How to Determine the Transmission Fluid Model for Tundra?
3 Answers
Tundra's transmission model is automatic (AT) with 6 gears. The related extended information is as follows: Transmission Introduction: The transmission adjusts the gear ratio according to Tundra's different driving states and environments to adapt to various driving conditions and environments. Additionally, the transmission plays a crucial role in Tundra's gear shifting and reversing functions. Transmission Fluid Classification: Manual transmission fluid has higher viscosity, and its replacement cycle is generally shorter than that of automatic transmission fluid. Automatic transmission fluid is specialized, primarily serving hydraulic transmission, thus it has excellent fluidity and stricter anti-foaming requirements compared to manual transmission fluid. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid is thinner than AT automatic transmission fluid. Hazards of Not Changing Transmission Fluid on Time: Failing to change the transmission fluid on time can lead to deterioration and volatilization under high-speed and high-temperature conditions, thereby accelerating the wear of mechanical parts and, in severe cases, damaging internal components of the transmission. The transmission fluid may become thicker, easily clogging the transmission cooler, resulting in excessively high transmission fluid temperature and increased wear. The vehicle may experience slight slipping and other similar phenomena during driving.
Checking the transmission fluid model is something I have to do before every maintenance. For trucks like the Tundra, the fluid specifications actually vary by model year. I recently helped a friend check his 2018 model, and the manual clearly states ATF WS type on page 378. Toyota specifically designed this fluid for their own transmissions, and the red bottle is particularly noticeable. If you're afraid of flipping through the manual, just call the dealership with your VIN number—that's the safest way to get the right info. Never go for cheap off-brand fluids to save money. Repairing a transmission costs way more than a few bottles of fluid, and using the wrong type can easily cause jerking.
Having worked in auto repair for over a decade, I dread encountering owners who randomly add transmission fluid. Last week, a Tundra experienced rough shifting due to using an incompatible type. There are actually tricks to identify the correct specification: open the hood and check the transmission dipstick - most models indicate the recommended type; third-gen Tundras require WS-certified fluid; in cold climates, pay attention to low-temperature viscosity. The newly released ATF Type TIV is also compatible, but must meet JASO 1A standards. For older 5AT transmissions, Toyota's genuine Type T-IV works, but remember to check this standard for pre-2010 models.
