[clev]

I've always checked the 'cold' reading before I start the engine and ensure the level on the stick. The tech at Empire Ford checked it 'hot' while the engine was running and it didn't even register on the stick and said it should always be checked this way. I've added 2 quarts and it still doesn't register 'hot' but is over full 'cold'. How should this be checked?

 

[Alaskapsdvan]

I was always told to check the trans warm and in neutral... I could be wrong.
I just changed out the filter and did the flush of the trans.. boy was that fun.
After filling it I took it out for a run and after 5 miles stopped and checked with it in park and needed to add a little, did another 5 mile run and it was where filled it.
With the oil change, trans change, rear end rebuilt and now new injectors and HPOP and some new wires... this van is feeling like it was new... and so much more quite...

 

[bbasso]

How to Check Transmission Fluid

 

[Mark Kovalsky]

I think Ford made a mistake adding a cold mark on the dipstick. It's meaningless. You can't get an accurate transmission fluid level with a cold transmission. The transmission MUST be warm for an accurate reading. Ignore the cold mark and you'll get it right.

 

[ford_doctor]

Another thing is that it can be difficult to get an accurate reading on the dipstick shortly after adding fluid. The fluid tends to coat the dipstick tube and wick onto the indicator while inserting and removing it. After servicing a customer's transmission I like to let the truck sit and idle for 15-20 minutes or more and I definitely recheck it after a road test. This gets the transmission fluid hot a Mark advised and I get a clean reading on the dipstick indicator. It is not unusual to have to remove a little fluid to adjust the level. It happens.




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