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Trans Fluid Level

robertdegoey

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robertdegoey Enthusiast

robertdegoey

Posted
Posted

So today I decided to check the trans fluid on my 09 1500 with 360 miles on it, only had it now for about 3 weeks. On a cold check the fluid was at the hot level and at 160 degrees(not even fully warmed up) it was about 3/4 to 1 inch above hot. No frothing or foaming or fluid leaks though so I guess thats good.

 

Should I call the dealer and complain and have them correct the level? I got under it and didn't see a drain bolt on the pan, so I would have to loosen the pan bolts, which I really don't want to do.

 

It's got me wondering if maybe I've got the wrong dipstick for the transmission, I just can't see how something like that would get over looked or that F-ed up on a PDI.

Nytemare Senior Enthusiast

Nytemare

Posted
Posted
So today I decided to check the trans fluid on my 09 1500 with 360 miles on it, only had it now for about 3 weeks. On a cold check the fluid was at the hot level and at 160 degrees(not even fully warmed up) it was about 3/4 to 1 inch above hot. No frothing or foaming or fluid leaks though so I guess thats good.

 

Should I call the dealer and complain and have them correct the level? I got under it and didn't see a drain bolt on the pan, so I would have to loosen the pan bolts, which I really don't want to do.

 

It's got me wondering if maybe I've got the wrong dipstick for the transmission, I just can't see how something like that would get over looked or that F-ed up on a PDI.

Pretty sure you check it cold with the truck running. Is that how you checked it...or did you do it with the engine off.

robertdegoey Enthusiast

robertdegoey

Posted
  • Author
Posted
So today I decided to check the trans fluid on my 09 1500 with 360 miles on it, only had it now for about 3 weeks. On a cold check the fluid was at the hot level and at 160 degrees(not even fully warmed up) it was about 3/4 to 1 inch above hot. No frothing or foaming or fluid leaks though so I guess thats good.

 

Should I call the dealer and complain and have them correct the level? I got under it and didn't see a drain bolt on the pan, so I would have to loosen the pan bolts, which I really don't want to do.

 

It's got me wondering if maybe I've got the wrong dipstick for the transmission, I just can't see how something like that would get over looked or that F-ed up on a PDI.

Pretty sure you check it cold with the truck running. Is that how you checked it...or did you do it with the engine off.

 

 

Checked it running hot and cold. My guess is the dealer checked it with it turned off and overfilled it.

MS3DALE Senior Enthusiast

MS3DALE

Posted
Posted

Transmission Fluid Level and Condition Check

 

Cold Fluid Check

The purpose of the cold check is to determine if the transmission has enough fluid to be operated safely until a hot check can be made.

 

Note: The fluid level rises as fluid temperature increases. DO NOT fill above the COLD CHECK band if the transmission fluid is below normal operating temperatures.

 

Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on a level surface using the service brakes.

Ensure that the engine is at low idle RPM (500-800 RPM).

With the service brakes applied, put the transmission in the P, PARK, position.

Engage the park pawl by slowly releasing the service brakes. The vehicle may move slightly as the pawl engages.

Apply the parking brake and ensure it is properly engaged.

Run the engine for at least one minute. Apply the service brakes and shift to D, DRIVE, then to N, NEUTRAL, and then shift to R, REVERSE, in order to fill the hydraulic system.

Ensure that the engine is at low idle RPM (500-800 RPM).

With the service brakes applied, put the transmission in the P, PARK, position.

Engage the park pawl by slowly releasing the service brakes. The vehicle may move slightly as the pawl engages.

With the engine running, remove the fluid level indicator from the fill tube and wipe the indicator clean.

Note:

 

• If the fluid level is within the COLD CHECK band, the transmission may be operated until the fluid is hot enough to perform a HOT RUN check. If the fluid level is not within the COLD CHECK band, add or drain as necessary to bring it to the middle of the COLD CHECK band.

 

• Always check the fluid level at least twice using the procedure described above. Consistent readings are important in order to maintaining proper fluid level. If inconsistent readings persist, inspect the transmission vent assembly to be sure that it is clean and unclogged. If readings are still inconsistent, contact your nearest Allison distribution or dealer.

 

 

Insert the fluid level indicator into the fill tube and remove. Check the fluid level reading. Repeat the check procedure to verify the reading.

Perform a hot check at the first opportunity after the normal operating sump temperature of 71-93°C (160-200°F) is reached.

 

Hot Fluid Check

Note: The fluid must be hot to ensure an accurate check. The fluid level rises as temperature increases.

 

Operate the transmission in D, DRIVE, range until normal operating temperature is reached. Normal operating temperature is any of the following:

• Sump temperature 71-93°C (160-200°F)

 

• Converter-out temperature 82-104°C (180-220°F)

 

• If a transmission temperature gauge is not present, check the fluid level when the engine water temperature gauge has stabilized and the transmission has been operated under load for at least one hour.

 

Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on a level surface using the service brake.

Ensure that the engine is at low idle RPM, 500-800 RPM.

