Learned this wire jumper trick few years ago on TacomaWorld. The window of correct temp only lasts about 3 min so you gotta work kinda fast once it's ready so have your tools ready to pull overflow bolt to get it to perfect level. Once it starts to trickle out reinstall bolt and you're golden.👌👍
Super helpful video. I did this today with the paperclip(works great). From my experience(08 Tacoma) when I got it into check mode it started flashing a few times, stayed solid for a few seconds, then went out. Once the light came back on, I checked the fluid to the proper level. But my light literally stayed solid for 20 minutes until it started flashing. I think my transmission temp sensor might be jacked up. Anyways, the video is/was much appreciated! Thanks!
Good tutorial- please do one on Gen 2 Traction Control features and what happens when it is on, off and after holding the button for a couple of seconds.
Mine took about 20 mins at about 60 degrees ambient outside temperature starting from a cold engine. After 15 mins I was worried and I drove it in reverse out of the garage and back in a few times to heat things up. It finally got to temp just have to be patient.
@@blakebiltwell5 go through the gear changing procedure, when it’s gets into A/T temp check mode it will flash on then turn off. The you wait until the A/T temp light comes back on solid. At that point you move quickly to pull the check plug and make sure(on a level surface) the fluid is only a steady trickle, not constant flow.
I have a 2016 Camry with a transmission without a dip stick, I wonder if it has something just like this. Everyone always says to just use a infrared thermostat, to check the pan temperature. But this way seems way more accurate.
After going through the gear shifting procedure my AT temp light flashed a few times turned solid and then went off. Then I had to wait like 15 min for it to come back on solid. Then check the fluid level on a level by pulling the check plug. Make sure all this is done on a level surface(this is super important). If the AT temp light starts flashing after having it having been on solid for a while, you are above the correct temperature to check the level.
Thank you so much for this. Been looking for this tutorial for ages, but none are very clear. Do you know if this works on the 4th gen 4runner? I'd assume yes. Also, do you plan to use Toyota WS or something else? I've been thinking about using Valvoline Maxlife
I'm not sure if it works for the 4th Gen 4Runners. Personally I'll be using Toyota WS fluid when I do my change. It's just a little more expensive than the Valvoline or other counterparts.
Another great video. Thanks again. I usually just use my trusty temp measuring gun, aim it at the bottom of the pan and let it trickle @ 118-122 but I think next time I’ll grab a paper clip & give this a shot. Thx again. Love all the lights flashing on the dash Merry Christmas!! 🤣🤣👍
The Care Care Nute is a youtube channel of a Toyota Master Tech and he has talked about using a temp gun as you said you have used. He urges people not to use that method because it is extremely unreliable. The method in this video is the one he recommends.
I have a Ultra Gauge in my truck that shows my trans temp, I see in the thread that it needs to be between 115 degrees and 130 degrees. Do you think I’d be okay using just the Ultra Gauge or will I still need to put the truck in temp check mode?
So just got a 2010 Taco Prerunner 2 wd. with 150,000 miles. Truck looks amazing bu have no maintenance history. Doing a fluid drain and fill and will repeat in about 15K miles. I am in FL wih outside temp mid 90's. The light never blinked. after I got the sequence down it just stayed lit. Does that mean it is at correct temp? or did it never go into test mode? Thanks
Just wanted to give my input that my 2022 sr did not work with the jumper. From what I’ve seen 2020 and newer just require a specific shift sequence, either to S back to park or N before you shift from N to D
Thanks for sharing! So do this procedure after you’ve drained and refilled more than you drained, right? Then open overfill plug and let out the excess fluid. Is this correct?
Yes put in a bit more than what came out so that some spills out when you pull the overfill plug so you know it's at the correct level. I show the process here: ua-cam.com/video/AU6_j4AkKhc/v-deo.html
I've heard from professional mechanics that if the trans fluid has never been changed over mileage intervals over 100k then it's better to leave the fluid alone since fluid that old probably has a bunch of small particles/pieces of metal that is actually helping the transmission grab and hold gears. Replacing all of that old fluid with new clean fluid could cause the trans to start slipping.
