transmission it has (like a CVT). 

Does a 2017 Toyota 4Runner have a transmission dipstick?

Checking the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission
This means that there isn't a dipstick that you can examine your transmission fluid with, and you shouldn't try to do anything further yourself. Rather, you'll want to take your car in so an expert can check the fluids.