Checking tranny fluid

D

Druid

Registered
I've checked my owners manual front to back, and it tells me I should check the tranny fluid and all that, but it doesn't specify engine on/engine off/trans in park/neutral,/hood up/hood down/left foot in/left foot out.....

I have a trans fluid leak, almost certainly from the dipstick tube. It isn't a lot but it does leak, and it's a royal PITA to change the o-ring. Until I can get to doing that, I kinda like to keep tabs on the fluid level. As it sits now, with the engine off, it don't show on the dipstick. With the engine running, and in park, it shows about halfway up. If I opark it nose up, no leaks, if i park on the level, it leaks, and if i park it at the curb, it leaks even more.
 
OK you need to check on a warm/hot engine.

Drive car for 30min park on a LEVEL surface, and check the level. Should be at the upper end of the spectrum.

The total capacity is close to 14 quarts, and only 1 quart is showing on the dipstick so keep that in mind. Do not add more than 1 if it is already showing.
 
Well, I got mine fixed for $20 at the local tranny shop as it only took about 15 minutes to do. All that is required is about 3 feet of extensions on a socket to upbollt the support strap for the tube so that you can pull it out and replace the dried out "O" Ring. It does require extra hand to get the socket on the bolt. When re-assembling a dab of grease to hold the bolt in the socket is the trick while getting the bolt into the back of the head.
Just fix it and forget it, as it is not that expensive or complicated.
 
Druid said:
Check the fluid level with the engine running?
Click to expand...

Automatic Transmission Fluid
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transmission, since your
vehicle does not use up transmission fluid. Refer to
the Maintenance Schedule booklet for replacement
intervals. However, if the transmission is not
working properly — for instance, the transmission
may slip or shift slowly, or you may notice some
sign of fluid leakage — the fluid level should be
checked.

It is preferable to check the transmission fluid level
at normal operating temperature 150°F-170°F
(66°C-77°C), after approximately 20 miles (30 km)
of driving. However, if necessary, you can check
the fluid level without having to drive 20 miles
(30 km) to obtain a normal operating temperature if
outside temperatures are above 50°F (10°C).

NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an
extended period at high speeds or in city traffic
during hot weather, or pulling a trailer, the vehicle
should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow
the fluid to cool before checking.

Checking the Automatic Transmission Fluid
With the vehicle on a level surface and the brake
fully applied, start the engine and move the gear
shift selector through all of the gears allowing
sufficient time for each position to engage. Securely
latch the gear shift selector in the P (Park) position.
Fully set the parking brake and leave the engine
running.
Click to expand...

NOTE: Your vehicle should not be driven if the
fluid level does not appear on the dipstick tip and
outside temperatures are above 50°F (10°C).
Wipe off the dipstick cap and pull the dipstick out.
Wipe the indicator end clean. Put the dipstick back
into the filler tube and make sure it is fully seated.
Pull the dipstick out and read the fluid level.
When checking fluid at normal operating
temperatures 150°F-170°F (66°C-77°C), the fluid
level should be within the “HOT” notched area on
the dipstick. When the vehicle has not been driven,
and outside temperatures are above 68°F (20°C),
the fluid levels should be between the “HOT”
notch and the tip end of the dipstick.

Adding Automatic Transmission Fluid
Before adding any fluid, be sure that the correct
type will be used. Use only MerconH Fluid, as
shown on handle.

Add fluid in 1/2 pint (250ML) increments through
the filler tube to bring the level to the correct area
on the dipstick. DO NOT OVERFILL. If the level is
above the top hole on the dipstick, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified technician.
 
Roadboss said:
Well, I got mine fixed for $20 at the local tranny shop as it only took about 15 minutes to do. All that is required is about 3 feet of extensions on a socket to upbollt the support strap for the tube so that you can pull it out and replace the dried out "O" Ring. It does require extra hand to get the socket on the bolt. When re-assembling a dab of grease to hold the bolt in the socket is the trick while getting the bolt into the back of the head.
Just fix it and forget it, as it is not that expensive or complicated.
Click to expand...

I may give the tranny shops around here a shot at it cuz lying on my back with the car on ramps, it looked like pure hell trying to get it done.
 
maxmk8 said:
The total capacity is close to 14 quarts, and only 1 quart is showing on the dipstick so keep that in mind.
Click to expand...

Max.....just for correction, from the bottom of the hatch mark to the top is only a 1/2 quart. I usually recommend adding fluid by 1/2 a quart at a time for trans, and 1 full quart for oil.
 
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