2006 Taco 4x4 V6 bought at 103,000 miles and appears no trans service done, realized at 240,000 miles and did trans fluid drain and fill. Actually dropped pan, changed trans filter, cleaned magnets and then did this process 2 more times same day (it will be ok do 2xs vs. 3xS like I did). Has been fine 85,000 miles later to 315,000 mi. now. Doing another drain fill now, no pan drop or filter change though. Will do at most twice drain fill process now, depends on fluid, don't want it fully replaced since shift plates need grit to properly shift, yes, fluid needs to be dirty. NEVER do a flush, DO only drain fill.
Was a hot day, got into temp check and it flashed once and then stayed solid right away without it running prior. Could just a warm day get it into temp range? 2012 4.0
Probably so, the range is 97-115 degrees. Maybe wait until weather cools a little and then do the process over again to make sure you don’t have a faulty trans temp sensor.
couldnt you drain fluid, remove the level check bolt, fill till it comes out the bolt hole, plug the hole then fill with a couple extra pumps.then let car warm up then just remove the check level bolt again, drain then ur good
I had a very bad leak. Coming from the hose that goes into the radiator at the fitting. I do not know how much I lost. Toyota told me to put in 5 quarts to be safe. That seems like a lot? I have the old trans oil changed out, and refilled. What I drained out was not very much.I have yet to get my 2014 in AT temp mode. I get all the flashing lights and the AT light pops after the sequence. I waited 20 mins and gave up. I probably need to wait longer?
@@Tacomaholic I seemed to have got the sequence correct. I got the AT light to pop on briefly and then vanish.. gonna give it a try now. Thanks! Great vid!
Out of curiosity, do you know what the temperature is? I am installing a Maestro Rr with my new stereo next week so I should be able to see the trans temp with that.
I tried this with my 2021 Tacoma using wire or paperclip can't get any flashing lights to come on. I put them in the correct terminals. Any suggestions?
Yes you wait till the light stays solid then pump some in the fill plug till it runs out the check plug while it's running. Then put the check plug back in shut it off then put in the fill plug.
@@JustinBurnette-gn2tj why would you not drain out while cool, put the amount back in that you drained, plus a half quart, then heat up until correct temp pull the plug and let drain until a trickle? That seems to be the best way to do it imo.
According to the Car Care Nut ( Master Toyota Mechanic) He states to remove the jumper after the car is in temp ck mode. Then check for proper fluid level. This is done to ensure proper idle speed when checking fluid level.
2006 tacoma. 4L 6cyl. Drained and filled. 2 quarts. Went through process 6 N-D. AT temp light stayed solid. It did not illuminate and go away?! Does this mean fluid is at temp? Note: it is 92 degrees outside. Anyone experience this? Or should I consider it at temp and do overflow?
I'm having the same problem. This morning it did what it was supposed to do, it lit up and went off 10min later it come back on. I checked my fluid, I didn't have enough so I added fluid and now it comes on solid. What am I doing wrong
The light will come on solid for about 2 seconds when starting the mode then turn off, but will come back on solid when the truck is at the correct temperature and then start flashing when the temp is too hot.
@@Tacomaholic You could say I'm trusting Toyota. Plus the fact that whatever is in there has been working. Obviously if you have a leak or other problems or unknown service history, you would not use my method.
I was worried about this too. You can hear him put it in park but never mentioned and wasn’t part of the steps. Glad you asked! And thank you @tacomaholic for providing these tutorials. Super straightforward and very helpful.
Be sure to checkout the transmission fluid drain/refill tutorial here: ua-cam.com/video/AU6_j4AkKhc/v-deo.html
Looking forward to it!
Definitely looking forward to that tutorial. Thanks so much!
Thank you for doing these tutorials. I hate the stealership.
Thank you! I couldn’t get mine into A/T temp mode until I watched your video and followed your timing.
Glad it helped!
Learned this wire jumper trick few years ago on TacomaWorld. The window of correct temp only lasts about 3 min so you gotta work kinda fast once it's ready so have your tools ready to pull overflow bolt to get it to perfect level. Once it starts to trickle out reinstall bolt and you're golden.👌👍
Good to know. Thank you
@@1991toyrolla Sweet! Thank you for sharing the important piece of information.
I was wondering about that. Thanks
I was wondering about that. Thanks
Thank you.
