Transmission Fluid Check. Is This Okay?

[Got V8?]

I am checking my transmisson fluid on my 01, Silverado 1500 4L60E. When I first pull the dipstick out when cold the fluid is in the HOT area. When i check it like the owners manual says in park after running through the gears, it isnt on the bottom cold mark on the dipstick. It seems to be shifting fine now. I had it a little low prior to this and on the highway it seemed to be surging at 55 MPH, this could be just me. So I am trying to get to the absolute correct point, as I didnt drive it long like this. I am assuming that I was about a half to 3 quarters of a quart down for this short time. I used Dex VI.

Just wondering about the differences in Park and non running is the fluid level high when it isnt running because of fluid in the valve body and there not being pressure on the fluid. Thanks.

[dlstewart01]

I am checking my transmisson fluid on my 01, Silverado 1500 4L60E. When I first pull the dipstick out when cold the fluid is in the HOT area. When i check it like the owners manual says in park after running through the gears, it isnt on the bottom cold mark on the dipstick. It seems to be shifting fine now. I had it a little low prior to this and on the highway it seemed to be surging at 55 MPH, this could be just me. So I am trying to get to the absolute correct point, as I didnt drive it long like this. I am assuming that I was about a half to 3 quarters of a quart down for this short time. I used Dex VI.

Just wondering about the differences in Park and non running is the fluid level high when it isnt running because of fluid in the valve body and there not being pressure on the fluid. Thanks.

 

The correct way to check it is engine running, trans in park and fluid at operating temp. Hot fluid expands to give the proper reading. The hot and cold marks are there to give you an idea of where the fluid is at when cold. Even when cold it has to be checked in park with the engine running.

 

The level is measured with the engine running and the pump circulating the fluid through the trans. With the engine off all the fluid drains back in the pan giving a false high reading.

 

Don

[Got V8?]

Thanks distewart01, I was also thinking of that myself, about the fluid draining back in the pan. I just wasn`t sure if it should be that high.