Where is the transmission fill plug on my 04 LC?

[jward]

I know that the plug is on a side of the transmission, but can't find it. Is it on the driver's or passenger's side? Any other reference point would be appreciated. Thanks, John

 

[e9999]

isn't it starting in 04 that they dispensed with it?

 

[100 TD]

isn't it starting in 04 that they dispensed with it?

They still have to fill it somehow, they only removed the dipstick.
I'll take a punt without looking, very close to the front of the transmission on the left side not much above the pan.

 

[e9999]

ah, that's right, it's the dipstick they eliminated in 04 IIRC. And maybe even the drain plug?

either way, one can always suck or fill through one hole, be it dipstick or fill plug. Plus the cooler lines can be tapped into I imagine.

 

[Jim_Chow]

IIRC, the dipstick on the 98-03 100's enters the front-side of the ATF pan on the DS. I would look there first for the fill plug. If it is indeed there, I suspect one could buy the ATF fill tube & dipstick for a '03 and install it on a '04?

 

[100 TD]

Without going and looking I'm sure what I said previously is correct. Although the late 03 pans don't have the dipstick (possible open to contamination), they do have the level plug, you just fill until it runs out the level plug, cap them both off, warm up tranny to operating temp, open level plug, allow excess oil to drain, close level plug, all done.

 

[uHu]

The fill plug is on the left side (port side for you mariners)(DS if LHD) far back, quite high up. The Level plug is under, in fact - and not the one at the rear end.
See illustration in the attached PDF, which contains the procdure for filling ATF, for Petrol (OK: Gasoline) LC from Aug 2003 onwards.

 

[4X4X4s]

uHu, Thank you for this post. The PDF of the procedure is spot ON!! Ten years later!! Hope you are still well.

 

[brownfox]

Ha. Funny for this to pop up, I’ve been planning on baselining the ATF. Little typo in the FSM though.

Edited. No typo in the FSM. It looks like it’s indicating the overflow is the drain bolt but it’s not. The drain bolt is elsewhere, the overflow is a tube that goes up into the pan. Read this elsewhere on mud just a bit ago.

 

[4X4X4s]

Thank you. I saw that in uHu's pdf! Isn't it great!? Now im looking for a filler pump. Any body have pump suggestions?

 

[trdcorolla]

I used this when I did it on my 04 4Runner with the same transmission. If I remember right it didn't screw onto the WS fluid bottle but I just held it an pumped.

Amazon product ASIN B000BQW5LK

 

[4X4X4s]

Just returned from auto parts store with a pump. Im going to remove overflow plug and start pumping. Im not going to work thru the gears so the engine will be off and fluids cold.

 

[brownfox]

You mean the fill plug. Overflow is in the pan from what I read earlier.

 

[4X4X4s]

Thanks for checking! I did mean the overflow plug but only so I can tell when I've put enough fluid in. I didn't communicate clearly and I appreciate your caution to me

 

[brownfox]

Gotcha. I was about to do this job thinking the fill was the overflow.... *dizzy*

 

[uHu]

Just returned from auto parts store with a pump. Im going to remove overflow plug and start pumping in through the filler hole. Im not going to work thru the gears so the engine will be off and fluids cold.

You have to fill with the engine running, and at operating temp. The fluid goes down when running, and that's when the overflow (under, in pan) level is right. Just don't put the filler spout more than 1/2 inch into the fill hole (up on the side).

 

[4X4X4s]

I warmed up the trans fluid and left the engine running while I filled with new fluid till overflow trickle stopped. I plugged everything up and drove about three miles. Everything shifted smooth. I parked the rig for about 4 hours. Next time I drove it about 100yds and it slipped out of gear making a grinding noise. I put it in neutral and coasted backwards into my driveway. I am perplexed that it drove so well then completely slipped out of gear. Please offer any insight into this matter. I have never experienced any issues with this trans whatsoever!

 

[brownfox]

have you checked the fluid level again? I’m not sure how it could have changed, but maybe it’s worth checking.

 

[uHu]

There is also the shifter linkage adjustment to check. It might become a bit misaligned as the engine mounts wear out.
But, a grinding noise sounds like you rather have a problem with front hub flanges, or CV or diff. Does it drive with center diff locked?

 

[4X4X4s]

Thank you for your responses. I'l check the level again and try locking the diff then post an update