tranny dipstick

[oilguy3]

I just changed the transmission fluid in my 04 Tacoma PreRunner and I can't get a consistent reading on the dipstick. When the engine in running and the transmission is in park the level is perfect, but when the engine has sat over night the level is way over the "cold fluid level" mark. If anyone knows what's going on please let me know.

 

[Kestas]

That's why manufacturers specify reading the dipstick with the engine warm, running, and in park. With the engine running the fluid is pumped up into places that drain back after shutdown.

 

[oilguy3]

but you would think they would take that into account when they place the "cold" hashmarks on the dipstick.

 

[TallPaul]

Yep, the about half the torque converter would drain down into the pan. Once I get the correct reading hot, I check cold the next day and note where it comes to on the stick. That way I can look at the stick cold anytime and know right away if something is very far off. Also, if you add fluid, you will have a hard time getting a reading as it will be picking up fluid that is still running down the tube. Really an asinine setup to have the dipstick and filler neck one and the same. Would be a lot nicer to have a power steering sized filler neck accessed through a door in the floor of the vehicle.

 

[Tosh]

TallPaul: And who's going to pay the extra $5 for that? Actually, it begs the question Why are there still power steering reservoirs? Why not just have better seals, and an inspection window and filler plug in the pump? Running low on PS fluid doesn't seem all that important, relatively speaking.