4T40E Trans Level Check

[BigAl]

My 1999 Malibu has the 4T40E automatic transmission without the dipstick. The Haynes manual says to check the level at the inspection hole with the engine OFF. Others say to do it with the engine running and the transmission in park. This gives totally different results. Which is right?

 

[LargeCarMan]

My own thoughts, but both should be right...why, because engine off the pan should be full to the inspection hole. If the engine is running in park, the transmission is pumping the oil from the pan to the cooler and back to the pan..same results. My 2cents.

 

[BigAl]

Nope. If I fill the transmission with the engine running, and then turn it off, LOTS of fluid comes out of the hole . . . quarts . . .

 

[brianl703]

It's supposed to be done with the engine running and the fluid at least 104F (pan feels warm).