what does cold mean in checking transmission fluid

[edwardh1]

dipstick has cold and hot marks

does it mean sitting all night in a 40 degree garage?

or does it mean like 75 degrees?

2004 camry v6

 

[bioburner]

Cold normal sitting temp without running
Hot- after getting things up to temp after running for 20-30 minutes
Best to my knowledge and reading the manuals

 

[MarcS]

The difference in fluid volume from thermal expansion between 40 and 75 degrees is negligible.

 

[Yah-Tah-Hey]

I don't think "cold" is applicable if the engine is not running. Cold is probably less than 180F/190F.

 

[silveravant]

What does the owner's manual say?

 

[edwardh1]

it does not say.
my other car says cold is something like 75 to 95 degrees

 

[bioburner]

Well under the power steering section they describe Hot as being driven at 50 mph for 20 minutes and cool-room temp as 50-85 degrees when checking the fluid levels. Now I would assume the same for the tranny too. I couldn't find anything even telling where to check the fluid level on the tranny so they may have made the manual for a model that has no dip stick.

 

[Bgallagher]

Typically your manual will tell you how you should be checking your transmission fluid.

 

[69GTX]

There's nothing marked on your dip stick for "cold." That would only confuse most people. The lower marking of the bottom of the cross hatched area is where you add...nothing more. That's not a cold level.

On my 2002 Linc I've taken enough cold readings with the car off that they are consistent and therefore probably accurate. That cold level occurs well above the FULL mark...actually about an inch above it. In particular, it falls on the letters "SS" in "cross hatched area" printed on the dipstick. So the cold level appears to be way over FULL. I use both hot and cold methods to check the level depending on convenience. Both have been rock solid consistent since changing the fluid in June.

Cold temps when checking your level would be anything less than normal tans operating temperatures. So something under 150-200 deg F

 

[raytseng]

cold is intended mainly for refiiling so you get close to the right level and not have to guess or go by volumes or starve the system. You always have to double check when hot.

 

[tig1]

It means not warm. Ambient air temp.