Over filled Transmission?

[Chris B.]

Hello,
I had my Transmission filter changed and topped off on my 2002 Camaro Z28. It was overfilled a bit. The level was about 3/4 inch over the max fill line. It looks like it is way over filled but it only takes a little fluis to rase up the line a bunch. I think it is less then 1qt over filled, probibly less then 1/2qt over filled.
Can this damage my 4l60e transmission? I have no way of draining any out for a few days and I already have been driving it like this for about 100 miles. Should I be worried? Thanks!

 

[PT1]

You should remove the excess fluid. You can suck that much fluid out of the dipstick tube with any type of fluid pump. You can buy a marine outdrive oil pump for less than $20 at any marine store. Fit it with some plastic refrigerator ice maker water line that will fit in the dipstick tube from ace hardware for $.18/foot and you are in business and have your own fluid extractor. Now you will be able to swap out 2-4 quarts of transmission fluid any time you wish.

 

[Colt45ws]

Yes. I would suck it out with a pump. The excess fluid can cause it to foam up. When I overfilled the '04 Ram, it had a off-timed and hard 1-2 shift when hot. Whoops.
It sounds like you had a shop do this? I would make them fix it if so.

 

[Titan]

It seems my Subaru's didn't mind being overfilled...but, I wonder if the fill tube ends right at the level of full. It appeared both were about 1/2 inch above full when hot, according to the dipstick. When I drained them, I measured the fluid that came out (3.75 quarts each), and only put 3 quarts back in, thinking I would correct the overfilled condition they came with from the factory. Barely registered on the stick. I ended up with putting 3.5-3.6 quarts in both to register full cold. When hot, they now register full hot. So, my 1/2 inch overfilled turns out to have been just barely overfilled.

I have no idea if this is applicable in your transmission.

 

[unDummy]

Certain transmissions don't mind being overfilled. Others will be aggravated and either puke the fluid out of vents/dipstick or shift sloppy. And, some benefit from being at tiptop or 1/4" over.

The 4l60e is pretty tolerant so don't worry about it. Get to it when you can. Because its winter, you probably won't burp out any fluid. But, if you ignore it until summer, you might end up with problems.

The biggest issue with overfilled transmissions is that some dipsticks, and AT vents, seem to be located and aimed at hot underhood areas. ATF burpped onto a hot exhaust will cause underhood engine fires.

Anything more the 3/8" overfilled at normal operating temp is a reason to drain. Since you're 3/4" over, drain a pint.

Also, make sure you are checking the ATF dipstick on a level surface, at normal operating temp, with vehicle running after moving the shifter through all positons.

I find that the biggest problems with ATF level is most people don't check it correctly. Please reference your owners or factory service manuals for directions. Some vehicles are extremely temp sensitive and require accurate temp check prior to checking for correct ATF level. And, there are some AT's that prefer the level checked with the vehicle off. Know your vehicle.

If you don't have a drain plug or siphon pump, another option is just to pull an ATF cooler hose. Depending on cooler size, location and gravity, even with the vehicle off, you might be able to remove a pint that way.

 

[Chris B.]

Thank you everyone!

 

[Chris B.]

Where is the best place to find a siphon and how much money do the run?

 

[1040 WreckerMan]

You can get cheap suction guns at any parts store for around 10 dollars, all you'll need is some rubber hose to stuff down the dipstick tube.

As far as over filling is concerned, unDummy pretty much covered it. Overfilling is bad because when the rotating assemblies are in the sump oil it causing foaming. Depending on trans type, the rotating assembly will be close or quite a ways away from the sump area, which is the reason some transmissions are more sensitive to overfilling.

 

[Chris B.]

How much length of tube will I need you think?

 

[Titan]

4 feet minimum. I'd personally get 6-8 feet so I could run it over the fender, rather than straight down under the car.