Transmission check plug

[Spike555]

How does this plug work? Do you remove it and let the excess fluid drain until it stops? Do you loosen it a turn or two and let the excess fluid drain until it stops?
It is short. No longer than the drain plug so it seems to me that removing it will drain the transmission.
What is the proper method to check the transmission fluid on a '04 with no dipstick?

 

[BullElk]

Inquiring eyes want to know.

 

[planomateo]

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.

 

[medtro]

You need to check the ATF at the right temperature. There is a procedure to get the fluid to the right temperature. It is described in some of the ATF exchange threads here.

 

[Spike555]

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.

So I loosen it and the excess will drain? Or will it drain on its own if it's over the top of the level check plug?

 

[planomateo]

So I loosen it and the excess will drain? Or will it drain on its own if it's over the top of the level check plug?

You have to remove the overflow plug to allow excess to drain, just make sure you do this on level ground. Check out what I messaged you for additional info.

 

[Spike555]

I'm all done with the job other than checking the fluid level.

 

[Spike555]

Thank you to planomateo for providing me with the info on how the overflow plug works.
Cliff notes version, remove the plug. Fill transmission until fluid starts coming out of overflow. Replace overflow. Replace fill plug. Warm transmission. Place on level ground. Remove check plug. Fluid should come out. Once down to a trickle replace check plug. Good to go.

 

[Spike555]

Ran errands. Got home, unloaded the truck and got out my creeper, 5mm Allen wrench and drain pan.
Sucked in my gut and squeezed under the truck in the driveway.
Removed the check plug, fluid came out. Dropped check plug onto driveway. Picked it up and wiped it off. Washer was missing. Found washer. Wiped it off. Put washer back onto plug. Put it all back. Exhaled. Got stuck...finally got out and I am confident all is well.
My old fluid was still nice and clean and she shifted fine. Now she shifts even better, the only way to tell she shifted is because the RPM's change.

Now I'm really excited to take her on our first road trip Wenseday, it's just a day trip but it'll be 300+ miles.