Bro you’re the absolute best. I wish I seen this before your trans oil change vid
Super helpful video. I did this today with the paperclip(works great). From my experience(08 Tacoma) when I got it into check mode it started flashing a few times, stayed solid for a few seconds, then went out. Once the light came back on, I checked the fluid to the proper level. But my light literally stayed solid for 20 minutes until it started flashing. I think my transmission temp sensor might be jacked up. Anyways, the video is/was much appreciated! Thanks!
Outstanding video! Clear, concise and accurate. Thank you!
Thanks for the shifting timing section. Without being to ghost you I wasn't able to get the timing right. Thanks for great videos!
Read the write up on TW a bunch of times and it sounded too complicated. This vid helped a lot. Will attemp AT fluid level check in the spring
It's weird at first but really easy once you get the timing down on the shifting.
Excellent video!! GREAT job explaining the procedure!
Thank you!
I have a manual transmission but still enjoyed watching it
ThanksI I couldn't get the timing right until I did it in sync with you in the video!
Glad I could help!
Good tutorial- please do one on Gen 2 Traction Control features and what happens when it is on, off and after holding the button for a couple of seconds.
Greatly appreciate this…something new (to me) every day for my 🌮. Especially that paper clip trick‼️🍻👊🏽
Happy to help!
Informative!! I knew Tacomahollic would knock it out of the park! 👊
Thanks my friend, this is one of those tutorials I'm glad you're covering that I didn't know I needed. Looking forward to the next episode!
Trans fluid drain/refill coming next! (probably Monday)
@@Tacomaholic I'm thinking the timing is just about perfect for my service.
Mine took about 20 mins at about 60 degrees ambient outside temperature starting from a cold engine. After 15 mins I was worried and I drove it in reverse out of the garage and back in a few times to heat things up. It finally got to temp just have to be patient.
been wondering if this is normal, did mine and it took about 20-25 but that’s a cold start in a 45 degree garage. glad i saw this comment!
Do you mean you let it warm up for 15 minutes before starting the procedure?
@@blakebiltwell5 go through the gear changing procedure, when it’s gets into A/T temp check mode it will flash on then turn off. The you wait until the A/T temp light comes back on solid. At that point you move quickly to pull the check plug and make sure(on a level surface) the fluid is only a steady trickle, not constant flow.
Truck lookin good!
I have a 2016 Camry with a transmission without a dip stick, I wonder if it has something just like this. Everyone always says to just use a infrared thermostat, to check the pan temperature. But this way seems way more accurate.
Knowing Toyota I bet there is a very similar process for the Camry.
Thank you for making this awesome tutorial video.
Another Great Video !…. Thank you for taking the time to make these, your making a lot of Tacoma owners lives a lot easier !!!!
Awesome man! Always wondered how to do this, super helpful! Thank youuu👌🏻
Confirmed to work with 4th gen 4Runners as well!
would love to see a video on how to check and maintain coolant levels if you haven't done one already!
I'll be doing that one soon.
Yeah a coolant flush tutorial would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for all the work you do.
I got it to flash but it didn’t go away. Will it flash for a few minutes then go solid?
After going through the gear shifting procedure my AT temp light flashed a few times turned solid and then went off. Then I had to wait like 15 min for it to come back on solid. Then check the fluid level on a level by pulling the check plug. Make sure all this is done on a level surface(this is super important). If the AT temp light starts flashing after having it having been on solid for a while, you are above the correct temperature to check the level.
If you have a trans temp cooler "tow package" does that change the procedure at all? Thanks
No same procedure.
Great info.
Thank you so much for this. Been looking for this tutorial for ages, but none are very clear.
Do you know if this works on the 4th gen 4runner? I'd assume yes.
Also, do you plan to use Toyota WS or something else? I've been thinking about using Valvoline Maxlife
I'm not sure if it works for the 4th Gen 4Runners. Personally I'll be using Toyota WS fluid when I do my change. It's just a little more expensive than the Valvoline or other counterparts.
Did you ever find out if the 4th gen 4Runner process was the same?
Another great video. Thanks again. I usually just use my trusty temp measuring gun, aim it at the bottom of the pan and let it trickle @ 118-122 but I think next time I’ll grab a paper clip & give this a shot. Thx again. Love all the lights flashing on the dash Merry Christmas!! 🤣🤣👍
The Care Care Nute is a youtube channel of a Toyota Master Tech and he has talked about using a temp gun as you said you have used. He urges people not to use that method because it is extremely unreliable. The method in this video is the one he recommends.
