Troubleshooting
Always check the fluid level
with the engine running (except Honda), the transmission in "park" (except
Dodge products which should be in neutral with the emergency brake applied), and
with the engine at operating temperature. Remove the dipstick and
wipe with a rag. Insert the stick fully and remove. Look at both
sides of the stick to verify the same indication. Repeat the process.
The
reason to check both sides of the dipstick is that after the fluid
circulates through the transmission, it dumps back into the pan area and will cause
an agitation of the fluid. This creates an uneven level and some fluid
will "slosh" onto the stick and give a false reading. Some transmissions
are worse than others.
Note: If you check the fluid level after the
engine has been off for a long time, fluid from the torque converter will drain
back into the pan area where the level is measured and give you a false high
reading. When the engine is started, the fluid in the pan area is used
to fully charge the transmission and torque converter. Also, the difference
of fluid temperature will affect the measurement. The fluid volume expands
when heated to operating temperature.
Another method of checking
the fluid is to turn off the engine and immediately check the level. This
will stop the agitation and give an accurate level (no agitation) before the
fluid in the torque converter has had a chance to drain back into the pan area
which would give a false-high reading.
Tip: If you have added fluid,
go through the same procedure, but repeat the process several times before you
look for a reading. Some of the added fluid will adhere to the side of
the filler tube and can give a false reading.
Tip: If the fluid
level is low, you have a leak! Transmissions do not consume fluid.
Have the leak diagnosed and repaired to prevent more serious problems.
After
you have added fluid, drive the vehicle for a mile or two, then recheck
the level. This is especially important in front wheel drive vehicles.
Will overfilling "blow" seals?
In a word, no! The transmission case
is vented preventing pressure buildup in normally un-pressurized areas.
Severe overfilling can raise the fluid level such that the transmission may
lose fluid through the vent or leak from seals that are above the normal fluid
level, but the fact remains that the seals that are under pressure and those that
are not will not change because of the fluid level.
Will it hurt to overfill the transmission?
In a word, no! Although,
it is possible that gross overfilling can cause the fluid to be subjected to
moving parts and become aerated which could cause abnormal operation. You
may also notice leaks that ordinarily would not occur