Tranny fluid level check help

[Highroller]

Hi all, i just did a transmission drain on my 06 nissan titan for the first time. And now, im checking the transmission dipstick for the first time also just to make sure i added enough fluid in. It seems like im a quart low. But, since im a newbie at checking the transmission level, i need help deciphering my service manual on how to check the fluid level. i understand it's not the same as checking the engine oil (turning off the engine and waiting for 10 min. to look at the dipstick). I believe for the transmission, i have to let the engine idle on "park" after driving the vehicle around? This is what is confusing me a little bit...

Can someone tell me if im doing this right?: I start the engine, drive around for a good 30 mins., park the car on a level flat surface, let the engine idle for 2 mins, and then pull out the dipstick on the "Hot" side to check it..? It would read right at the add mark on the "Hot" range.
Here's what my manual says about using the Hot range:
1) Drive the vehicle to increase ATF temp. to 80 C (176 F).
2) Allow the ATF temp. to fall to approx. 65 C (149 F).
3) Recheck the fluid level at temp. of approx. 65 C using the HOT range on the A/T fluid level gauge (dipstick).

To use the COLD range:
1) Start engine and move selector through each gear, then shift to Park.
2) Check fluid level with engine idling.
3) Check fluid level at fluid temp. of 30-50 C(86-122 F).

Thanks for any clarifications...
Eric

 

[Kestas]

Short answer - I think you're checking it properly.

I believe the only exact way to check the fluid level is by having vehicle diagnostic equipment (such as an expensive code reader) that tells you the exact temperature of the fluid.

This isn't practical for the average owner. You're looking for a best guess. The best I can advise is to keep chacking the fluid multiple times with varying amounts of warm-up on the transmission fluid. After a while, you should feel confident of reading the fluid level properly, and learn how the level fluctuates with the amount of warm-up.

I thought you had to run it through the gears before checking, regardless of the temperature.

 

[Highroller]

Thanks kestas, i forgot to mention about the shifting through gears before checking. Yes, i did that too prior to checking it Hot and Cold.

Odd, thing is that today i decided to add 7/8 qts of transmission fluid to try to get it into the "ok" range in the Hot range since i was at the add point prior, but apparently i overfilled it by who know's much?? Can someone tell me if the add point on the transmission dipstick is the same as the engine oil add point on the dipstick(where if you're below that add/low point on the engine oil dipstick, you're a quart low)?

I think i overfilled it by 1/2 to a 1 full quart. Is there any reason for concern? Im thinking of draining it out again and try to get it in the "ok" range...