If you can’t get the timing right just play the video on your phone as your doing it and copy his timing 🤣🤣
I have a Ultra Gauge in my truck that shows my trans temp, I see in the thread that it needs to be between 115 degrees and 130 degrees. Do you think I’d be okay using just the Ultra Gauge or will I still need to put the truck in temp check mode?
Temp check mode will be the most accurate, but using the UG should be fine too.
So just got a 2010 Taco Prerunner 2 wd. with 150,000 miles. Truck looks amazing bu have no maintenance history. Doing a fluid drain and fill and will repeat in about 15K miles. I am in FL wih outside temp mid 90's. The light never blinked. after I got the sequence down it just stayed lit. Does that mean it is at correct temp? or did it never go into test mode?
Thanks
Just wanted to give my input that my 2022 sr did not work with the jumper. From what I’ve seen 2020 and newer just require a specific shift sequence, either to S back to park or N before you shift from N to D
Thanks for sharing! So do this procedure after you’ve drained and refilled more than you drained, right?
Then open overfill plug and let out the excess fluid.
Is this correct?
Yes put in a bit more than what came out so that some spills out when you pull the overfill plug so you know it's at the correct level. I show the process here: ua-cam.com/video/AU6_j4AkKhc/v-deo.html
Does anyone know what aftermarket shift knob he has, I need one.
Mishimoto. There are a few color options but here's the link amzn.to/3t0uFUZ
@@Tacomaholic Thank you very much, bless.
what to do if my AT oil/Temp won't go on in any conditions, even when the ignition is ON?
Thanks. Nice vid.
@Tacomaholic
Do you think it would be wise to replace transmission fluid after 200k + miles without doing so?
I've heard from professional mechanics that if the trans fluid has never been changed over mileage intervals over 100k then it's better to leave the fluid alone since fluid that old probably has a bunch of small particles/pieces of metal that is actually helping the transmission grab and hold gears. Replacing all of that old fluid with new clean fluid could cause the trans to start slipping.
2006 Taco 4x4 V6 bought at 103,000 miles and appears no trans service done, realized at 240,000 miles and did trans fluid drain and fill. Actually dropped pan, changed trans filter, cleaned magnets and then did this process 2 more times same day (it will be ok do 2xs vs. 3xS like I did). Has been fine 85,000 miles later to 315,000 mi. now. Doing another drain fill now, no pan drop or filter change though. Will do at most twice drain fill process now, depends on fluid, don't want it fully replaced since shift plates need grit to properly shift, yes, fluid needs to be dirty. NEVER do a flush, DO only drain fill.
@@ec9156 appreciate man. I’m at 308k still with same fluid but your process seems pretty convincing.
When you pull the overflow plug, does the trans shifter need to be in neutral or park?
Park for safety reasons.
Nice!
On my 2013 I had to do the N-D shifts quickly 8 times
I always thought yours was Manual like mine 🤣
I wish. When I bought my truck I had a long commute in nasty traffic for work so a manual would have been a pain.
Instead of this jumper method just use a OBD2 code reader, $30, shows trans. temp. and then go at it.
I can’t find an OBDI 2 scanner that reads Tran temp for under $100
Did I do it wrong? My at/temp light keeps flashing and I waited 20 minutes idle. It never went solid.
How do you properly check the fluid tho
That will be covered in the next vid.
Was a hot day, got into temp check and it flashed once and then stayed solid right away without it running prior. Could just a warm day get it into temp range? 2012 4.0
Probably so, the range is 97-115 degrees. Maybe wait until weather cools a little and then do the process over again to make sure you don’t have a faulty trans temp sensor.
Many of us use a Scan gauge, I would like to know how accurate the scan gauge is in comparison to the actual AT trans light coming on. Thanks
I'd be curious about that as well
couldnt you drain fluid, remove the level check bolt, fill till it comes out the bolt hole, plug the hole then fill with a couple extra pumps.then let car warm up then just remove the check level bolt again, drain then ur good
I had a very bad leak. Coming from the hose that goes into the radiator at the fitting. I do not know how much I lost. Toyota told me to put in 5 quarts to be safe. That seems like a lot? I have the old trans oil changed out, and refilled. What I drained out was not very much.I have yet to get my 2014 in AT temp mode. I get all the flashing lights and the AT light pops after the sequence. I waited 20 mins and gave up. I probably need to wait longer?
