How to Check the Transmission Fluid in a Toyota Tundra

Checking your own fluids in a Toyota Tundra is an easy task and can prevent engine damage, transmission damage and hundreds to thousands of dollars in repairs. A quick five-minute inspection on your truck is all you have to do in order to ensure your fluid levels are where they should be so that your trip is not interrupted by an unexpected and costly repair.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Shop rag Transmission fluid type per recommended in fluid specifications of owners manual (optional) Long narrow-necked funnel (optional)

1. • 1

     Run the vehicle to warm up the motor and fluids. Driving it for 10 minutes would be a good idea or let it run for at least that amount of time. This will expand the petroleum-based fluids such as transmission fluid and give you a proper reading on the dipstick.

   • 2

     Park the vehicle on a flat and level surface. The more level the surface, the more accurate the reading will be.

   • 3

     Shift through all the gears with your foot on the brake.

   • 4

     Place the truck in park and leave the engine idling.

   • 5

     Release the hood latch and prop the hood on hood prop rod.

   • 6

     Locate the transmission fluid dipstick. This could be in a variety of locations depending on the motor in the Tundra. It is most likely up near the fire wall on the right-hand side at the center of the engine. The handle for the transmission dipstick is generally red in color, opposed the to yellow dipstick for the engine oil. The word "transmission" should be printed or stamped on the top of the dipstick.

   • 7

     Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a shop rag. Reinsert the stick and remove it again. This is your actual reading. Determine where the fluid level is per the readings on the bottom of the dipstick.

   • 8

     Add transmission fluid, if necessary, using the proper type fluid recommended in the fluids specifications chart in the owners manual and a long narrow-necked funnel and place it in the dipstick tube. Fill only to the recommended line stamped on the bottom of the transmission dipstick. Add a little fluid at a time and allow it to drain thoroughly into the dipstick tube to ensure you're getting the proper reading.

   • 9

     Remove the funnel. Replace the dipstick and close the hood.

Tips & Warnings

• By adding the incorrect transmission fluid to your truck, you could incur damage to the transmission. It is important that you check the fluids specifications chart in the owners manual and only purchase the proper type and grade transmission fluid specified. If you are continuously having to add transmission fluid, this could be a cause of something more serious and should have it looked at by a qualified transmission center or dealership.