AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID ADJUSTMENT

PROCEDURE

PRECAUTIONS AND WORK DESCRIPTION
1. The U881F automatic transaxle assembly does not have an oil filler tube and oil level gauge. When adding automatic transaxle fluid, add automatic transaxle fluid through the refill hole on the automatic transaxle case sub-assembly. The automatic transaxle fluid level can be adjusted by draining excess automatic transaxle fluid (allowing excess automatic transaxle fluid to overflow) through the overflow plug of the transaxle housing.
  
  Tech Tips
  
  "Overflow" indicates the condition under which automatic transaxle fluid comes out of the overflow plug hole.
2. Before adjusting the automatic transaxle fluid level, add the specified amount of automatic transaxle fluid when the engine is cold and warm up the engine to circulate the automatic transaxle fluid in the automatic transaxle assembly. Ensure that the automatic transaxle fluid temperature is as specified and the engine is idling.
3. The U881F automatic transaxle assembly requires Toyota Genuine ATF WS.
4. The adjustment should be performed according to the procedures and notes.
WORK FLOW
1. The adjustment should be performed according to the procedure referenced in the work flow below.
PREPARATION WORK
1. Lift the vehicle.
  
  Note
  
  Set the vehicle on a lift so that the vehicle is kept level when it is lifted up (make sure that the tilt angle from the front to rear of the vehicle is within +/- 1°).
2. Remove the front wheel opening extension pad LH.
  
  Click here
3. Remove the No. 3 engine under cover.
  
  Click here
4. Remove the front fender apron seal LH.
  
  Click here

PERFORM INITIAL FILLING

Note

If the automatic transaxle assembly is hot (ATF temperature is high), wait until the automatic transaxle fluid temperature becomes the same as the ambient temperature before starting the following procedure. (Recommended ATF temperature: around 20°C (68°F))

Remove the refill plug and gasket from the automatic transaxle case sub-assembly.

Note

After performing either of the following operations, it is not necessary to perform the initial filling procedure. Proceed to the "Add Specified Amount of Automatic Transaxle Fluid" procedure.

Operations that do not require initial filling
Disconnection of an oil cooler tube or oil cooler hose Repair of an automatic transaxle fluid leak due to a loose case plug, or a faulty plug gasket or O-ring Replacement of the automatic transaxle assembly

Using a T40 "TORX" socket wrench, remove the drain plug and O-ring from the transaxle housing.
Note
- If ATF comes out after removing the drain plug, wait until the automatic transaxle fluid flow slows and only drips come out.
- If ATF comes out, it is not necessary to perform the initial filling procedure. After checking the tightening torque of the overflow plug, temporarily install the drain plug.
Using a 17 mm straight hexagon wrench, check that the overflow plug is tightened to the specified torque.

Torque:

47 N*m { 479 kgf*cm, 35 ft.*lbf }

Note

If the overflow plug is not tightened to the specified torque, the amount of automatic transaxle fluid cannot be precisely adjusted.
Perform initial filling.
1. Fill the automatic transaxle assembly through the refill hole until automatic transaxle fluid begins to come out of the overflow plug hole.
  
  Note
  
  Use Toyota Genuine ATF WS.
Wait until the automatic transaxle fluid flow slows and only drips come out.
Using a T40 "TORX" socket wrench, temporarily install the O-ring and drain plug to the transaxle housing.

Tech Tips

Reuse the old O-ring as the drain plug will be removed again to adjust the automatic transaxle fluid level.

ADD SPECIFIED AMOUNT OF AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID

Fill the automatic transaxle assembly with the correct amount of automatic transaxle fluid as listed in the table below.

Note

The volume of automatic transaxle fluid to be added depends on the operation that was performed.

Reference Capacity

Performed Repair	Fill Amount
Automatic transaxle assembly replacement (with a new torque converter assembly)	4.2 liters (4.4 US qts, 3.7 Imp. qts)
Automatic transaxle assembly replacement (when reusing the torque converter assembly)	3.0 liters (3.2 US qts, 2.6 Imp. qts)
Removal and installation of the transaxle side cover sub-assembly or oil drainage	3.0 liters (3.2 US qts, 2.6 Imp. qts)
Replacement of a front drive shaft assembly	3.0 liters (3.2 US qts, 2.6 Imp. qts)
Removal and installation of the transmission valve body assembly	3.0 liters (3.2 US qts, 2.6 Imp. qts)
Replacement of the torque converter assembly	3.0 liters (3.2 US qts, 2.6 Imp. qts)
Any operation where a small amount of oil is drained	0.5 liters (0.5 US qts, 0.4 Imp. qts)

Temporarily install the gasket and refill plug to avoid automatic transaxle fluid spillage.

Tech Tips

Reuse the old gasket as the refill plug will be removed again to adjust the automatic transaxle fluid level.
Lower the vehicle.

ADJUST AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID TEMPERATURE (when Using the GTS)

Tech Tips

The actual ATF temperature can be checked on the Data List using the GTS.

