Login to enhance your online experience. Login or Create an Account
Logo
Shopping Cart

Shopping Cart 0 Items (Empty)

Toyota Hilux 2001-2006 4WD and 2WD Workshop Manual Digital Download

1) Confirm the fault
- Action: Read transmission/engine codes with an OBD-II/TCU scanner and view live data (transmission/ATF temperature or sensor fault codes P0715/P0720-type). Note symptoms (erratic shifting, limp mode, temp reading abnormal).
- Theory: The vehicle ECU/TCU uses the sensor signal (voltage/resistance) to determine ATF temperature. A stored code or abnormal live value distinguishes sensor/electrical faults from hydraulic/mechanical problems.

2) Inspect wiring and connector
- Action: Visually and physically inspect the sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, bent pins, breaks, or water ingress. Back-probe the connector with key on and check for expected reference voltage/ground continuity if you can.
- Theory: Most “sensor failures” are wiring/connector issues. The sensor is passive/active and produces a voltage or resistance change; damaged wiring can mimic a bad sensor.

3) Prepare vehicle & safety
- Action: Park on level surface, chock wheels, engage parking brake. Raise and support the vehicle securely if sensor is undercarriage-mounted. Wear gloves/eye protection. Disconnect negative battery if you’ll be working on electrical connectors or near hot components.
- Theory: Prevents injury, unintended cranking, and short circuits. Also avoids contamination of transmission by dirt falling into open fittings.

4) Locate the sensor
- Action: Refer to the workshop manual for exact location (on Toyota Hilux models the transmission fluid temperature sensor/ATF sensor is mounted in the transmission housing or near the transfer/selector housing). Position a drain pan under the area.
- Theory: Knowing location prevents unnecessary disassembly and prepares you to catch any fluid that drains when the sensor is removed.

5) Remove electrical connector and sensor
- Action: Unclip the electrical connector, depress tab and pull off. Using the correct socket or wrench, unscrew the sensor while catching fluid. Inspect the sensor threads and sealing O-ring/seal.
- Theory: Unscrewing removes the failed sensing element from the hydraulic/thermal environment. Fluid may leak because the sensor penetrates the case; catching it prevents contamination and loss.

6) Prepare & fit the new sensor
- Action: Fit a new O-ring/seal (always replace the seal). Lightly coat O-ring with correct ATF. Install the new sensor and tighten to the manufacturer’s torque spec (consult the service manual). Reconnect the electrical connector.
- Theory: A new sensor restores correct electrical characteristics (resistance/voltage vs temperature) and a new seal prevents leaks. Correct torque compresses the seal properly without distorting the sensor.

7) Refill/top-up and set fluid level if needed
- Action: If significant fluid was lost, top up with the correct ATF type to the specified level. Many transmissions require checking level at operating temperature with the engine idling and the selector in a specified gear—follow the manual’s procedure.
- Theory: Accurate fluid volume and temperature are required for proper transmission cooling, lubrication, and hydraulic pressures. Low/overfilled fluid causes shifting faults that could be mistaken for sensor problems.

8) Clear codes and verify
- Action: Reconnect battery if disconnected, clear fault codes with the scanner, start engine, and monitor live ATF temp reading and sensor voltage/resistance. Check for leaks and correct shifting through a test drive and re-check codes.
- Theory: Clearing codes and monitoring live data verifies the ECU/TCU is receiving a sane sensor signal. Restored correct sensor input allows the ECU/TCU to resume normal shift logic, torque converter lockup control, and any temperature-based protections—so shifting returns to normal and limp mode or temp warnings should clear.

How the repair fixes the fault (concise)
- The ATF/transmission fluid sensor converts fluid temperature into an electrical signal the ECU/TCU uses for shift timing, torque converter control, and temperature warnings. A failed sensor (open, short, drifted value, or leak) gives incorrect or no signal. Replacing the sensor restores the correct electrical characteristic and seal. Once the controller receives accurate temperature data, it applies the correct hydraulic control and logic, eliminating temperature-related limp modes, shifting abnormality, or erroneous temperature warnings.

Important notes (brief)
- Always replace the sensor seal/O‑ring and use the correct ATF type. Torque to manufacturer spec. If wiring is damaged, fix it before fitting the new sensor — a new sensor won’t help a shorted harness. Verify fluid level at operating temperature after replacement.
rteeqp73

You Might Also Like...

Kryptronic Internet Software Solutions