ATF in transfer case

[bderks]

This past weekend I decided to change the fluids in the AT, transfer case, and both diffs for the first time on my own. All previous service had been done by a local Toyota dealer - who I thought had done a good job.

I had about 30,000 since my last AT service, and the fluid still looked pretty good, nice and red. Next I drained the transfer case - and out flowed ATF. The EXACT same fluid that was in the AT.

How the HELL can a dealer make this mistake? I've run in four-low about a dozen times in the past 2 years and haven't had any problems. Any chance that some damage occurred? What would the symptoms be?

I've thought about calling the service department and raising hell, but I doubt it would do any good.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

This is a major mistake on the part of your service guy. I would report it for sure and get documentation so that when the t-case fails in 5000 miles you may have some recourse. One more reason to do your own service.

 

[-Spike-]

The transfer case turns all the time- not just in 4 low.

-Spike

 

[John E Davies]

I suggest that you notify the dealer AND cc the letter to Toyota Customer Service. They need to know that a dealer is servicing T-cases with the wrong fluid (and weight!), so when failures occur they will see the pattern. I doubt if yours is the only truck affected. Even if it is one clueless tech doing the work, he has no doubt worked on more than one Cruiser.

John Davies
Spokane WA