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Like I said, multiple youtube tutorials show the IR gun reads the same or only 1-2 degrees cooler than the Scangauge II and Techstream despite variations in the cleanliness of the pan and the measuring spot the IR gun is used on the pan. There is no need to be MORE accurate than 1-2 degrees considering the range of acceptable fluid level checking temperatures is broad (9 degrees for the ES350 6 speeds and 18 degrees for the ES350 8 speeds)
artbuc, the dude in the video you posted didn't have an ES350 6 or 8 speed and didn't follow factory manual instructions to idle the car several minutes from a cold start until the idle speed settles down to within 100 rpm of its normal hot engine idle speed and then shift slowly from P to R to N to D to N to R to P immediately prior to checking the fluid level to see if the fluid temp is between the specified 104-113 degrees F (6 speed ES350).
When that procedure is followed the difference between the IR gun reading and the techstream or scangauge reading will be only 1-2 degrees. Any owner who still has doubts can directly measure the temperature of the fluid draining from the trans when setting the final fluid level using a $6 digital meat thermometer from Walmart as shown below:
I can beat your IR with a paper clip. Seriously. That's all you need to measure the temperature and correctly set the level using the temperature sensor in the transaxle which will provide the most accurate temperature you can get.
Originally Posted by Factory Service Manual
Using a paper clip, connect terminals 13 (TC) and 4 (CG) of the DLC3 with the engine switch off.
Depress and hold the brake pedal.
Start the engine.
NOTICE:
To reduce load, make sure that all electrical systems, such as the air conditioning, lighting system, electric fan and audio system are off.
Slowly move the shift lever from P to D, then back to P.
HINT: Slowly move the shift lever to circulate the automatic transaxle fluid through each part of the automatic transaxle assembly.
Keep the shift lever in each position for approximately 3 seconds.
While observing the D shift indicator on the combination meter, move the shift lever back and forth between N and D at an interval of less than 1.5 seconds for 6 seconds or more.
NOTICE: Do not pause for more than 1.5 seconds.
HINT: Performing this operation will cause the vehicle to enter automatic transaxle fluid temperature detection mode.
Check that the D shift indicator comes on for 2 seconds.
HINT: When automatic transaxle fluid temperature detection mode is activated, the D shift indicator on the combination meter comes on for 2 seconds.
If the D shift indicator does not come on for 2 seconds, return to the first step (connect terminals 13 (TC) and 4 (CG) of the DLC3) and perform the procedure again.
Move the shift lever to P.
Release the brake pedal.
Remove the paper clip from terminals 13 (TC) and 4 (CG).
HINT: Disconnecting the terminals activates engine idle speed control mode.
In engine idle speed control mode, engine idle speed control starts when the automatic transaxle fluid temperature reaches the specified temperature and the engine speed is maintained.
Even after the terminals are disconnected, automatic transaxle fluid temperature detection mode is active until the engine switch is turned off.
If the P indicator is off, the temperature is below 35C/95F. Wait.
If the P indicator is on steady, the temperature is between 35C/95F and 45C/113F. Perform the level setting procedure.
If the P indicator is flashing, the temperature is >45C/113F. Shut off the engine and try again tomorrow after the transmission fully cools. I can speak directly for the AA80E in the IS F and GS F - this cooling takes a minimum of 8 hours.
I can beat your IR with a paper clip. Seriously. That's all you need to measure the temperature and correctly set the level using the temperature sensor in the transaxle which will provide the most accurate temperature you can get.
I have seen several variations of this procedure. Can you confirm it is from the FSM specifically for a 2020 ES350? Also, how do you know when D comes on for 2 seconds when you are shifting between D and N? Maybe D and N indicator lights are off with the terminals shorted? Thanks.
Any deviation from this procedure is not supported by the text and pictures in the factory service manual for the 2020 ES350. I have a subscription to TIS at the professional level. It's a pretty direct quote only missing the SST they tell you to use. I use a paper clip instead. Otherwise, it's word for word.
Last edited by lobuxracer; Aug 31, 2020 at 04:06 PM.
Any deviation from this procedure is not supported by the text and pictures in the factory service manual for the 2020 ES350. I have a subscription to TIS at the professional level. It's a pretty direct quote only missing the SST they tell you to use. I use a paper clip instead. Otherwise, it's word for word.
What I meant was I have seen several variations of this procedure for various years and models. I just wanted to be sure this procedure is specifically for the 2020 ES 350. I have visions of shorting the terminals and smoking the ECU. Great info...thx!
Tc and E1 shorting have been universal on Toyota vehicles since before OBDII. The original TCCS used this same method. Not much variation at all across the last 40 years or so.
Tc and E1 shorting have been universal on Toyota vehicles since before OBDII. The original TCCS used this same method. Not much variation at all across the last 40 years or so.
Right, the shorting was the same but the indicator light pattern was different, at least that is what I remembered.
