Automatic Transmission Overfill

[FaatehRehman]

The transmission is a 4-speed automatic in Platz 1SZ-FE. It has been overfilled from 2.5 years according to its dipstick. It runs fine, no problems whatsoever. But it leaves a puddle if parked for some time. Sometimes it does and sometimes it does not.

Is there a overflow valve in transmission or is it seeping from gasket? I want to maintain it to proper level but it should checked a certain temperature. Online forums suggest overfilling to be safe and excess will flow out.

[FaatehRehman]

Bump......

[Xulfiqar]

overfilled?

I presume you are testing the level with engine running, transmission in Park. There is no overflow valve in the system, the vent you see at the top is for venting air only.

Overfilled ATF can cause foaming up as the oil will start to get whipped by the rotating assembly above the valve body, foamed oil has no hydraulic motive or cooling potential - which then causes rapid damage to the unit.

[essakhankhilji]

Platz actually 1sz engine .it can be gas kit pro but 2sz is more proper for it 1300 cc

[essakhankhilji]

It totally gas kit problems

[essakhankhilji]

It totally gas kit problems

[FaatehRehman]

The ATF dipstick has both COLD and HOT markings, it is always above both no matter what. I have checked with car parked on level without starting, with warmed up engine and with engine running.

It should have damaged the transmission by now if it was overfilled, because it is running like that for 3 years. This is the reason I don't want to drain the extra ATF (if any) to make levels correct according to the dipstick. But still the car has a layer of ATF, two spoons equivalent underneath it if parked overnight. No oil seems to lessen.

[essakhankhilji]

Bro I have xLI 2006 I try my best the pro blame with gear box I have change 4gear with 5 gear jataka problame

[Xulfiqar]

The ATF dipstick has both COLD and HOT markings, it is always above both no matter what. I have checked with car parked on level without starting, with warmed up engine and with engine running.

It should have damaged the transmission by now if it was overfilled, because it is running like that for 3 years. This is the reason I don't want to drain the extra ATF (if any) to make levels correct according to the dipstick. But still the car has a layer of ATF, two spoons equivalent underneath it if parked overnight. No oil seems to lessen.

The ATF level is only tested with engine started, and idling in Park - you will need to wipe the dipstick three to five times to get correct level - the temperature you are testing is not related to the engine its the transmission itself. Morning startup idling in your house garage should register it between the two marks of cold, It should rise to hot after a one hour drive.

To drain a little, you can remove a litre of it from the cooler line and then test the dipstick and add 150 ml or so as top up between testing.

For the leak, get under the car with a strong light you will find the leak as ATF is quite thin and cleans dirt/grime - so the leak point will be wet and somewhat clean too.

In my experience of rebuilding automatics - you never want to operate an overfilled toyota transmission. I see money growing wings due to that.

[hash4u]

question
y u never changed/drained the transmission oil in 2.5 years and waited for a seal to leak

[FaatehRehman]

question
y u never changed/drained the transmission oil in 2.5 years and waited for a seal to leak

Well, the car runs perfectly fine and I considered the automatic transmission to be delicate and it would not stand under-filling or over-filling specially for such a long time. I thought the dipstick was faulty somehow.

It is a pretty robust car if the fluid is really overfilled. The previous owner changed its ATF from a Toyota Dealership for Rs. 8,000/- and supposedly they follow the service guide.

[Xulfiqar]

Well, the car runs perfectly fine and I considered the automatic transmission to be delicate and it would not stand under-filling or over-filling specially for such a long time. I thought the dipstick was faulty somehow.

It is a pretty robust car if the fluid is really overfilled. The previous owner changed its ATF from a Toyota Dealership for Rs. 8,000/- and supposedly they follow the service guide.

dont trust that the toyota dealership employs mechanics to change oils, such job is handed over to apprentices usually. I would still suggest you adjust the level at this time.

[FaatehRehman]

Apparently the bolts on the transmission chamber were loose.

[Xulfiqar]

Apparently the bolts on the transmission chamber were loose.

apparently?

the bolts are only tightened gently, (80 in/lb) - this is very low, usual cause of leak is a bad sealing gasket for the sump.

[FaatehRehman]

apparently?

the bolts are only tightened gently, (80 in/lb) - this is very low, usual cause of leak is a bad sealing gasket for the sump.

Sump, I forgot the word and called it chamber.
Yup you are right it was leaking again, I will now find the gasket or else will have to give it the silicone treatment.

I have a phobia of car mechanics as they rely on experience rather than service manual. Brakes on my car were working fine but I got the pads changed as maintenance and also got the brake fluid flushed. From that day the brake pedal becomes soft after a while if you have your foot on it in rush. ABS is working fine, so is the brake. I will get it checked but I think they will screw it up.

[Xulfiqar]

Sump, I forgot the word and called it chamber.
Yup you are right it was leaking again, I will now find the gasket or else will have to give it the silicone treatment.

I have a phobia of car mechanics as they rely on experience rather than service manual. Brakes on my car were working fine but I got the pads changed as maintenance and also got the brake fluid flushed. From that day the brake pedal becomes soft after a while if you have your foot on it in rush. ABS is working fine, so is the brake. I will get it checked but I think they will screw it up.

Was the system actually flushed or just bled? What technique was used in the flushing? There are only 2 or 3 ways for a true trouble free flushing. Other ways cause air entrapment.

[FaatehRehman]

Was the system actually flushed or just bled? What technique was used in the flushing? There are only 2 or 3 ways for a true trouble free flushing. Other ways cause air entrapment.

Well I don't remember exactly how they did it, it was just bled though not flushed.

[FaatehRehman]

Update on the sump: The mechanic tightened the nut which broke the already leaking gasket and it made a mess in my garage overnight. I was not able to find a proper gasket for it in market because it was Sunday, found one made out of thin cardboard paper and another black rubber one which was not as broad as the original one. So had it custom made out of rubber cork material from Gawal Mandi, Rawalpindi. It was placed with silicone and till now there are no leaks.

And it was overfilled before, maybe that caused the original gasket to leak in first place. Even after so much leakage the remaining ATF drained from sump was enough for it.

[tintin1]

This post was flagged by the community and is temporarily hidden.

[Xulfiqar]

Well I don't remember exactly how they did it, it was just bled though not flushed.

brake fluid needs to be flushed out every year to prevent rusting and internal failure. watered down brake fluid also causes very mushy brakes.

Update on the sump: The mechanic tightened the nut which broke the already leaking gasket and it made a mess in my garage overnight. I was not able to find a proper gasket for it in market because it was Sunday, found one made out of thin cardboard paper and another black rubber one which was not as broad as the original one. So had it custom made out of rubber cork material from Gawal Mandi, Rawalpindi. It was placed with silicone and till now there are no leaks.

And it was overfilled before, maybe that caused the original gasket to leak in first place. Even after so much leakage the remaining ATF drained from sump was enough for it.

If you cannot find a transmission sump gasket then you can use a good engine sealant like permatex black or threebond, Infact you can buy the exactly correct transmission case sealant from a toyota showroom in Pakistan. Its a small tube and the sealant is pink/red in colour, sets up pretty quick and never leaks in transmission application.

The transmission has a lot of ATF in it, even when you drain the sump the unit holds more than the sump capacity inside the torque converter and also the clutches. It will still move the car but such is quite dangerous as it can burn the clutches.