TF80-SC ATF fluid level - best way to check? Topic is solved

Geevs · Post by **Geevs** » 23 Oct 2021, 11:13

Hi all,

My mech replaced my ATF about 6,000 kms ago with Toyota T-IV, but I want to re-check the fluid level as I'm not sure that he did it the right way using the 14mm torx level plug and getting the ATF to 55-59'C. I think he just replaced approximately what he drained out.

If I just open the level plug on a cold engine and tranny, surely fluid will come out. What should I do after that to ensure the fluid is at the correct level? Do I need to refill the same amount that came out and then get the ATF temp to 55 and 59'C until no more fluid coming out of the level plug? Should I refill more than what came out?

I have VIDA and also the Android app "Car Scanner ELM OBD2" which can read the ATF temp in real-time (which is great, btw).

My reason for checking is I want to add Lubegard red while the ATF is still new.

Thanks!

Post by **cuhfs** » 23 Oct 2021, 15:30

Isn't Lubeguard red only 2 oz so it would not make a difference (with regard to fluid level)? I've always replaced as best I could "best effort" what I drained getting "close" and have had no issues. You are most likely fine with the mechanics work and adding the 2 oz but that's just my 2 cent opinion .

Geevs · Post by **Geevs** » 23 Oct 2021, 15:45

Thanks for your reply. LubeGard instructions says 1oz for every liter of ATF. The TF80sc hold almost 8 liters, so that's 8oz.

I emailed LubeGard support and they recommended using the entire bottle (10 oz.), I plan to follow that.

You have a good point that I may not need to drain the oil if adding 10 oz will not affect the level. Would anyone here know? I heard the TF80-SC is sensitive to fluid level.

EngineeringBloke · Post by **EngineeringBloke** » 24 Oct 2021, 08:33

ATF expands when warm. Any level plug will drain excess warm fluid to a specified volume. This is temperature dependent. Find a manual or spec for the required ATF temperature. If it is 55 to 60 C then that is on a warmed up transmission. You probably need to drive it for 30 minutes and then open the level plug.

Be careful of hot engine parts and fluids!

If you open an ATF level plug on cold ATF, it will not have expanded and is unlikely to be high enough for any to drain, even though there may be too much ATF present and it may be overfilled!!

What is a TF80SC?

Warning

Most of the ATs on this section of the forum (Volvo P2) do NOT have level plugs. There is a bolt that holds an internal AT band for the third gear. If you undo such a bolt, the band can rotate with loss of the third gear! Fixing this issue is extremely challenging and not all have succeeded.

Geevs · Post by **Geevs** » 24 Oct 2021, 10:20

Thanks for the reply. Aisin TF80-SC is the 6-speed tranny in the 2006 and later years. They don't have a dipstick only the level-plug.

Post by **erikv11** » 24 Oct 2021, 18:36

The only way I know of to check the TF-80SC fluid level is by using the level plug. Raise the car make sure it is level, start the car, hook up VIDA (or your Android app) and get the fluid up to 50 ˚C, pull the center plug. If you get drainage then it was overfilled. If you don't it was underfilled.

In my experience the car moves quickly from 50-60 so you need to move efficiently, you have like 6 minutes.

I will speculate that 10 extra ounces in the ATF sump is probably OK, however if the mechanic already has it close to overfilled then 10 oz more could be a problem. So it's worth checking

I don't know the product you are using but if I wanted to add that, I think I would just dump in the full 10 ounces, drive it around the block to mix the product well, let it cool and get it up on stands, then go through the level plug routine. Have some ATF ready in case it is underfilled.

I guess another option is to first level the fluid at the high end of the temp range, like don't replace the level plug until it hits 60 ˚C. Then close everything up and add the product and you can feel sure that there is at most 10 oz extra.

Definitely reset the fluid counter using VIDA if the mechanic didn't already.

Geevs · Post by **Geevs** » 24 Oct 2021, 18:59

Thanks Erik! The last option sounds like the simplest method - I'll likely go with that one.

I'm using the free Android app "Car Scanner ELM OBD2" on my phone via bluetooth. It displays the ATF temp in real-time and it's much easier to monitor while under the car and within reach of the level plug than using VIDA with a laptop.

Geevs · Post by **Geevs** » 05 Nov 2021, 22:46

Hi Erik,

In this YT video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5h4UhUSHS4

at around 2:00 minute mark, the guy opens the level plug on a cold engine and a lot of ATF comes pouring out. Is this because the ATF has pooled near the drain plug and hasn't recirculated back into the tranny yet? If I warm up the car until the tranny hits 50'C and then open the level plug - would less fluid pour out if the tranny is just slightly overfilled?

Haven't done this yet but planning to do so this on the weekend.

Thanks,
Geevs

Post by **erikv11** » 06 Nov 2021, 20:04

Basically you got it - it comes pouring out because the car is not on, so no ATF being pumped and therefor there is excess in the sump. But you don't have to warm it up to 50 C, just turn on, shift slowly through each gear giving it 2 sec per gear (I neglected to mention this shifting in my post up above), then pull the plug. Hopefully some spills out right away or between 50 C and 60 C, when you want to reinstall the plug.

If this is useful have a look:

TF80-SC trans fluid level.pdf: TF80-SC trans fluid level; (746 KiB) Downloaded 537 times

Also I'm not sure I agree with the guy in the video about "no need to reset the fluid mileage counter." I thought the counter allowed the trans to adjust for operating with old vs new fluid, not that it was only tied to some meaningless idiot light function.

Geevs · Post by **Geevs** » 08 Nov 2021, 08:21

Awesome, thanks Erik!

Unfortunately, I tried to loosen the level plug (40mm torx) and could not open it. The mech that did the ATF change must've over-tigthened it. I can see 1-2 grooves on the torx plug are chewed. Going back to the shop to have them loosen it up.