Correct way to check ATF level?

[bluemaxco]

I have a 2000 F350 and I just changed my ATF using the FAQ procedures and all went well. I'm a little confused, however, about the correct way to check the level. If I go out in the morning and check it cold, the hatches in the "Cold" area of the dipstick are filled but no higher. I figured that's good. Well, when the tranny is at op temp with the engine idling and in Park, the fluid is nowhere to be found on the stick. When I turn off the truck, I can hear fluid running into the pan and when I check again, I once again have fluid on the stick.

Do I have enough fluid in the system? What's the correct procedure for checking the level?

Thanks in advance,

-Brian

[Casey_1]

The correct way is warmed up, idling in park. In my opinion the cold check is completely useless.

[wilson61]

find a very level area have the truck warmed up ac off then check it.

[Flywheel]

No - you do not have enough fluid in the tranny.

The fluid needs to be checked with the engine running and after you have slowly cycled throught the gears.

It can be checked cold, but engine must be idling.

Obviously the hot check is the most accurate of where you need to be.

It sounds like you are checking cold without the engine runnin, this, alot of the fluid has drained back to the pan, and so you are showing good - but as soon as you start the trick, the fluid gets pumped into all the channels and coolers and filter, and it will show lower then the "off" measurement.

Drive about 30 miles, stop, cycle through the gears slowly, put in park - engine still running, remove, clean, and replace dipstick - remove again and take reading.

[bluemaxco]

Thanks for the reply. Just out of curiosity, what difference does it make if the ac is on or off? Does ATF flow to a different place if the ac is on?

[bluemaxco]

Thanks for all the quick replies.

[Flywheel]

Maybe affects engine RPM??