How To Check Automatic Transmission Fluid Level?

[FAST850R]

Hello,

I checked the fluid level when car was cold (engine off), and there was no fluid on the dip stick.

I started the engine, warmed it up about 10min, shifted the gear through all, then checked the dip stick again.

The fluid was on the dip stick this time, but I am little confused about the level.

When I insert the dip stick, "cold" mark toward me, the fluid level is passed max mark on "hot" side.

If I inserted it "hot" mark toward me, the fluid level is below max...

Basically, depends on what side I insert, the fluid level is different....I don't know which side level is correct...

I heard that the transmission warning light blinks when the fluid level is not correct. So does it blink when the level is low or high?

Thanks.

[Gilhuly]

Sounds like you're in good shape. Read both sides of the stick. The lower reading is correct. You'll generally be able to see a line on one side of the stick that is lower and is the real level, not splash or fluid off the tube.

[FAST850R]

Sounds like you're in good shape. Read both sides of the stick. The lower reading is correct. You'll generally be able to see a line on one side of the stick that is lower and is the real level, not splash or fluid off the tube.

Thank you for the reply.

So I check the dip stick when engine is idling, correct? I don't know why there was no fluid when engine was completely cold...is this normal?

[Gilhuly]

Oh yeah, sorry. As far as I know all auto trannys including ours are checked warm with engine running. You want a nice red color. If you want to do a drain and fill later there is a good DIY using the cooler line off the radiator.

[FAST850R]

Thanks for the reply.

I will recheck when the engine is running.

[_HighVoltage_]

I have a feeling you might need to add some fluid...

This is what I know - trust the side of the dipstick that is closer to the windshield. So check with the COLD sign towards the windshield. Then put it back in the other way, so that the HOT side is pointing toward the window.

Yes, the fluid is checked with engine running and after it has reached operational temperature. General rule is - drive for 20 minutes, then check the level.

I'm saying that you probably need a fill up because of what I've seen on mine. When engine is not running, fluid is full. When I start the engine and it's cold - the fluid level instantly drops to the very bottom of the dipstick (not even reaching the cold mark) - that's okay. 20 minutes later, my fluid level is right at the MAX sign for the hot side.

If you have more questions - ask It took me a while to figure out how to properly check my transmission fluid.

[se4n]

I have a feeling you might need to add some fluid...

This is what I know - trust the side of the dipstick that is closer to the windshield. So check with the COLD sign towards the windshield. Then put it back in the other way, so that the HOT side is pointing toward the window.

Yes, the fluid is checked with engine running and after it has reached operational temperature. General rule is - drive for 20 minutes, then check the level.

I'm saying that you probably need a fill up because of what I've seen on mine. When engine is not running, fluid is full. When I start the engine and it's cold - the fluid level instantly drops to the very bottom of the dipstick (not even reaching the cold mark) - that's okay. 20 minutes later, my fluid level is right at the MAX sign for the hot side.

If you have more questions - ask It took me a while to figure out how to properly check my transmission fluid.

I was pretty confused about this as well when I got my V70 about 6 months ago. I just didn't get it, and I didn't want to over. I eventually did a fluid change using the 3x drain and refill technique. I was careful to measure what came out so I could put the same mount in. On final refill, I ended up putting in what I thought was too much. But after getting it fully warmed up and checking the fluid, I found it right on the full mark on the hot side. So, I realized that it had actually been low by about .75 quart.