Why is my transmission dipstick hot?
If the fluid level was below the “Hot” range on the dipstick when the engine is hot, then you need to add more transmission fluid to the transmission. Make sure you choose the right transmission fluid, though, because not all fluids will be compatible with your vehicle’s transmission.
Can you check transmission fluid while it’s hot?
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.
Should transmission fluid be checked hot or cold?
Turn on your car, leaving it in park, and let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up. 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.
When to change the Dipsticks in a transmission?
Dipsticks are calibrated to “normal” hot operating temperature (i.e., the 10 mile suggested drive; longer in winter). If the transmission fluid has been in your vehicle for more than 100,000 miles, change both the fluid and the filter, which maintenance will help promote the longevity of your transmission.
How to read the oil level on a dip stick?
After turning it off let the oil settle for 10-15 minutes then pull the stick wipe it, replace it and pull it again checking the level. Continual checking just drags oil up the tube which then smears on your dip stick making it hard to get an accurate reading.
What does the high mark mean on a dip stick?
The next thing to do is move the selector through all the gears, frm P to D1 and back. Then pull the dip stick and check if the level is between the low and high mark. On some sticks the low and high marks are represented by words. In that case you will use “hot” as the check mark for high (which means “full” – no need to add).
What should the temperature of the dipstick be?
Transmission fluid expands and keeps expanding the hotter it gets. Dipsticks are calibrated to “normal” hot operating temperature (i.e., the 10 mile suggested drive; longer in winter).