With the service brakes applied, place the transmission in the P, PARK, position.

Engage the park pawl by slowly releasing the service brakes. The vehicle may move slightly as the pawl engages.

Apply the parking brake and ensure it is properly engaged.

With the engine running, remove the fluid level indicator from the fill tube and wipe the indicator clean.

Note: Always check the fluid level at least twice using the procedure described above. Consistent readings are important to maintaining proper fluid level. If inconsistent readings persist, inspect the transmission vent assembly to be sure it is clean and unclogged. If readings are still inconsistent, contact your nearest Allison distribution or dealer.

 

Insert the fluid level indicator into fill the tube and remove. Check fluid level reading. Repeat the check procedure to verify the reading.

Note: Safe operating level is within the HOT RUN band on the fluid level indicator. The width of the HOT RUN band represents approximately 1.0 liter (1.06 quarts) of fluid at normal operating sump temperature.

 

If the fluid level is not within the HOT RUN band, add or drain as necessary to bring the fluid level to within the HOT RUN band.

 

Fluid Inspection

Note: Transmission fluid must be changed whenever there is evidence of dirt or a high temperature condition. High temperature causes the transmission fluid to be discolored or to have a strong odor. Local conditions, severity of operation, or duty cycle may require more or less frequent fluid or filter change intervals.

robertdegoey Enthusiast

robertdegoey

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Transmission Fluid Level and Condition Check

 

Cold Fluid Check

The purpose of the cold check is to determine if the transmission has enough fluid to be operated safely until a hot check can be made.

 

Note: The fluid level rises as fluid temperature increases. DO NOT fill above the COLD CHECK band if the transmission fluid is below normal operating temperatures.

 

Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on a level surface using the service brakes.

Ensure that the engine is at low idle RPM (500-800 RPM).

With the service brakes applied, put the transmission in the P, PARK, position.

Engage the park pawl by slowly releasing the service brakes. The vehicle may move slightly as the pawl engages.

Apply the parking brake and ensure it is properly engaged.

Run the engine for at least one minute. Apply the service brakes and shift to D, DRIVE, then to N, NEUTRAL, and then shift to R, REVERSE, in order to fill the hydraulic system.

Ensure that the engine is at low idle RPM (500-800 RPM).

With the service brakes applied, put the transmission in the P, PARK, position.

Engage the park pawl by slowly releasing the service brakes. The vehicle may move slightly as the pawl engages.

With the engine running, remove the fluid level indicator from the fill tube and wipe the indicator clean.

Note:

 

• If the fluid level is within the COLD CHECK band, the transmission may be operated until the fluid is hot enough to perform a HOT RUN check. If the fluid level is not within the COLD CHECK band, add or drain as necessary to bring it to the middle of the COLD CHECK band.

 

• Always check the fluid level at least twice using the procedure described above. Consistent readings are important in order to maintaining proper fluid level. If inconsistent readings persist, inspect the transmission vent assembly to be sure that it is clean and unclogged. If readings are still inconsistent, contact your nearest Allison distribution or dealer.

 

 

Insert the fluid level indicator into the fill tube and remove. Check the fluid level reading. Repeat the check procedure to verify the reading.

Perform a hot check at the first opportunity after the normal operating sump temperature of 71-93°C (160-200°F) is reached.

 

Hot Fluid Check

Note: The fluid must be hot to ensure an accurate check. The fluid level rises as temperature increases.

 

Operate the transmission in D, DRIVE, range until normal operating temperature is reached. Normal operating temperature is any of the following:

• Sump temperature 71-93°C (160-200°F)

 

• Converter-out temperature 82-104°C (180-220°F)

 

• If a transmission temperature gauge is not present, check the fluid level when the engine water temperature gauge has stabilized and the transmission has been operated under load for at least one hour.

 

Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on a level surface using the service brake.

Ensure that the engine is at low idle RPM, 500-800 RPM.

With the service brakes applied, place the transmission in the P, PARK, position.

Engage the park pawl by slowly releasing the service brakes. The vehicle may move slightly as the pawl engages.

Apply the parking brake and ensure it is properly engaged.

With the engine running, remove the fluid level indicator from the fill tube and wipe the indicator clean.

Note: Always check the fluid level at least twice using the procedure described above. Consistent readings are important to maintaining proper fluid level. If inconsistent readings persist, inspect the transmission vent assembly to be sure it is clean and unclogged. If readings are still inconsistent, contact your nearest Allison distribution or dealer.

 

Insert the fluid level indicator into fill the tube and remove. Check fluid level reading. Repeat the check procedure to verify the reading.

Note: Safe operating level is within the HOT RUN band on the fluid level indicator. The width of the HOT RUN band represents approximately 1.0 liter (1.06 quarts) of fluid at normal operating sump temperature.

 

If the fluid level is not within the HOT RUN band, add or drain as necessary to bring the fluid level to within the HOT RUN band.

