how do I check ATF level?

Question

Somebody told me to check Auto Transmission fluid level at normal operating temperature, shut off engine, the level should be between the upper and lower marks, but other said that at normal operating temp. with engine on and at the drive position. Can some of you expert out there give me some good advices? Please help. Thanks

Answer 1

depends on what kind of vehicle you have.most automatics are checked with engine running at normal temp if its a chrysler product it must be checked in neutral.its not a bad idea to move the shifter through all ranges p r n d etc then back to neutral set ebrake, pull dipstick wipe it off with a clean lint free rag and put dipstick all the way back in pull it right back out and look at the level if its between the marks you are ok.Hondas and Acuras are different start car move shifter through ranges then back to park turn off engine then check dipstick same as before.some late models u check running. most say on the dipstick. now the tricky ones. some dont have a dipstick at all and must be raised on a lift and remove a fill plug while running to check level.best left to the professional.
transmission shop owner.

Answer 2

Look in the owner's manual to be sure but the usual way is with the engine running and at normal operating temperature. Leave the car in PARK with the parking brake on. Have a clean white rag and pull out the dipstick. Wipe it on the rag and then reinsert the dipstick fully and then pull it back out. The level should be easy to read. The reason to wipe it on a white rag is to check for discoloration of the fluid. Many people ignore their transmission fluid. It is a good idea to have it and the transmission filter changed at the recommended intervals. It definitely prolongs the life of the transmission.

Answer 3

ATF is pumped into the torque converter during normal operation. The torque converter holds as much as a gallon of ATF.

When you shut off your engine, the torque converter begins to drain back into the trans body. After only a minute of shutting off your engine, the tranny fluid level begins to creep up. Hours later, it's still not done.

This is why the fluid in all automatic transmissions is to be checked with the engine running after driving (torque converter full) at operating temperature with the gear shift in neutral or park.

Otherwise, to get an accurate measurement every time, you'd have to wait hours for the torque converter to drain completely back into the trans body. It's just not practical.

Answer 4

Read the directions in the owners manual. I believe that you want to have the engine running and the transmission in park position. The dip stick will have cold and warm settings on it, but it is best to check it with the transmission up to operating temperature.

Answer 5

the ONLY car that is to be check with the engine off is a honda or acura.
all others the engine must be on, and the transmission in neutral (or park). and at least 3 miles driven.

Answer 6

check it hot with engine idling at normal rpm,s,and in park make sure its on the full or ok level,and that's it,but the engine must be warmed up to do this,good luck with it.

Answer 7

engine running and in neutral is best. clean stick and re-check a couple times