Connect the GTS to the DLC3 with the engine switch off.
Turn the engine switch on (IG) and turn the GTS on.

Note

To reduce load, make sure that all electrical systems, such as the air conditioning, lighting system, electric fan and audio system, are off.
Enter the following menus: Powertrain / Transmission / Active Test / Activate the TC Terminal

Powertrain > Transmission > Active Test

Active Test Display

Activate the TC Terminal

Data List Display

A/T Oil Temperature No.1
According to the display on the GTS, perform the Data List "A/T Oil Temperature No.1".
According to the display on the GTS, perform the Active Test "Activate the TC Terminal / ON".
Check the ATF temperature.
Note
- If the automatic transaxle fluid temperature is below 45°C (113°F), proceed to the next step. Recommended ATF temperature: 40°C (104°F) or less
- If the automatic transaxle fluid temperature is 45°C (113°F) or more, turn the engine switch off and wait until the automatic transaxle fluid temperature drops below 45°C (113°F).
Depress and hold the brake pedal.
Start the engine.
Slowly move the shift lever from P to D, then back to P (keep the shift lever in each position for approximately 3 seconds).

Tech Tips

Slowly move the shift lever to circulate the automatic transaxle fluid through each part of the automatic transaxle assembly.
While observing the D shift indicator on the combination meter, move the shift lever back and forth between N and D at an interval of less than 1.5 seconds for 6 seconds or more.

*A for TFT Meter Type *B for Optitron Meter Type

Note

Do not pause for more than 1.5 seconds.

Tech Tips

Performing this operation will cause the vehicle to enter automatic transaxle fluid temperature detection mode.
Check that the D shift indicator comes on for 2 seconds.
Tech Tips
- When automatic transaxle fluid temperature detection mode is activated, the D shift indicator on the combination meter comes on for 2 seconds.
- If the D shift indicator does not come on for 2 seconds, return to the first step (perform the Active Test "Activate the TC Terminal / ON") and perform the procedure again.
Move the shift lever to P.
Release the brake pedal.
According to the display on the GTS, perform the Active Test "Activate the TC Terminal / OFF".

Note

Make sure that the terminals are not connected. If the terminals are connected, the automatic transaxle fluid level cannot be precisely adjusted due to fluctuations in engine speed.
Tech Tips
- Disconnecting the terminals activates engine idle speed control mode.
- In engine idle speed control mode, engine idle speed control starts when the automatic transaxle fluid temperature reaches the specified temperature and the engine speed is maintained.
- Even after the terminals are disconnected, automatic transaxle fluid temperature detection mode is active until the engine switch is turned off.

Active Test Display
Activate the TC Terminal

Data List Display
A/T Oil Temperature No.1

Adjust the automatic transaxle fluid temperature to the automatic transaxle fluid level adjustment temperature.

Automatic Transaxle Oil Temperature
Below Automatic Transaxle Fluid Level Adjustment Temperature	Automatic Transaxle Fluid Level Adjustment Temperature	Above Automatic Transaxle Fluid Level Adjustment Temperature
35°C or less (95°F or less)	35 to 45°C (95 to 113°F)	45°C or more (113°F or more)

Note

If the automatic transaxle fluid temperature is within the automatic transaxle fluid level adjustment temperature range, immediately proceed to the "Adjust Automatic Transaxle Fluid Level" procedure.
If the automatic transaxle fluid temperature is 45°C (113°F) or more, stop the engine and wait until the automatic transaxle fluid temperature drops to 40°C (104°F) or less. Then perform the "Adjust Automatic Transaxle Fluid Temperature" procedure again from the beginning.

Tech Tips

In automatic transaxle fluid temperature detection mode, the D shift indicator comes on, goes off or blinks depending on the automatic transaxle fluid temperature.

D Shift Indicator
Below Automatic Transaxle Fluid Level Adjustment Temperature (35°C or less) (95°F or less)	Automatic Transaxle Fluid Level Adjustment Temperature (35 to 45°C) (95 to 113°F)	Above Automatic Transaxle Fluid Level Adjustment Temperature (45°C or more) (113°F or more)
OFF	ON	Blinks

ADJUST AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID TEMPERATURE (when Not Using the GTS)

*1 DLC3

Using SST, connect terminals 13 (TC) and 4 (CG) of the DLC3 with the engine switch off.

SST

09843-18040
Depress and hold the brake pedal.
Start the engine.

Note

To reduce load, make sure that all electrical systems, such as the air conditioning, lighting system, electric fan and audio system, are off.
Slowly move the shift lever from P to D, then back to P (keep the shift lever in each position for approximately 3 seconds).

Tech Tips

Slowly move the shift lever to circulate the automatic transaxle fluid through each part of the automatic transaxle assembly.
While observing the D shift indicator on the combination meter, move the shift lever back and forth between N and D at an interval of less than 1.5 seconds for 6 seconds or more.

*A for TFT Meter Type *B for Optitron Meter Type

Note

Do not pause for more than 1.5 seconds.

