A 1998 Toyota Tacoma equipped with an automatic transmission requires occasional service to the automatic transmission fluid. Toyota recommends that owners replace the transmission fluid and fluid filter after every 30,000 miles driven or every 24 months. As the fluid ages, particles start to accumulate in the fluid that reduce its ability to lubricate the transmission components.
Raise the vehicle with the jack and place the jack stands to support it. If absolutely necessary, you can skip this step, but the task will be much more difficult.
Place the container underneath the drain plug on the transmission fluid pan. Spread newspapers around the area.
Remove the drain plug from the pan and let the fluid drain completely. Replace the plug and tighten to 20 foot-pounds of torque.
Remove the attaching bolts from the drain pan. Support the pan with one hand and tap it with the rubber mallet to break the seal. Keep in mind that the pan will still contain some fluid. Also, the filler tube will come away with the pan. Drain the fluid and set the pan aside.
Remove the four screws attaching the filter cover to the transmission body and remove the filter. Replace the old filter with the new one and reinstall the filter cover and screws.
Clean the pan thoroughly, ensuring you remove all traces of the old seal. Also clean the sealant from the transmission body.
Run a bead of RTV sealant completely around the attaching surface of the pan. It is very important to ensure that there are no gaps. Replace the pan, making sure to slide the filler tube back into place over the dipstick tube. Insert the bolts and tighten them to 60 inch-pounds of torque.
Lower the vehicle and open the hood. Remove the transmission fluid dipstick, which has a T-shaped handle marked "Trans Fluid." Insert the funnel into the tube and add 2.5 qts. of fluid. (Check your owner's manual for the specific fluid for your particular truck.) Replace the dipstick.
Start the vehicle and engage the parking brake. Press the brake pedal and shift the gear selector into "Reverse." Pause a few seconds and then move the selector to neutral. Continue in this manner until you move through each gear position, then return the selector to park and shut off the vehicle.
Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level. The level should be somewhere between the two dots marked "Cold." If it is low, add a little fluid and recheck. Do not overfill.
Check under the vehicle for leaks. After driving the vehicle, check the fluid level and for leaks. Add fluid as needed.
