toyotagal

Hello everyone! I'm new to the board and have a major problem. I have been having transmission trouble (Automatic) in my 1994 4Runner and took it to Mr. Transmission today to get a check-up. While i was there the man said he wanted to show me what he thought while the car was still on the hydraulic lift and then see if i wanted it done. When he pointed out that he would have to take off the sway bar and driveshaft b/c of the location of the transmission pan (i think) i freaked out. This was the same thing that i drained when i changed my oil!!! The past two oil changes i have changed it myself but drained this pan instead of the oil one!! I had transmission trouble shortly after both changes with is obvious why now but always added a quart or two of the Dextron III to get the level back up. The guy at the transmission place said they need to take all that stuff out because they could not figure out where the fluid was going because there was no leak. he said the smudge at the bolt was dry and old (from my "oil" change 500 miles ago). What im wondering is what have i done and what do i need to do???? My dad said just change the oil again (take it somewhere!! lol) and fill the transmission fluid as needed. Im not sure and need some more opinions. Please hurry thanks all!!!!!

Waterboy

OUCH, rough learning experience.
I didn't know there was a drain plug on the auto trans but you probably only drained 1/3 of your fluid out not all of it. You might try a complete tranny flush and some good fluid. Didn't it seem kind of weird when you changed your oil and didn't need to add any oil to fill it up.

toyotagal

I was able to add 3 quarts so i thought everything was fine.

MTL_4runner

You need to check the fluid level with the tranny hot, engine running and in neutral.
Keep adding through the dipstick tube until you reach the "full" mark.
I doubt you did any damage just check your level often (maye when you get gas?)
Use only Dextron III to fill it up.

Waterboy

I think she was talking about the engine oil.

If you added fluid to it and didn't drive it around this whole time empty then I think a good flush on the tranny and changing the oil threw the right plug will be fine. Good luck.

lcopelan22

Yeah do that and check your oil level also. By the way was your truck smoking after these oil changes?

toyotagal

How much to Flush's run...the guy at Mr. Transmission said they were more than the check-up thing. So thats all i need to do is go get an oil change and a flush??? The oil change is definitely going to happen but why the Flush? Im a little confused. Thanks

toyotagal

No it was not smoking...what would make it smoke?

MTL_4runner

Sorry, I am confused.
Did you drain the oil pan or the tranny pan?
How lo did you drive it at that low level?

I assumed it was the tranny since you were an Mr Transmission.

toyotagal

I drained the Trans pan thinking it was the oil and added new oil and filter...i drove like 400 miles before i put 1.5 quarts in...Mr. Transmission topped off the trans fluid for free and said to call back when i decided if i was going to do what they proposed...they dont know about the oil-transmission mix up! hehe...

TDiddy

I bet you wouldn't pay more than $150 to have a tranny flush and an oil change at a toyota dealer.

Tranny flush at the dealer typically runs around $120. Check for dealer web sites in your area, they often have internet coupons for service.

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

I'd fill up the tranny to the "full" mark at MTL suggested and I'd take my rig to the dealer for my oil change. At the next service level when the tranny flush is needed, I'd definitely get it done. If you don't have anymore tranny problems, which are really just low fluid levels, I wouldn't waste my time at Mr. Transmission. I would always take my vehicle to the dealer for such a major problem.



Disclaimer: These are my opinions and may or may not bear any resemblance to sanity.

TDiddy

Agreed!

zedex

let me get this straight. You drained the tranny thinking it was engine oil. Then you pulled the oil filter. Put on a new filter. And added more oil thinking you drained it. How much oil did you add? Did you check the oil levels after.

MTL_4runner

hehehehe.....is that new?

Anyway, I agree with Brian.
I would definately pull the tranny pan and clean the screen filter.
I also suggest a flush if the fluid is not burnt (smell yours vs fresh fluid.....unmistakeable if it is!)
If it is burnt, DO NOT FLUSH IT!!!!
May cause the tranny to quit prematurely.

.....and make sure the engine oil is not overfull too!!!

toyotagal

I added 3 quarts and the levels were just at the full mark. (I guess more than normal exited through filter opening)


The guys at Mr. Transmission said that the fluid was low and dirty. Does dirty mean burnt?? So IF i get the flush i should do it at the Dealership? Thanks again

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

Dirty DOES NOT mean burnt. Yes, take it to the DEALERSHIP! The guys at Mr. Transmission might be nice, but I wouldn't let them change my kids diapers, much less something on my 4Runner. I also refer to my earlier remarks.



Disclaimer: Ibid

toyotagal

Ok! So go and get the oil changed now and flush when needed or do both right away??? I need to be driving it so i'll likely do it this weekend. Thanks

MTL_4runner

I agree, dealer not Mr Tranny.
If it is just dirty then DO flush it (make sure they pull the pan and clean the filter!)

jethro

I wonder if a guy posted this there would be so much feedback?