[NCHornet]

Getting ready to pull out to go camping and I was checking the ATF fluid. I gues I never noticed it before but the lower hatches have a C on them and the upper hatches have a H on them. Isn't this reversed??? With the truck running isn't there less fluid in the pan to the hatches at the bottom of the stick should have the H, and when it is cold more fluid is in the pan so the upper hatch marks should have the C. I first checked before I started it and the fluid level was up at the top of the upper hatches, now with it up to temp the fluid level is at the top of the lower hatches. This seems right to me, Please help I don't want to add to much fluid to it. If I filled it up so while it was running the fluid line was at the top of the hatch marks, when it sits the fluid level would be an inch above the upper hatch marks. Thanks for the help.
KEVIN

 

[NCHornet]

ok, The reason why the higher up marks are for running temps is because ATF expands when it gets hot. But why is it, when it is stone cold and not running that it registers way up on the upper hatches? Is that little white tip picking up ATF on the way down and therefore showing high on the marks. It has to be!! I think the best way is to go the motor at normal temps and fill to the upper or middle of the upper hatches. please let me know if I am wrong.
Thanks
Kevin

 

[Casey_1]

Checking the trans fluid level with the engine off is a waste of time. Some oil will drain from the torque converter when the engine isn't running, and that amount is different from truck to truck.

The C mark is for checking cold, but with the engine running. I never use that - I don't think it is accurate enough.