Tech Tips

Performing this operation will cause the vehicle to enter automatic transaxle fluid temperature detection mode.
Check that the D shift indicator comes on for 2 seconds.
Tech Tips
- When automatic transaxle fluid temperature detection mode is activated, the D shift indicator on the combination meter comes on for 2 seconds.
- If the D shift indicator does not come on for 2 seconds, return to the first step (connect terminals 13 (TC) and 4 (CG) of the DLC3) and perform the procedure again.
Move the shift lever from N to P.
Release the brake pedal.
Remove SST from terminals 13 (TC) and 4 (CG).

SST

09843-18040

Note

Make sure that the terminals are not connected. If the terminals are connected, the automatic transaxle fluid level cannot be precisely adjusted due to fluctuations in engine speed.
Tech Tips
- Disconnecting the terminals activates engine idle speed control mode.
- In engine idle speed control mode, engine idle speed control starts when the automatic transaxle fluid temperature reaches the specified temperature and the engine speed is maintained.
- Even after the terminals are disconnected, automatic transaxle fluid temperature detection mode is active until the engine switch is turned off.

Allow the engine to idle until the D shift indicator comes on again.

D Shift Indicator
Below Automatic Transaxle Fluid Level Adjustment Temperature (40°C or less) (104°F or less)	Automatic Transaxle Fluid Level Adjustment Temperature (40 to 45°C) (104 to 113°F)	Above Automatic Transaxle Fluid Level Adjustment Temperature (45°C or more) (113°F or more)
OFF	ON	Blinks

Note

If the D shift indicator is on, immediately proceed to the "Adjust Automatic Transaxle Fluid Level" procedure.
If the D shift indicator blinks, stop the engine and wait until the automatic transaxle fluid temperature drops to 40°C (104°F) or less (the indicator goes off). Then perform the "Adjust Automatic Transaxle Fluid Temperature" procedure again from the beginning.

Tech Tips

In automatic transaxle fluid temperature detection mode, the D shift indicator comes on, goes off, or blinks depending on the automatic transaxle fluid temperature.
Automatic transaxle fluid filling procedure should be performed when the D shift indicator is on (the automatic transaxle fluid temperature is within the automatic transaxle fluid level adjustment temperature range).

ADJUST AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID LEVEL
CAUTION:

Use caution while the engine is idling and the radiator fans are operating.
1. Lift the vehicle.
  
  Note
  
  Set the vehicle on a lift so that the vehicle is kept level when it is lifted up (make sure the tilt angle from the front to rear of the vehicle is within +/- 1°).
2. Using a T40 "TORX" socket wrench, remove the drain plug and O-ring from the transaxle housing.
  
  CAUTION:
  
  Be careful as the automatic transaxle fluid coming out of the drain plug hole is hot.
3. Check the amount of automatic transaxle fluid that comes out of the drain plug hole.
  - If the amount of automatic transaxle fluid that comes out of the overflow plug hole is large, proceed to step [*1].
  - If no automatic transaxle fluid comes out of the overflow plug hole, proceed to step [*2].
  Note
  
  If only a small amount of automatic transaxle fluid (approximately 1 cc) comes out of the overflow plug hole, then only automatic transaxle fluid remaining in the overflow plug has come out. This condition is not considered as overflow, so it is necessary to add automatic transaxle fluid.
4. If the amount of automatic transaxle fluid that comes out of the drain plug hole is large. [*1]
  1. Wait until the automatic transaxle fluid flow slows and only drips come out.
    
    Tech Tips
    
    The automatic transaxle fluid flow will not stop completely because the automatic transaxle fluid continues to expand as its temperature increases.
5. If no automatic transaxle fluid comes out of the drain plug hole. [*2]
  1. Remove the refill plug and gasket from the automatic transaxle case sub-assembly.
  2. Then add automatic transaxle fluid through the refill hole until automatic transaxle fluid comes out of the drain plug hole.
    
    Note
    
    Use Toyota Genuine ATF WS.
  3. Wait until the automatic transaxle fluid flow slows and only drips come out.
6. Using a T40 "TORX" socket wrench, install the drain plug and a new O-ring to the transaxle housing.
  
  Torque:
  
  7.4 N*m { 75 kgf*cm, 65 in.*lbf }
7. Install the refill plug and a new gasket to the automatic transaxle case sub-assembly.
  
  Torque:
  
  49 N*m { 500 kgf*cm, 36 ft.*lbf }
8. Lower the vehicle.
9. Turn the engine switch off.
  
  Tech Tips
  
  Turning the engine switch off ends automatic transaxle fluid temperature detection mode.
10. Disconnect the GTS from the DLC3 (when using the GTS).
REBUILD WORK
1. Lift the vehicle.
2. Clean each part.
3. Check for automatic transaxle fluid leaks.
4. Install the front fender apron seal LH.
  
  Click here
5. Install the No. 3 engine under cover.
  
  Click here
6. Install the front wheel opening extension pad LH.
  
  Click here
7. Lower the vehicle.