With these new transmissions that have the tedious leveling and temp requirements for fluid level checks

[KrisZ]

The Hyundai 6F24 transmission in my Patriot has different level check procedures vs. the same transmission in Hyudai/Kia vehicles due to the transmission mount orientation. This Chrysler TSB reminds dealers of the correct (somewhat complicated) procedure to use because of incorrect levels after dealer service:

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2015/MC-10144906-9999.pdf

This justifies overthinking.

It’s a stupid procedure and here is why.
You need to capture the ATF from the overflow for 3 minutes and then measure that amount. If it’s less than 1000ml you start over, if it’s over 1000ml, you add 700ml and you’re done.

Well, how much over 1000ml are we talking about here? If in one instance it’s 1100ml and in another 1200ml, 1300ml? What about the fluid that will inevitably be spilled?
What if you captured 990ml? I find it hard to believe that any tech would start the process all over by a 10ml shortage and risk not being paid for it.

Despite all the hoops, this process is still quite imprecise and the likelihood of being followed by the techs is very low IMO. They’ll likely call it “good enough” and move on to another job.

 

[hrv]

I noticed that a lot of people simply overthink this process and make it seem more difficult than it really is.

YUP just like 4 pages on a oil crush washer.......

 

[doitmyself]

It’s a stupid procedure and here is why.
You need to capture the ATF from the overflow for 3 minutes and then measure that amount. If it’s less than 1000ml you start over, if it’s over 1000ml, you add 700ml and you’re done.

Well, how much over 1000ml are we talking about here? If in one instance it’s 1100ml and in another 1200ml, 1300ml? What about the fluid that will inevitably be spilled?
What if you captured 990ml? I find it hard to believe that any tech would start the process all over by a 10ml shortage and risk not being paid for it.

Despite all the hoops, this process is still quite imprecise and the likelihood of being followed by the techs is very low IMO. They’ll likely call it “good enough” and move on to another job.

Yes, I think it is stupid too. But for a shadetree DIY person that has limited experience it jumbles up the thought process. This transmission has a dipstick port (dipstick is optional purchase) that makes more sense to me. There's a third method (Hyundai) in which you let it dribble out, then add an additional 24 +/- oz. . Crazy. And, I had a transmission rebuilt on my previous Caravan and it came back WAY overfilled, again making a person careful about the process. Sigh. I agree that it should not be as complicated as it is made out to be.

Drain and fills installing the same amount removed are easy if you have no leaks and/or did no other service to alter the fluid content.

 

[nascarnation]

I'm not sure what gradeability spec the automotive guys use, but for commercial and military it's typically being able to operate (both nose up and nose down) on a 60% grade (31 degrees) with full functionality and no breather leakage.

 

[Shel_B]

These Rube Goldberg follies are like going from your thumb, round your elbow and back up just to get to your index finger. More reason to bring back the simple five speed manual syncromesh transmission.

Give me "three on the tree" and who needs a synchro first gear? Overly complex IMO.

 

[KrisZ]

Yes, I think it is stupid too. But for a shadetree DIY person that has limited experience it jumbles up the thought process. This transmission has a dipstick port (dipstick is optional purchase) that makes more sense to me. There's a third method (Hyundai) in which you let it dribble out, then add an additional 24 +/- oz. . Crazy. And, I had a transmission rebuilt on my previous Caravan and it came back WAY overfilled, again making a person careful about the process. Sigh. I agree that it should not be as complicated as it is made out to be.

Drain and fills installing the same amount removed are easy if you have no leaks and/or did no other service to alter the fluid content.

I agree that one should be mindful of the process and follow manufacturer’s procedure, especially if you’re not sure of the original fill.
But at the same time there is no reason to panic just because the temp got a few degrees over or under the recommended spec, or that you couldn’t get your car perfectly level, or worrying about the “correct” dribble amount.

 

[The Critic]

I agree that one should be mindful of the process and follow manufacturer’s procedure, especially if you’re not sure of the original fill.
But at the same time there is no reason to panic just because the temp got a few degrees over or under the recommended spec, or that you couldn’t get your car perfectly level, or worrying about the “correct” dribble amount.

There's usually some margin of error, but at the same time, there's no excuse to not do the job correctly due to one's laziness.

 

[doitmyself]

I agree that one should be mindful of the process and follow manufacturer’s procedure, especially if you’re not sure of the original fill.
But at the same time there is no reason to panic just because the temp got a few degrees over or under the recommended spec, or that you couldn’t get your car perfectly level, or worrying about the “correct” dribble amount.

Well, this IS Bitog - OCD is a requirement for participation. I detail my car 2 times a year. Others here do it monthly or even more, and one spec of dust is not tolerated.

 

[4WD]

There's usually some margin of error, but at the same time, there's no excuse to not do the job correctly due to one's laziness.

Some folks get nervous over reaching/keeping the correct temp window - but are not thinking about how slowly a transmission warms when it’s not under a load …

 

[walterjay]

At first I was a bit intimidated by the new procedures spelled out. I got over it. Drive car a few miles and warm up fluid. Set car up on four ramps which is level. Drain fluid. Refill till it starts dripping out of side fill plug. Install plug and drive away happy.

 

[KrisZ]

Well, this IS Bitog - OCD is a requirement for participation. I detail my car 2 times a year. Others here do it monthly or even more, and one spec of dust is not tolerated.

For sure, it’s just that a lot of the OCD behavior is illogical.
Like when they insist that manufacturers habitually under/overfill transmissions, but they have no problem driving like that for 30,60,100k miles, or ever thought of checking the level. But come ATF change time, that same original fill amount cannot be trusted all of the sudden.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I have often wondered where one measures "level" from, given suspensions settle, full tank vs empty gas tank, and so on.

I have asked a couple techs and they both said at the dealer they just measure what comes out and put the same back in.

I assume anyone here that does there own is well above any standard a shop will follow.

 

[hrv]

I have often wondered where one measures "level" from, given suspensions settle, full tank vs empty gas tank, and so on.

I have asked a couple techs and they both said at the dealer they just measure what comes out and put the same back in.

I assume anyone here that does there own is well above any standard a shop will follow.

Overthinking again...

 

[KrisZ]

I have often wondered where one measures "level" from, given suspensions settle, full tank vs empty gas tank, and so on.

All manuals are written for the shop type environment, meaning the vehicle will be on a lift. So level means between the lift points.

Nobody cares about DIY or street type repairs.

 

[tcp71]

Did the PDK fluid in the Porsche a few weeks back. Temperature is important apparently. I have a specific OBD tool for the Porsche, but my IR temperature gun showed the same as the scanner and was easier to watch while the excess dribbled out.

 

[Torrid]

How are these transmissions surviving being operated on a grade say in the foot hills of the Appalachians for extended periods. I think it's just a dealer myth to bring people in to have their mouth breather do it for way to much money. Someone show me the error of my reasoning.

It's not a problem of where the fluid gets to, that's just a repeatable method to get the proper amount of fluid in the transmission. It's really that simple.