Transmission fluid level check

[Rapid Roy]

Does anyone here know if the engine should be running while checking transmission fluid? Shop manual is unclear. It says start engine, warm up the transmission, then check the dipstick. Doesn’t mention shutting off the engine.

I don't know anything but I have always checked my automatics cold and looked for a consistent reading Sure I check it hot with the engine idling sometimes but I've been ok with an occasional cold check. It being low from the factory is concerning however

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[Msfitoy]

Do you guys fill from the same dipstick hole? How is that done?

 

[THLONE]

When the engine is not running the trans pump is not pumping, trans oil drips down out of stuff and the level rises. Checking cold not running will show a higher level than when running.

 

[Msfitoy]

When the engine is not running the trans pump is not pumping, trans oil drips down out of stuff and the level rises. Checking cold not running will show a higher level than when running.

I posted my experience of my last fluid change here...

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/thre...-transmission-oil-change-yet.4156/post-454744

 

[Vitis805]

When the engine is not running the trans pump is not pumping, trans oil drips down out of stuff and the level rises. Checking cold not running will show a higher level than when running.

Thank you for this. The readings on my dipstick were driving me crazy. This explains it.

 

[9zero1790]

so after looking at this topic again I wonder if we will see any transmissions with water, mud, sand or whatever in them? that spot is low enough for sure. i thought the alternator was bad

 

[Msfitoy]

so after looking at this topic again I wonder if we will see any transmissions with water, mud, sand or whatever in them? that spot is low enough for sure. i thought the alternator was bad

According to Dr Phil, if there's no leak, you can't loose fluid or it getting contaminated from external sources...if you have water in your fluid, then you'll know soon enough when your tranny seizes or explodes...

 

[Lonewolf831]

Except, they forgot to fill some of them properly. It only holds 6 qts so 2 qts low is a big deal.

So does that mean that instead of it saying it should be between 5 and 6 it should be between 4 and 5 to have the correct fill amount?cause mine is at 5 and 6 and I think it's causing delay shifting or bogging down for a milli second before it shifts.so is the correct fill up to temperature be between 4 and 5?

 

[airline tech]

So does that mean that instead of it saying it should be between 5 and 6 it should be between 4 and 5 to have the correct fill amount?cause mine is at 5 and 6 and I think it's causing delay shifting or bogging down for a milli second before it shifts.so is the correct fill up to temperature be between 4 and 5?

Yes, that is correct - Fluid to Temp - Between 4 & 5 on the Dipstick

From the service manual:

Using the scan tool verify the transmission fluid temperature is between 96ºC - 101ºC (206ºF - 215ºF). The transmission fluid level must be between 4 and 5 on the transmission fluid level indicator.

The issue is to get the trans up to that temp, you have to drive it hard or tow.
The trans oil cooler, cools the temp down to engine coolant temp (that's its job)
So, some owners strive to get to that temp and then check the level.
As long as you have driven the truck and have it up to temp, the expansion level of the fluid is not going to GREATLY differ from 195 / 200 degrees (ECT) approx to the minimum 206 degrees it calls out for.

Mine from factory and checked for verification (including) the added Fitzstick is dead on 4.5 on the dipstick. (In the middle of 4 & 5 marks.

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