Checking Trans Fluid Level

RaddHazzard · February 7, 2010

I always thought you check transmission fluid level when engine is warmed up and on and in park. When i do this the level is at the cold mark. When i shut off the engine, with the engine previously ran and warm, only then is the level at the proper hot mark. My manual says to do it in park with the engine ran for 10 minutes and engine on. What is the correct method?

dlstewart01 · February 7, 2010

The transmission fluid is checked in park with the engine running, and the transmission at operating temperature, on level ground. If it is on the cold mark, that means the fluid level is low and you need to add some fluid. The cold mark is when the transmission has not warmed up and should be at that mark. When the transmission reaches operating temperture, the hot fluid will expand and be on the full mark.

The transmission should be checked with the pump circulating fluid through out the transmission to get the correct reading on the dip-stick. With the engine shut off the fluid will drain back to the pan and will read overfull on the dip-stick if the transmission has the proper amount of fluid.

RaddHazzard · February 7, 2010

Nicely put. Just as i thought, just needed another brain to reassure me. Thanks.

brainpause · February 9, 2010

It seems difficult to read the level on the dipstick. I'd sure like to get an accurate reading, as I may have lost some (long story) but I'm not sure.

There may be a little streak of fluid in the appropriate place, but very hard to tell. I have added about a quart, and I can't tell if there's been any change. Any advice? I'm feeling like I need to turn in my Man Card.

Larry

dlstewart01 · February 9, 2010

It seems difficult to read the level on the dipstick. I'd sure like to get an accurate reading, as I may have lost some (long story) but I'm not sure.

There may be a little streak of fluid in the appropriate place, but very hard to tell. I have added about a quart, and I can't tell if there's been any change. Any advice? I'm feeling like I need to turn in my Man Card.

Larry

If its there you can see it. Check it cold and see if it is even on the cold mark. At operating temp it should be betweem the marks.

I assume the great servo affair was successful....

Or how many Vanderbilt grads does it take to check the oil. Your man card is temporarily suspended until further notice.

just funnin.

Don

brainpause · February 9, 2010

If its there you can see it. Check it cold and see if it is even on the cold mark. At operating temp it should be betweem the marks.

I assume the great servo affair was successful....

Or how many Vanderbilt grads does it take to check the oil. Your man card is temporarily suspended until further notice.

just funnin.

Don

Ha ha, I can take it! I thought about going to the UT vs Vandy womens basketball game with a sign: "My diploma is black and gold, but my blood is orange." After all, I only went to grad school at Vandy. My undergrad work is from a small school.

I checked it cold this morning. It's there. I'll check it again when I deliver the kids to daycare (opening late due to snow).

I'll try and earn my Man Card back. I've done most of my repair and maintenance for a long time now, but I've had a run of bad luck lately. Had the plumber out last week to fix some of my fixin's. My luck has to change soon.

Larry

Rat4go · February 9, 2010

Owners manual tells you temps to check fluid, but I think the full hot range is at something like 180F. If you're in an area with snow, odds are you'll have to work pretty hard to get to that temp and more likely you'll run in the 110-130 range. If that's the case, don't top the trans off to the top of the full hot range with a 'warm' trans!!

csheatz · February 9, 2010

I am in Michigan, with this cold weather my trans will only get to about 120 tops, thats in traffic or sitting, stop and go. If I get on the highway its about 110. It will also ready a little low on the stick due to being so cold, it will be a little above the cold mark.

if that helps any. I have a 4L60.