Best way to check Auto trans fluid level?

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GearheadTool

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Please run me through this one more time, also any other tips/methods to checking the transmission fluid level on an automatic transmission!

I just changed out a gallon on the Volvo. Stuff looked like BLACK motor oil, for certain! Now a gallon of that is brand new Maxlife Dex/Merc ATF.

I drive around for about 75 miles today, going to Walmart for an American flag...
 
The instructions generally say to check when the transmission is warm, engine on, run the gear selector through all of the gears, put in park or neutral, and with the engine still running, pull the dipstick, wipe, re-insert, pull, and check. Make sure you are on level ground and do not check right after a long highway run.
 
Google your make and model and how to check ATF, if you don't have the owner's manual.

As people said, there are different ways with different cars. Some are checked with the engine off (my 07 Accord, but within 30 sec or so of shutoff); some with the engine idling either in gear or park/neutral.

None should be checked after a fast hiway run or WOT acceleration---ATF expands a lot when hot and it could look like it was overfilled when it wasn't.

To use just one "general" way risks too little or too much fluid.

BTW you may know this, but overfilling is as bad or worse than underfilling. A few ounces...literally...isn't any big deal. But a half-pint or more is. Unlike an engine it can't "burn off"

HTH
 
Originally Posted By: NMBurb02
The instructions generally say to check when the transmission is warm, engine on, run the gear selector through all of the gears, put in park or neutral, and with the engine still running, pull the dipstick, wipe, re-insert, pull, and check. Make sure you are on level ground and do not check right after a long highway run.


For the AW-42 in your Volvo - this.

But your owner's manual tells you precisely this.

And I gave you a link to the owner's manual in one of your other threads...so, why do you keep asking for information that you are able to look up yourself? Why not get it from an authoritative source, like the OM, instead of posting the question?
 
Originally Posted By: Astro14
Originally Posted By: NMBurb02
The instructions generally say to check when the transmission is warm, engine on, run the gear selector through all of the gears, put in park or neutral, and with the engine still running, pull the dipstick, wipe, re-insert, pull, and check. Make sure you are on level ground and do not check right after a long highway run.

And I gave you a link to the owner's manual in one of your other threads...so, why do you keep asking for information that you are able to look up yourself? Why not get it from an authoritative source, like the OM, instead of posting the question?


I have OCD about checking that perfect condition, velvety-texture grey book that my ladyfriend also has her handicapped placard for rear view mirror hanging in. That is why.

As to the transmission fluid level.. Is ~half a quart overfull OK? I also had OCD to add in the whole gallon of fluid and waste none.. appears to be about a half a quart overfull, though that reading was taken after hotter than usual (WOT highway run, then a half hour or so of town use. Stop, go, etc.)
 
Originally Posted By: GearheadTool
Originally Posted By: Astro14
Originally Posted By: NMBurb02
The instructions generally say to check when the transmission is warm, engine on, run the gear selector through all of the gears, put in park or neutral, and with the engine still running, pull the dipstick, wipe, re-insert, pull, and check. Make sure you are on level ground and do not check right after a long highway run.

And I gave you a link to the owner's manual in one of your other threads...so, why do you keep asking for information that you are able to look up yourself? Why not get it from an authoritative source, like the OM, instead of posting the question?


I have OCD about checking that perfect condition, velvety-texture grey book that my ladyfriend also has her handicapped placard for rear view mirror hanging in. That is why.

As to the transmission fluid level.. Is ~half a quart overfull OK? I also had OCD to add in the whole gallon of fluid and waste none.. appears to be about a half a quart overfull, though that reading was taken after hotter than usual (WOT highway run, then a half hour or so of town use. Stop, go, etc.)


33.gif


Seriously, each vehicle is different. Check the service manual or that link I posted in the other thread.
 
you should check ur manual but they are two ways

1) Use dip stick while car is on in park mode , you should drive your car into operating temps. So drive for at lease 10 miles and check.

2) After getting your car into operating temp. put car in Drive and put on emergency breaks, check with dipstick.

Some cars state using dipstick after getting to operating temp. and car off as well.

For my Corolla I do steps 1 and 2 and use difference to calculate if I should fill up. For my car both are about the same.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: GearheadTool
Please run me through this one more time, also any other tips/methods to checking the transmission fluid level on an automatic transmission!

I just changed out a gallon on the Volvo. Stuff looked like BLACK motor oil, for certain! Now a gallon of that is brand new Maxlife Dex/Merc ATF.

I drive around for about 75 miles today, going to Walmart for an American flag...


You need to do it 4 or 5 more times if what came out is black.
 
Originally Posted By: Voltmaster
you should check ur manual but they are two ways

2) After getting your car into operating temp. put car in Drive and put on emergency breaks, check with dipstick.


Who would engineer it this way? Widow-maker?

Not doubting it might have once been but on a newish transverse transmission design?

Sometimes there are instructions on the dipstick.
laugh.gif
 
I can't imagine any modern car would ask you to leave it in drive when you check!

But, it's a hydraulic system, all they want is for the oil passages to be full to get a reasonably reliable measure and a quick run through the gears is enough.
 
Originally Posted By: Kiwi_ME
I can't imagine any modern car would ask you to leave it in drive when you check!

But, it's a hydraulic system, all they want is for the oil passages to be full to get a reasonably reliable measure and a quick run through the gears is enough.


AFAIK there isn't...

Level ground, in park, at operating temp will cover 99.9% of the vehicles that have dipsticks...
 
In a Toyota TIS there is a certain ATF temp for checking ATF levels. Too hot and it will read high, too cold it will read low and mistake for adding more. My scantool can read ATF temps so when the ATF reaches operating temp (156ºF for A340E, 170ºF for 4L60E) then I'll check the temp level.
 
Originally Posted By: GearheadTool
Please run me through this one more time, also any other tips/methods to checking the transmission fluid level on an automatic transmission!


Outrageously vehicle specific. There is no one way to do it for every transmission type.
 
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