It can take awhile for the truck to get at the proper temp for the AT mode assuming you got the sequence to start correctly.
@@Tacomaholic I seemed to have got the sequence correct. I got the AT light to pop on briefly and then vanish.. gonna give it a try now. Thanks! Great vid!
Out of curiosity, do you know what the temperature is? I am installing a Maestro Rr with my new stereo next week so I should be able to see the trans temp with that.
The range to check the fluid level is 97-115 degrees F if I remember correctly.
Aw, second! 😂
Do I need to let the truck idle for 15 minutes before starting the procedure?
No
I tried this with my 2021 Tacoma using wire or paperclip can't get any flashing lights to come on. I put them in the correct terminals. Any suggestions?
I'm not sure if the process is identical on the 3rd Gen Tacomas. Might want to see if there is a thread about it on Tacomaworld.
Not sure what 2, 3 generation is , I do understand year models. What year model are you doing this procedure?
2005-2015
@@Tacomaholic thanks👍👍
What if I already drained my transmission fluid would this method still work?
Yes this will still get the truck into the "AT temp check mode"
How can I tell if I'm 2nd or 3rd Gen? 2015 here
2nd Gens are 2005-2015, 3rd Gen is 2016-2023
I read somewhere that prerunners don’t have at temp light on the dash. B4 I attempt, any insight on this?
Follow up: my 2015 DOES have the light. I got it on the first try! Thank You!
@@Usmjon13 Nice!
After you do that stand on one leg put your left hand on the top of your head lol
Can the fill plug be opened and fluid added while the truck is running?
Probably not a wise thing to do I would imagine.
Yes you wait till the light stays solid then pump some in the fill plug till it runs out the check plug while it's running. Then put the check plug back in shut it off then put in the fill plug.
@@JustinBurnette-gn2tj why would you not drain out while cool, put the amount back in that you drained, plus a half quart, then heat up until correct temp pull the plug and let drain until a trickle? That seems to be the best way to do it imo.
When is the appropriate time to remove the paperclip/wire from the connector?
Any time after you've refilled the correct amount of trans fluid.
@@Tacomaholic Thank you. Great tutorial. Subscribed.
@@Samael-Metzger Thanks man!
According to the Car Care Nut ( Master Toyota Mechanic) He states to remove the jumper after the car is in temp ck mode. Then check for proper fluid level. This is done to ensure proper idle speed when checking fluid level.
2006 tacoma. 4L 6cyl. Drained and filled. 2 quarts. Went through process 6 N-D. AT temp light stayed solid. It did not illuminate and go away?! Does this mean fluid is at temp? Note: it is 92 degrees outside. Anyone experience this? Or should I consider it at temp and do overflow?
It flashes when you first initiate at temp check mode, then stays solid when it is at the proper temperature to check the level.
I'm having the same problem. This morning it did what it was supposed to do, it lit up and went off 10min later it come back on. I checked my fluid, I didn't have enough so I added fluid and now it comes on solid. What am I doing wrong
@@jamescorley2536 after you added fluid, did you let it cool down and go through the whole process again?
Just regeared to 4.88 is there any tune out there? Like a ov tune
There are options for 3rd Gens but I haven't seen anything for 2nd Gens.
How long will at/temp light flash?
The light will come on solid for about 2 seconds when starting the mode then turn off, but will come back on solid when the truck is at the correct temperature and then start flashing when the temp is too hot.
I weigh the oil that drains out and put the same amount back in.
How do you know it was filled correctly to begin with?
@@Tacomaholic You could say I'm trusting Toyota. Plus the fact that whatever is in there has been working. Obviously if you have a leak or other problems or unknown service history, you would not use my method.
You don't talk about what gear it should be in while warming up and when you open the overflow
Park
I was worried about this too. You can hear him put it in park but never mentioned and wasn’t part of the steps. Glad you asked! And thank you @tacomaholic for providing these tutorials. Super straightforward and very helpful.
Got anymore off roading footage you want to throw out there for us?
I do have some more to upload. Not sure when I'll get to it though since the offroading vids never do too well. Frustrating!
Maybe some playing in the mud to go with the technical rock crawling, cuz it's just plain fun to sling mud.