 

Fluid Inspection

Note: Transmission fluid must be changed whenever there is evidence of dirt or a high temperature condition. High temperature causes the transmission fluid to be discolored or to have a strong odor. Local conditions, severity of operation, or duty cycle may require more or less frequent fluid or filter change intervals.

 

Thats how I did it. Like I said cold check was at hot, hot was an inch too high. I'm just going to get a cheap pennzoil siphon pump with a 6 foot tube and siphon some out. I don't trust the dealer to correct it. I still can't see how it got so overfilled.

robertdegoey Enthusiast

robertdegoey

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Just a quick update. I siphoned out 3/4 of a quart today. I got it to 175 degrees on the sensor right at the full hot mark on the dipstick. I probably could have taken out another ounce or two, but the Packers game came on so I had to quit. I think an ounce overfilled is a lot better than 3/4 quart.

 

Robert

GPSilverado Enthusiast

GPSilverado

Posted
Posted
Just a quick update. I siphoned out 3/4 of a quart today. I got it to 175 degrees on the sensor right at the full hot mark on the dipstick. I probably could have taken out another ounce or two, but the Packers game came on so I had to quit. I think an ounce overfilled is a lot better than 3/4 quart.

 

Robert

 

 

I'm glad you were able to correct it, and it probably wasn't going to cause a problem, but better safe than sorry. I don't know how you guys get your transmission temps up that high this time of year though. I only saw mine to 180 once during the summer while towing a 6000lb boat for an hour or so in 95 degree heat. I do tow in 3rd gear though (3.42 gear with 31 inch tires, 275/55R20) so the heat probably isn't as bad. I noticed on Friday after I driven for an hour or so (25 degree outside temp) that my transmission was only running 100-105 degrees F.

 

Mine is the 2009 5.3 with the 4l60e though.

robertdegoey Enthusiast

robertdegoey

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Just a quick update. I siphoned out 3/4 of a quart today. I got it to 175 degrees on the sensor right at the full hot mark on the dipstick. I probably could have taken out another ounce or two, but the Packers game came on so I had to quit. I think an ounce overfilled is a lot better than 3/4 quart.

 

Robert

 

 

I'm glad you were able to correct it, and it probably wasn't going to cause a problem, but better safe than sorry. I don't know how you guys get your transmission temps up that high this time of year though. I only saw mine to 180 once during the summer while towing a 6000lb boat for an hour or so in 95 degree heat. I do tow in 3rd gear though (3.42 gear with 31 inch tires, 275/55R20) so the heat probably isn't as bad. I noticed on Friday after I driven for an hour or so (25 degree outside temp) that my transmission was only running 100-105 degrees F.

 

Mine is the 2009 5.3 with the 4l60e though.

 

 

Mine is the 4L60E also. I could only guess because it's warmer here than South Carolina. I live in Arizona

welscher08 Enthusiast

welscher08

Posted
Posted
Just a quick update. I siphoned out 3/4 of a quart today. I got it to 175 degrees on the sensor right at the full hot mark on the dipstick. I probably could have taken out another ounce or two, but the Packers game came on so I had to quit. I think an ounce overfilled is a lot better than 3/4 quart.

 

Robert

 

Are you from Wisconsin Robert? Packers aren't looking to good right now...lets hope the Vikings do better next weekend! But glad to hear you got your oil level back to where it should be.

robertdegoey Enthusiast

robertdegoey

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Just a quick update. I siphoned out 3/4 of a quart today. I got it to 175 degrees on the sensor right at the full hot mark on the dipstick. I probably could have taken out another ounce or two, but the Packers game came on so I had to quit. I think an ounce overfilled is a lot better than 3/4 quart.

 

Robert

 

Are you from Wisconsin Robert? Packers aren't looking to good right now...lets hope the Vikings do better next weekend! But glad to hear you got your oil level back to where it should be.

 

 

Ryan,

 

Yeah I'm from Milwaukee, but I'm in the military stationed in Arizona. I went to Walmart today in my Packers gear, and 90 % of the people in walmart were in Cardinals gear, it was kind of ackward.

GPSilverado Enthusiast

GPSilverado

Posted
Posted
Just a quick update. I siphoned out 3/4 of a quart today. I got it to 175 degrees on the sensor right at the full hot mark on the dipstick. I probably could have taken out another ounce or two, but the Packers game came on so I had to quit. I think an ounce overfilled is a lot better than 3/4 quart.

 

Robert

 

Are you from Wisconsin Robert? Packers aren't looking to good right now...lets hope the Vikings do better next weekend! But glad to hear you got your oil level back to where it should be.

 

 

Ryan,

 

Yeah I'm from Milwaukee, but I'm in the military stationed in Arizona. I went to Walmart today in my Packers gear, and 90 % of the people in walmart were in Cardinals gear, it was kind of ackward.

 

 

 

I would think Arizona is most definitely warmer than SC, at least I hope so LOL. It is currently 18.7 degrees here, and the high for the last 3 or 4 days has been no more than 34. That's pretty darn cold for SC, but probably a heat wave for a cheese-head :fume:

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