Transmission fluid level check

[outdoorphotog]

I don’t even know if I should say this but I had checked my fluid level at the correct operating temp and it was the correct level from the factory 4-5. When cold (45F) it was at 3. Not saying anyone else’s is the same as mine but just a data point .

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[Trigganometry]

There has been a history of fluid levels varying from the factory so it’s worth a check.

Yes, most definitely crack the sticks cap cover when cold and just snug it down. It’s tight in there and catalytic will burn you no matter how careful you are. Got a rash spot still to prove it. Go for a drive and get it up to temp. Cycle all gears and then into park. Crack cover (that cat is hot!!!) and pull for check. Add if needed.

I waited a few hours before reseating cap. I found later with 2 long extensions and a universal I could get at it from the engine bay.

 

[JesseS]

I stole one of my wife's 'OvGlove's' to keep from getting burned, worked great as it is heat resistant but flexible and covers up my forearm. Now I need to go buy a longer extension.

 

[Jacob]

Gloves, long sleeves, and a flex head ratchet make checking the transmission fluid a breeze.

Actually pulling the dip stick out from the side in the engine bay like all my other vehicles, makes it a breeze.

 

[brroberts]

I have no idea how to get it over 200. I’ve never seen that on my Scangauge.

 

[outdoorphotog]

I have no idea how to get it over 200. I’ve never seen that on my Scangauge.

Just keep flooring it and making it down shift - accelerate - and then slow down again… repeatedly

 

[myothercarizahearse]

Just keep flooring it and making it down shift - accelerate - and then slow down again… repeatedly

so normal driving for me

 

[Dahveed]

Actually pulling the dip stick out from the side in the engine bay like all my other vehicles, makes it a breeze.

I mean, you're not wrong. But I'm not giving B&M $200 for a frickin' dipstick.

 

[Vitis805]

I don’t even know if I should say this but I had checked my fluid level at the correct operating temp and it was the correct level from the factory 4-5. When cold (45F) it was at 3. Not saying anyone else’s is the same as mine but just a data point .

I will add my data as well. Perhaps someone can review and explain how our findings correlate to the dipstick itself, and the method fordtechmakuloco uses.

I.E. My fluid level cold was at the 2 mark. When at temp the fluid level "went up" to the 3 mark. This meets up with what you found and general sense. Fluid get hot, fluid expanded, level go up. Problem I have is the 3 mark is lower on the dipstick than 2. The whole thing is on a scale of 1-6 with 1 being at the top and 6 at the bottom. Am I understanding correctly that if I add more fluid, there will be less shown on the dipstick? Eventually, if you add enough fluid then there will be no indication of fluid at all?

This whole method, location of the dipstick, etc. is pretty bonkers.

 

[CO2Ranger]

I will add my data as well. Perhaps someone can review and explain how our findings correlate to the dipstick itself, and the method fordtechmakuloco uses.

I.E. My fluid level cold was at the 2 mark. When at temp the fluid level "went up" to the 3 mark. This meets up with what you found and general sense. Fluid get hot, fluid expanded, level go up. Problem I have is the 3 mark is lower on the dipstick than 2. The whole thing is on a scale of 1-6 with 1 being at the top and 6 at the bottom. Am I understanding correctly that if I add more fluid, there will be less shown on the dipstick? Eventually, if you add enough fluid then there will be no indication of fluid at all?

This whole method, location of the dipstick, etc. is pretty bonkers.

I was confused by this as well. Would love to know what the answer is.

 

[Vitis805]

sound more like the fluid settles when cold.
so anyone using cold as a reference will have skewed results.
not only does it need to heat up, it needs to fill all the passages and channels properly while running.

I agree and thought this was logical as well, but it goes against fordtechmakuloco's "cold" checking and filling logic which is where I am currently at. I am not certain if I need to increase or decrease fluid.

 

[Vitis805]

Perhaps @P. A. Schilke could help enlighten us at his leisure.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Perhaps @P. A. Schilke could help enlighten us at his leisure.

HI V,

I really think that the cold method is a good one as it is a measure of safety from serious burns and the transmission will be with in an acceptable range of fluid fill when hot. The transmission like the engine has some leeway in the fluid level and I would not loose any sleep over a pint or so low. The hot procedure is just asking for burnt skin....not a desirable situation at all. JMO!

Best,
Phil

 

[landiscarrier]

Just changed my transmission fluid and filter with the help of my son yesterday. Based upon what we took out and what we needed to put back in to get it between 4 & 5 it was originally 1.5 qts low. And checking it when it’s hot is quite challenging….the position in general is tough to get to and I highly suggest wearing a heavy jacket and gloves!
Still not buying a $200 dipstick!

 

[ctechbob]

sound more like the fluid settles when cold.
so anyone using cold as a reference will have skewed results.
not only does it need to heat up, it needs to fill all the passages and channels properly while running.

To be clear, the 'cold' method does have the engine running, it just takes place immediately after start and a cycle through the gears. Before the exhaust has time to get scorching hot. It will still be warm under there and you'll want to take precautions, you just have less of a chance of getting severely scorched.

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