proper method for checking the transmission fluid level.

Hi All,

I am a new Tacoma owner, for about 3 weeks. I HAVE NO OWNERS MANUAL!

Just performed a transmission service with pan removal and filter replacement. For disclosure, I did use Valvoline Max Life Transmission fluid. I realize that there is a lot of controversy about which fluid to use but this is not my question.

My question is very basic but sincere. Please read carefully. How does one go about checking the fluid level? On my 04 Tacoma 3.4L with an automatic transmission, the dipstick has 2 sets of marks. The Lower marks are for COLD. The upper marks are for HOT. This cold morning before starting my truck, I checked the fluid level and it was at the upper HOT level mark. After running the truck for awhile, allowing the fluid to come to operating temperature, I checked the level again with the motor running and the transmission in neutral and the level was below the upper marks for "HOT". I am thinking that I should have started the truck this morning and checked the level with the motor running before the fluid warmed to operating temperature? So what is the correct way to check the transmission fluid level?

 

A/T's need their levels checked with hot fluid. Get it warmed up to operating temperature. Stop on level ground. Run the shifter through each gear and back to Park, pausing at each gear.
With engine still running, extract the dipstick, wipe with clean cloth, reinsert dip stick, re-extract dipstick and check fluid level.

 

^what he said. The cold mark on the dipstick is only for when the transmission comes from the factory, so they know there is enough fluid in there to prevent cavitation. Don't use it to check your fluid level.

 

What he said^. Warmed up on a level surface. Don't go over the full mark!!!

 

Thanks, muchly.

 

Try this site for owners manuals.
www.books4cars.com

 

The reason for the vehicle to be running is so the pump in the trans is working and the converter/trans body is filled. This lets the area the dipstick goes into give the correct reading.

When the vehicle is not running, the converter partially drains and the trans body drains into the pan, and thus you read on the high, or even overfull markings.

Just the opposite of what you want to do with checking motor oil levels.

Not telling you to do anything different than what others said, just offering a bit more 'why'.

Also, this is true for every automatic since at least the 50's. Until they started building them w/o dipsticks. Which I still think is stupid.

#dipsticksmatter #savethedipsticks

 

I know this is a couple lf years old but thanks for this info.