over filled transmission

[harrydog]

I had my wife's car serviced at the dealer when they replaced the timing belt and changing the automatic transmission fluid was one of the things they did. That was 25K miles ago.
I just now checked the fluid level and found that it was way over the full mark on the stick. I'm not sure how much it's over filled but my guess is it must be about a quart over.
What problems could this cause? The transmission is shifting as it always has and I'll probably drain and refill the fluid soon, but I'm wondering if over filling the transmission is detrimental in any way, like over filling the engine is.
???

 

[xpeteyjtx]

Make sure you are checking the dipstick on a level surface. Follow Toyota's instructions for checking the fluid. I don't think Toyota publishes instructions for checking the transmission fluid in the owner's manual... so maybe someone here can help with that.

Did you check the fluid before you had it serviced? Toyota's transmissions usually seem to be a little above the FULL mark from the factory.

So
1. Make sure you are checking it correctly.
2. If it is way over the full mark (being a little over will not harm a thing) bring it back and have Toyota make it right.

 

[harrydog]

Yes, I'm checking it on a level surface. I checked it both when cold and when hot and both times it was past the "hot" full mark on the stick. No, I didn't check it before I took it in for service.
It's not worth the hassle for me to take it back to Toyota. I already have the fluid and want to change it myself.
I'm only wondering if this could have caused any damage.

 

[xpeteyjtx]

It probably didn't do any damage.

If doing a drain/fill... measure the amount that comes out and compare that to the volume that Toyota specs in the manual... it will be interesting to compare the two values.

When re-filling, add a little more than what Toyota specs.

For my Yaris, Toyota specs 2.7-2.8 quarts for a drain/fill. I just add the full 3 quarts and call it a year/15K-20K. What is interesting is that when I did the initial drain, I got about 3 quarts out.

Don't over think it in your situation (with your type of transmission). Just use the right fluid

 

[Johnny]

xpeteyjtx, you must be a mind reader, I did not see the word Toyota anywhere in harrydog's first post.

harrydog, what kind of Toyota do you have?

 

[xpeteyjtx]

Holy [censored] that is scary. I do not know how I came to that conclusion...

 

[harrydog]

Hmmm. I was wondering that myself.
It is indeed a Toyota...a Sienna!

 

[Sink]

Weird.

 

[sunfire]

The way I check it is to drive the car about 15 miles so the ATF is warm. Park the car, go through all the gears, leave the car running. Then check the fluid. It should read between the HOT notches. You want to have ATF in the torque converter and account for ATF thermal expansion.

 

[qship1996]

most automatic transmissions have a vent breather on top of transmission that will expell atf it is too overfilled- I would not worry about it being overfilled at all.

 

[mechtech2]

Overfilling an auto trans is often strongly warned about because of the possibility of foaming. Oil with air does not lubricate, seal, or perform it's hydraulic duties well.
No foaming [for whatever reason] = no problems.
I guess yours was not whipped up and frothing foaming.

 

[harrydog]

Would I notice the foaming on the dip stick if it was happening? I didn't see any.

 

[JDD]

Originally Posted By: harrydog
I had my wife's car serviced at the dealer when they replaced the timing belt and changing the automatic transmission fluid was one of the things they did. That was 25K miles ago.
I just now checked the fluid level and found that it was way over the full mark on the stick. I'm not sure how much it's over filled but my guess is it must be about a quart over.
What problems could this cause? The transmission is shifting as it always has and I'll probably drain and refill the fluid soon, but I'm wondering if over filling the transmission is detrimental in any way, like over filling the engine is.
???


How did you know that he was talking about a Toyota?

 

[xpeteyjtx]

Originally Posted By: JDD


How did you know that he was talking about a Toyota?


I'm guessing that question is directed to me.

I really don't know. Maybe I'm that good.

 

[mechtech2]

We may or may not see evidence [foaming] on the dipstick.
But really, your car sounds like it was not harmed.
Fill her right next time and enjoy it.

 

[PT1]

Originally Posted By: JDD
Originally Posted By: harrydog
I had my wife's car serviced at the dealer when they replaced the timing belt and changing the automatic transmission fluid was one of the things they did. That was 25K miles ago.
I just now checked the fluid level and found that it was way over the full mark on the stick. I'm not sure how much it's over filled but my guess is it must be about a quart over.
What problems could this cause? The transmission is shifting as it always has and I'll probably drain and refill the fluid soon, but I'm wondering if over filling the transmission is detrimental in any way, like over filling the engine is.
???


How did you know that he was talking about a Toyota?


He mentioned the transmission was shifting as it always has...which rules out GM, Ford and Chrysler...he then deduced that since Toyota has the largest market share that statistically he would have the best odds at being correct by guessing Toyota. Very good Watson....

 

[crinkles]

Originally Posted By: xpeteyjtx
Originally Posted By: JDD


How did you know that he was talking about a Toyota?


I'm guessing that question is directed to me.

I really don't know. Maybe I'm that good.

maybe its because toyota's are notoriously difficult to get an accurate ATF reading on the dipstick.

my Camry takes 3.5 L drain and fill.

first change, 3.6 came out, 3.6 went in. Second change, unknown amount came out (i couldn't be bothered at that time), and i put 4 in to get the reading on the stick right. Works fine.

 

[Mr Nice]

Best thing if it is hard to get an accurate ATF reading, measure the amount of old ATF that came out and simply add the same amount of new ATF.

 

[Jaymus]

I do assume you are checking the fluid while the car is running, yes? Because, if not, it will show it way over the full mark.