Transmission Filter Change

[u118224]

I changed the filter and fluid in my 2004 1500 Suburban 4x4 with 132,000 miles, 4L60e, 5.3. I did not flush it. I changed it on Sunday and thought I overfilled it. I checked the fluid level last night after I got home from work, with the engine running and everything up to temp, and the level was fine, i.e. in the crosshatched area on the stick. I checked it cold this morning, with the engine off, and the level is way high, about an inch too high on the stick. There are no leaks and the transmission hasn't pushed out any fluid in normal driving. Driveability is fine.

 

It's always been my understanding that the fluid level is lower on the stick with a cold check, not higher. What am I missing?

[MS3DALE]

The difference was the first time you checked it the engine was running,the second time it was not.

Always check tranny fluid with the engine running.

[Z45]

The pan is a sump, when the engine is off fluid drains to the pan so it will show higher. You are only supposed to pay attention to what is reads with the trans at normal operating temps, only a level surface and with the engine running. What it reads with the engine off is of no consequence.

[u118224]

Makes sense because the converter fills with oil when the engine's running, but I still think it's weird to see the level that high even with the engine off.

 

Thanks for the reply.

[Wires]

Makes sense because the converter fills with oil when the engine's running, but I still think it's weird to see the level that high even with the engine off.

 

Thanks for the reply.

 

 

It'll always read high with the engine off. Typically 0.5-1" over the marks on the vehicles I've had.

[wavery]

Makes sense because the converter fills with oil when the engine's running, but I still think it's weird to see the level that high even with the engine off.

 

Thanks for the reply.

 

It has nothing to do with the converter. Your converter holds ~6qts of fluid.

The fluid stays in there when the engine is off. It has to be pumped out with the engine running.

 

The fluid level difference that you are experiencing with the engine shut off is just the drain back from the internal workings of the trans itself.