Transmission questions, issue after fluid change

Was trying to do right by my 2016 with 140k miles. I could not find records of it getting any transy fluid changed it. At 140k I asked Midas to drain and fill. They did so. Immediately, the 4Runner would randomly not want to engage the clutch packs for 1st gear. But it is totally random and only about 5% of the time. You generally have to be decelerating toward a turn, the transmission shifts down, you give gas after you turn, the rpm’s increase, but power is not applied to wheels. Then wham, it will engage like dropping the clutch. But it is so random, I have a hard time pinning it down, not knowing what to do about it. Sometimes it will do the opposite. You will come to a stop, foot on brake, and then the truck will lurch forward as if you let off a clutch while you hold the brake. It just lurches for a moment, but returns to normal.

I went back to Midas to hear how they drained it (not flush), how they determined the level, and what fluid they used. It all sounded legit. But.. they then suggested I take it to a transmission shop.

if it were more than 5%, I could
Justify, but I also worry that if something is wrong, it might grow worse. Although it has been about 8 weeks and it seems to be about the same.

 

Sounds underfilled.

 

Ditto. Sounds low on fluid.

 

I would just take it to a dealer and have them do another pan drain/refill to set the level right. Plus another drain/fill can not hurt.

 

Don't ever take your car to these quicky places. They never use OEM fluid and almost always do not know how to set the correct level. Take it to dealer, have them changed fluid and set level.

 

Thanks everyone. This seems like the best approach. Thanks!

 

If you look up that data sheet on that universal transmission fluid, its “suitable” for Toyota WS fluid, and everything else, but it’s only “approved” to replace Dexeon/Mercon.

I’d have Midas pay the dealer to do a full flush to get out all of the unapproved fluid they put in your transmission that immediately causes it to start having problems.



https://reladyne.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/PDS_DuraMAX_Global_ATF_0222-01.pdf

 

I'd be more concerned about how much debris and fiberglass insulation is floating around in that bulk drum of DuraMAX transmission fluid than the fluid itself. Before anything, verify the transmission fluid level is correct.

 

They probably turned vehicle off during the leveling process. Or just didn’t know how to do it properly… which is kinda weird to me, since it is really easy to do, and hard to mess up.

Cold drain, meaning vehicle sits overnight on a level surface. Drain, refill + 1/2 quart or so. Plug in obd2 and monitor atf pan temp. Start 4Runner.

While you’re waiting for the temp to come up, shift from park to drive, reverse, etc hold each gear for 3-5 seconds

once pan reaches 104 or so, crack open 5mm hex check plug while truck is still idling. Once the stream “breaks, and dribbles” fasten check plug back up.

take vehicle for spin. Operating temp is 175-190 depending on how long you’ve been driving. Make some WOT shifts, somewhat hard braking so fast downshifts etc, and make sure it’s good.

That’s exactly how I did my 30k spill and fill, and didn’t have any issues. I drain out about 3.5 quarts and it was pretty dark, but did not smelt burned up at all. I live in south Florida, and in stop and go traffic with a 1 hour commute sometimes I will see converter get 200+ but it always equals out with pan temp. 2 hour drive highest I’ve seen pan was 198.

I don’t think a lot of people realise how long it takes for a transmission to get to 175+ it’s about 20-30 mins of driving on highway or probably less in city with shifting and TC unlocked

 

Could be low fluid level, but it’s hard to ignore the fact they used a “universal” fluid. It wasn’t even an aftermarket fluid meant to replicate WS.

 

no problems before then you have problems after they touched it? Id get it to a toyota dealership asap to drain/refill with WS fluid and do proper temp level check. Stay away from midas and other BS chain stores.