Radiator and ATF

[looking4lc]

Quick question it concerns me.

I just replaced TBelt water pump..etc
And I had leak on top of the radiator so I asked the mechanic to remove it all to have it fixed, while doing it I lost the ATF which in the radiator and Little in the hose.
Should I be concerned?
Should I add more atf? It's due in 40k miles to do the whole flush.

Thanks

 

[DirtDawg]

If you lost ATF you should definitely add back ATF...

 

[AimCOtaco]

Last radiator I did I was careful and probably lost 2oz or so check it for sure but it may be too little loss to show up on the dipstick (assuming you have a dipstick, otherwise inspection hole). Check for sure but don't panic yet.

 

[looking4lc]

If you lost ATF you should definitely add back ATF...

how do i know how much to add since i dont know how much i lost?

 

[looking4lc]

Last radiator I did I was careful and probably lost 2oz or so check it for sure but it may be too little loss to show up on the dipstick (assuming you have a dipstick, otherwise inspection hole). Check for sure but don't panic yet.

inspection hole? how?
do i fill until it comes out of the fill plug?

 

[camino70]

You shouldn't have any excess fluid in it, if you do it will drain out. Ensure you're on level ground and disable AHC by engaging the off button (if AHC equiped). As you can see, it won't drain it.

Picture below via the 2004 lx470 FSM.

 

[looking4lc]

now i noticed the car jerks/shakes between 3-4 gears for few seconds.

sign of low fluid?

 

[camino70]

Probably

 

[Sandroad]

If your transmission doesn't have a dipstick, it probably uses Toyota World Service fluid. What year? Be sure to use compatible fluid. There are many threads on the forum about how to check the fluid level.

Transmission check plug

 

[looking4lc]

If your transmission doesn't have a dipstick, it probably uses Toyota World Service fluid. What year? Be sure to use compatible fluid. There are many threads on the forum about how to check the fluid level.

Transmission check plug

its 2007. i have flushed it before but not sure how to add and level it

 

[camino70]

The image I quoted above shows the drain, fill and overflow plugs

 

[looking4lc]

The image I quoted above shows the drain, fill and overflow plugs

should the car be running when filling, unplug overflow?

Thanks

 

[camino70]

If it were me and I thought it was low, while cold and engine off (I have a tendency to burn myself) and level, pull the overflow (while off and level) and see if you really are low. Then (while off and cold) fill with world standard as mentioned above until overflow spills. Button it up, get it to temp, turn the engine off, pull the overflow again until a trickle and close it back up.

Edit:. See toyoland66 below regarding having the engine running for checking level with overflow plug.

 

[looking4lc]

If it were me and I thought it was low, while cold (I have a tendency to burn myself) and level, pull the overflow and see if you really are low. Then fill with world standard as mentioned above until overflow spills. Button it up, get it to temp, pull the overflow again until a trickle and close it back up.

"while cold and level" engine off i assume..? then turn it on get it to temperature then unplug overflow... correct

 

[camino70]

"while cold and level" engine off i assume..? then turn it on get it to temperature then unplug overflow... correct

I made some edits, it makes sense in my head, I apologize if I'm not conveying it well. I would suggest not being under the truck while it's running.

Edit:. See toyoland66 below regarding having the engine running for checking level with overflow plug.

 

[looking4lc]

I made some edits, it makes sense in my head, I apologize if I'm not conveying it well. I would suggest not being under the truck while it's running.

Got it Thanks

 

[Toyoland66]

If it were me and I thought it was low, while cold and engine off (I have a tendency to burn myself) and level, pull the overflow (while off and level) and see if you really are low. Then (while off and cold) fill with world standard as mentioned above until overflow spills. Button it up, get it to temp, turn the engine off, pull the overflow again until a trickle and close it back up.

Do not do this. The fluid level is supposed to be measured with the engine running and the fluid at a certain temperature. All of the fluid drains down into the pan when the engine is off, if you pull the overflow with the engine off you will lose more fluid.

 

[Toyoland66]

WS ATF Flush Procedure

Skip the flush procedures and go to the fluid level check section.

 

[04UZJ100]

Why would you drive knowing you lost ATF. Fluid level in your transmission is critical for proper operation.

 

[DirtDawg]

Use the article @Toyoland66 linked, that is the proper procedure to fill and check level on your non-dipstick transmission. Depending on the current fluid color, you might consider a flush soon. Many do a flush in here as part of our "baseline" maintenance.

For future reference, Toyota transmissions run very happy at their desired fluid level. I'm sure you didn't hurt anything running low for a little while, but I wouldn't do it again, you risk possible damage to your transmission.