Traditionally American automatic transmissions had been checked at operating temperature. The Cold marks on the dipsticks are only for reference, it's the Hot marks that matter. So the OP's 5-speed is checked like a traditional transmission, T-IV or WS (same transmission, pre- or post-07). The fluid itself is not
Even older European transmissions have been filled like a manual with fill/drain bolts. But with the newer Le Pelletier design all manufacturers began to demand a narrow temp range. That said, ZF Freidrichshaven has always been strict with fill temperature range, even before introducing the world's first LePelletier 6-speed in 2001 on a BMW 7-series.
I guess with the energy saving features like an ATF cooler with a thermostat it's more important to get the fluid warm enough so the cooler circuit opens and not too hot that you end up with low ATF level when cooled. etc.
For Toyota's Aisin the recommendation fill is between 40-45 deg C (below that really is fine too, it will just expand a bit and drain out at 46) after the cooler opens (IIRC at around 36 deg C or so).
When using the ATF temp sensing feature jumpering the OBDII, you close the "check bolt" when the "D" turns steady green at 46 deg C. This is equal to "Full Hot". But this is only for transmissions without dipsticks. Always check the manual for specifications for the transmission.
Originally Posted by Donald E. George
The directive to fill WS ATF at a narrow temperature range seems a bit odd. How could the temperature cause a problem? The ATF is going to see all kinds of start temperatures so the only thing I can think of is that you maybe could overfill a small amount with the ATF at ambient rather that the temperature called for by Toyota.What is the specified temperature?