Eliminating AT fill tube

sounds like more for the dealer to have to do...

This is fairly common on vehicles with "special" ATF requirements, I have to wonder if there were a number of cases where Titan owners put in standard Dex3 and eventually killed the trans. Making it more difficult to mess with the fluid will make people less likely to mess it up.

The Tundra is the same way, no fill tube and no dipstick. Even though Toyota says the their ATF lasts 120k miles, I would rather have a dip stick as you can tell a lot about the health of your ATF by looking at it and smelling it.

Bummer, I know Ford does the dipstick elimination as well. I think it is more about $$ then anything. Eliminated parts cause no warranty issues and are free. True most new transmissions are more trouble free, I still like having a way to check fluid for level and clarity. The "wrong type" fluid seems like BS, if you put wrong fluid in your transmission you screwed up, they don't care if you screw up, it is all about cheaper.

I like too cheek mine also. Unless they eliminated the dipstick tube hole in the block I would think you could order one (04-07) or get one from a junkyard too install.

70DATSUN said:

I like too cheek mine also. Unless they eliminated the dipstick tube hole in the block I would think you could order one (04-07) or get one from a junkyard too install.

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good point, never thought of that... probably just a plug in its place... bet they didnt change the tranny case...

I would probably look elsewhere for my next truck if this is the case.

helomech said:

I would probably look elsewhere for my next truck if this is the case.

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you will be looking forever, it is the way of the future of autos. No maintenance vehicles. They are trying to take the tree away from us shadetree mechanics. :crying:

cneary812 said:

you will be looking forever, it is the way of the future of autos. No maintenance vehicles. They are trying to take the tree away from us shadetree mechanics. :crying:

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I guess I will be buying older vehicles then. I won't buy a vehicle that i can't even check the fluids.

helomech said:

I guess I will be buying older vehicles then. I won't buy a vehicle that i can't even check the fluids.

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I'll be right behind you jumping on that bandwagon!:cheers:

Seems funny how for how many years, 60-70?, automobile owners have had the ability to check their own fluids, as they rightfully should. It is THEIR vehicle, and THEY should be able perform routine maintenance/fluid checks whenever THEY feel like it on a vehicle that THEY own. This almost seems 'unethical' to me, that the manufacturer's are taking away that ability to perform your own maintenance. Basically, they are forcing the common person to go to the dealer for their routine maintenance. Why should I have to drive 1/2hr or more to the stealership, just to get them to check my fluids, simply because there isn't a cotton pickin' dipstick??? RIDICULOUS!

:futwice: Take that Auto Industry!!! and one to grow on :futwice:

I realize the first post said this should take effect in january, but I just figured I'd let you-all know I have a dipstick in my titan that I just took delivery of. 08.5 se cc, 4x4 with bt. I wonder if maybe they'll keep it in trucks with the 4x4 or tow package???

helomech said:

I guess I will be buying older vehicles then. I won't buy a vehicle that i can't even check the fluids.

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You're full of it! We all said that a few years ago and look at us....all driving newer vehicles with no way to check the turn signal fluid.

:jester:

.....weird.....

Buildwonder said:

You're full of it! We all said that a few years ago and look at us....all driving newer vehicles with no way to check the turn signal fluid.

:jester:

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I know you are kidding, but I really won't buy a new vehicle if I can't check the fluids.

UPDATE: CHANGE CANCELLED!

The change was set to take place, parts were tooled and trials run, then someone fianlly figured out that the customer preference for service was more important than saving a few $. So we get to keep our fill pipe and dip stick.

MC

Supposedly there are more than a few lawsuits in the works. Seems many people are PISSED OFF that you need the dealer to do work we the owners used to do. These days the light blinks saying a code is called and then you need to go pay them to diagnose and reset the light. In the old days cars didn't have computers. Time for the people to tell corporate America NO!!!!

Clint

Actually I think it’s a good idea, if the design is like the one Chevy uses. On my wife’s Malibu there is a fill cap on top of the tranny and a fluid level plug on the lower side of the tranny. Basically you add the approximate amount of fluid, start up the car, open the lower plug and fill until the fluid comes out. There, it’s full.

No leaks, no fluid loss, no need to check. Dump every 50K, less if you like.

I personally like it much better than a stick and I’ve been tinkering for 40+ years.

Dr. Chaz said:

Actually I think it’s a good idea, if the design is like the one Chevy uses. On my wife’s Malibu there is a fill cap on top of the tranny and a fluid level plug on the lower side of the tranny. Basically you add the approximate amount of fluid, start up the car, open the lower plug and fill until the fluid comes out. There, it’s full.

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seems like a decent idea for those front wheel drive cars but since my
Titan is rear wheel drive and the transmission lives under the truck I would like to keep my tube and stick.

Shane06fl said:

seems like a decent idea for those front wheel drive cars but since my
Titan is rear wheel drive and the transmission lives under the truck I would like to keep my tube and stick.

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Acknowledged, however my point is there is nothing to check unless it's leaking, then a repair is needed. You will be visiting the underside when you service it.:kiss: