Check the transmission fluid on an automatic Toyota Tacoma every 15,000 miles or twelve months, whichever comes first. Check with the Tacoma's service manual to confirm the correct choice of automatic transmission fluid, which is typically Dexron II or Dexron III. Occasionally check the Tacoma's dipstick to make sure of the fluid's amount and bright, red color. Waiting too long to change fluid can result in damage to the automatic transmission.
Run the vehicle for fifteen to twenty minutes. Transmission fluid needs to be hot to flow properly. The vehicle can be driven or simply sat in park, but the engine needs to reach a running temperature to get an accurate reading.
Park the Tacoma on a level surface and set the parking brake. Parking the vehicle on an unlevel surface will give an improper reading on the dipstick.
Let the engine continue running, open the hood, prop it up with the hood support and locate the transmission fluid dipstick. The dipstick is normally on the right center of the engine, and has a red handle.
Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag. Replace it for a short period, then pull it back out and check the measurements located on the dipstick. The amount of fluid that needs to be added is indicated by crosshatches on the end of the dipstick.
Place the funnel in the neck of the dipstick tube and add the proper amount of fluid. Refer to the Tacoma's owner manual for transmission fluid capacity. Replace the dipstick and shut the hood.
