Do you check transmission fluid level when the engine is cold or hot?
Transmission fluid expands in heat and in order to receive accurate results, it must be under normal operating conditions. If the fluid is checked when the engine is cold, you may get false results indicating the fluid is low. Allow the engine to continue running while you check the level.
How do you read a transmission cold hot dipstick?
Pull the dipstick out again and check the fluid level. If the engine is cool, it should be at the upper end of the “COLD” mark. If the engine is hot, the level should be at the upper end of the “HOT” mark. If it’s lower, you should add some amount of automatic transmission fluid.
Does transmission fluid level go up or down when hot?
Transmission fluid is checked when it’s hot (up to running temperature). As the fluid gets up to temperature it expands. If the fluid is cold, it won’t give the proper level reading, thus overfilling will ensue. One of the main fluid compartments of the transmission is the torque converter.
When should the ATF level be checked on most vehicles?
To ensure you have the proper amount of transmission fluid available, you need to regularly check your automatic transmission fluid to see what level it is at. Most auto manufacturers will recommend that you check the fluid level every 40,000 miles.
Why do you check both hot and cold transmission fluid?
The reason for checking when both hot and cold is transmission fluid expands as it is heated. Note that if you drive the car at highway speed for a long period of time and then attempt to check the fluid level “hot” after that you WILL get a false reading (the fluid level will appear “high”, when in fact, it is perfectly OK).
When do you check the transmission fluid level?
Since the engine is barely warm at this point, you want the level to be somewhere in the “Cold” range. To get an accurate transmission fluid level reading when the engine is hot, you will need to check the level after normal driving (idling in the driveway is not enough).
Where is the dipstick for automatic transmission fluid?
Check owner’s manual.) Locate automatic transmission fluid dipstick, typically near where the transmission or transaxle meets rear of the engine. It looks similar to the oil dipstick. Remove automatic transmission fluid dipstick. Wipe clean, reinsert fully and remove again. CAUTION: FLUID MAY BE HOT! Observe markings at end of dipstick.
Why does Trans fluid go over the full hot Mark?
So, when you check the trans fluid level when it’s cold the fluid has drained back and raised the level. Thats why the level goes over the “full hot” mark. So, then always check your trans fluid with the engine running. It’s the motor oil that you check with the engine off.