Hey just bought a 2002 4runner and drained all the transmission fluid instead of the oil when i just wasn't paying attention. well i was reading on the internet that some newer models do not have dipsticks? does anybody know if this is true for 2002 models and if it does where is it located? thanks for your help..i'm a little desperate haha

 

You have a dipstick. It is located on the passenger side of the engine compartment, near the back of the engine. It should have an orange handle.

 

thank you and i just pour it in there to refill? thanks i appreciate it

 

x2, just put the pan plug back in and fill through the dipstick hole.

what color was the tranny fluid? At least you'll know whether that has been done or not....

 

it was reddish brown. the owners manual says 1.6 quarts of D-ll or dexron lll automatic transmission fluid is this correct? thanks

 

I think most people end up putting closer to 4 quarts back in. I haven't done it myself so hopefully someone who has can chime in.

 

It takes about 4-5 qrts or so. Ill add till it get to the cold marking, then run it through the gears to get the fluid warm to hot. Add fluid till its between the hot marks. Be careful when adding more fluid because eventhough it shows low dont add very much youll over fill it.

 

Yep... it'll be closer to 4-5 quarts for a drain and fill. Like ARB1977 mentioned, fill it through the dipstick tube until the level is between the cold marks (remember that you check the level with the engine running, tranny in park, after having slowly shifted through all the gears [P-R-N-D-2-L-2-D-N-R-P]).

Take the truck for a drive, then check that the fluid level is between the hot marks (again... checking the level with the engine running, tranny in park, after having slowly shifted through all the gears [P-R-N-D-2-L-2-D-N-R-P]). Add/drain fluid as required so that the level is between the hot marks when the tranny fluid is warmed up.

 

you need to do this drain and fill every 15k miles if you are using dino atf..

 

I plan on doing a drain and fill but would like to switch to synthetic. Since the drain and fill does not get all the oil out would be fine to mix dino and synthetic? Or should I do a flush? Just don't feel like droping 160.00 on oil at this time.

 

yeah its fine to mix as long as its dex3 compatable.. will tell you on the bottle.. i use amsoil universal atf.. the stuff is good

 

X2 on amsoil. It is a lot cheaper than most people realize. But it is still expensive if you do everything at once. I did front and rear diff's tranny, xsfr case, and have the oil to do the engine, all was about $240. But now it will just be about $40 per year for the next several years.

 

I have about 78K on my 4Runner, never changed the trans oil. I'll be sure to get on that soon. How often should I change the rear diff. oil? I've only got a 2x so no transfer case and front diff.

Great thread, thanks for the info!

 

If you go with Amsoil around 100k under normal conditions. Some people never change the diff oil. I can help you get it cheaper than retail if interested. check my banner here or my signature at the bottom. Click on preffered customers save and use my ZO# All my info is there feel free to call or email