i cant be bothered, or should i?

[kiwi_bloke]

How do you check the auto trans fluid level? Ive checked it in park while idling like the manual says but theres no definate mark sometimes it doesnt register, sometimes it registers and sometimes its way over. If i check it with the engine off it registers about one inch above the max mark (and sometimes with the engine on)

If its overfilled will it cause damage? or am i best just to leave it alone...

josh

 

[andy_k]

I'm sure there is some definitive way of checking the transmission fluid, but I've got to agree it's a bit hit and miss.

Following the manual step by step is great until it comes to the bit they forget to mention.

"1, Force the long and uselessly flexible dipstick down the tube which is still coated with the fluid you have just poured down it.

2, Remove the dipstick and straighten the bend where you pushed a bit too hard

3, Try and guess which of the smears or levels is about right bearing in mind than once the engine is hot this level will raise by at least two inches due to splashing, expansion and capilliary action of fluid in the tube.

4, Repeat this operation (and part 2) until you have either removed enough fluid on the end of the dipstick to soak two cloths, the fluid is that hot it burns your fingers or the car runs out of petrol."

Our Rover used to have a cold level and a hot level - how easy was that?

Andy

 

[flagstaff]

erk, i always thought it was pretty easy! run the trans up to operating temp (ten miles or so, less in summer). park on level ground. remove dipstick and wipe. reinsert, pull out again and look at level. i agree though, if there's oil in the filler tube it'd be better to wait until it's all drained down.

 

[flagstaff]

meant to say ... it's definitely not good to have the box overfilled. and, since you are changing the oil in the pan, it makes a lot of sense to change what's in the converter also. i think i read somewhere on here that the tc contains a third of the gearbox oil ...

 

[Daniel T]

Its probably better to make an effort to do it by the book- I had my fluid overfilled one one past service- someone in the garage checked the level with the engine cold and off, and thought it looked a bit low, so helpfully toppped it up. 10 miles down the motorway I was leaving a smoke trail behind me like nothing youve seen as the fluid leaked out and got all over the exhaust. Embarrassing, but not fatal. The excess was drained off and things went back to normal.