Transmission dipstick reading

D

Dynamo

Member
Location
Austin, TX
Why does something that should be easy to do always end up being more complicated that it should be? The service manual is somewhat confusing and seems to say two different things.

When checking the fluid level the dipstick goes in reversed so the mounting tab is opposite of the mounting bracket, correct?

Does the dipstick get pushed down all the way into the fill pipe or just to the point where the bottom of the plastic handle touches the top of the fill pipe?

When checking mine, if I push it all the way in I can't get a good reading. The fluid level goes way up on the dipstick and I can't really tell where it stops. If I were to go by that method it would seem that it is way overfilled.

However, if I just push the dipstick down only until the bottom of the plastic handle touches the top of the fill tube then fluid level clearly appears, and happens to be right at the top of the hash-marked hot fill range. This method makes it so the dipstick sticks about 20mm further out of the fill tube than when it is secured by the bolt.

It seems strange to me that you wouldn't push the dipstick all the way in to check the fluid level but yet that method yields a perfect and clear reading. If I push the dipstick all the way to check the level then I can't get a clear reading.

The service manual says to insert it all the way in but then the next sentence says "to check A/T fluid level, insert the A/T fluid level guage until the cap contacts the end of the A/T fluid charging pipe" which kind of sounds like not all the way in. Anyone know for sure?
 
I agree that it doesn't make sense to not have it in all the way but when I have it partially out I can get nice clear fluid level readings. Makes me wonder if it's overfilled.

When you guys have checked yours, what has your experience been?
 
Are you measuring before or after driving and at idle? When I check mine I just start the car, move it through each gear, put it back to park and measure it using the cold side. I also insert the dipstick all the way.
 
fxlr8 said:
Are you measuring before or after driving and at idle? When I check mine I just start the car, move it through each gear, put it back to park and measure it using the cold side. I also insert the dipstick all the way.
Click to expand...
That's how I checked it this morning and still could not get a clear reading. When I checked it yesterday I did it after driving it. Anytime I push the dipstick in all the way the whole end of it is covered so much that it's impossible to see what the level is unless of course it's way overfilled. There is fluid even past the "S" bend in the dipstick.

I know that fluid will sometimes be further up but usually you can still tell where the true level is. Like the oil dipstick for example, most of the time there is oil past the hash marked area but you can usually tell where the level is.

I have an appointment on Wednesday have the dealer check out the long lag time to go into reverse. I am going to quiz them on the subject and see if they will show me what the deal is. Other A/T equipped vehicles I have had in the past were never this way, I was always able to see a fluid level on the dipstick.
 
Any update to this? I'm having the exact same issue - the fluid is so high that it seems like it's overfilled!!

What is the best way to check/read on this dipstick!??


Dynamo said:
That's how I checked it this morning and still could not get a clear reading. When I checked it yesterday I did it after driving it. Anytime I push the dipstick in all the way the whole end of it is covered so much that it's impossible to see what the level is unless of course it's way overfilled. There is fluid even past the "S" bend in the dipstick.

I know that fluid will sometimes be further up but usually you can still tell where the true level is. Like the oil dipstick for example, most of the time there is oil past the hash marked area but you can usually tell where the level is.

I have an appointment on Wednesday have the dealer check out the long lag time to go into reverse. I am going to quiz them on the subject and see if they will show me what the deal is. Other A/T equipped vehicles I have had in the past were never this way, I was always able to see a fluid level on the dipstick.
Click to expand...
 
Having the same issue checked many times through all conditions and still cant get a clear reading ! any thoughts guys ??
 
la_fx35 said:
Here is how mine look like. Got a pic of yours?
View attachment 367778
Click to expand...
Thanks andy for the pic mine at operating temperature was always above the marked area near the curves
Im going to drain & fill it today by dealership, They told me they have special machine to levelize the oil
hope this will end my confusion, I ll try to get a picture of the machine and oil level after changing it
many thanks once again
 
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