jbl-1985

Folks,

I know this subject has been discussed before, but the simple thing is I just don't get the way we are supposed to measure this stuff. See the picture. Now, the engine is COLD, and my T-IV level is where the BLACK arrow is pointing.

The RED arrow indicates where the level should be when the engine is hot, and for the most part, when the car gets to operating temp, it is right there, maybe a little over that level. No problem.

Now, what bothers me is this: If the engine is COLD (again, mine is in this picture), and according to the dipstick and the MFG instructions, should the level not be at the level indicated by the BLUE arrow, and NOT at the level indicated by the black arrow? This makes no sense and the cold levels appear to be the OPPOSITE of what is expected.

This picture was taken on my RX330, but I posted here but I have observed the same with the RX300 too.

Transforma

Maybe you over filled half a quart? I think as long as the fluid is in between the cold and hot, it's fine.

jbl-1985

I am glad you asked that. I realized that a few months back, and so I drained some out to get the fluid level back to the "Hot" level, and then when I checked the car at Operating Temp, it was half way between the hot and cold levels. So, I re-filled so that when the car is hot, the level is at the Hot level.

Still makes no sense that when the engine is cold, that the level is way above hot.

Transforma

It can be confusing sometimes. Just make sure you are on a flat surface when you are checking it. Did you wipe it and recheck for hot/cold?

jbl-1985

Oh yea. More like obsessive/compusive when it came to making sure we were level, wiping, looking, going through all of the gears, etc.

hypervish

When the engine if off and cold, the torque converter doesn't take the transmission fluid so the level will show higher than it truly is.
Once, you turn the car on, and it's warmed up the level should be fine. < don't worry about it, any other time, this is how you should be checking the level.

jbl-1985

Fair statement, makes sense, and I have read this before. However then, why in GOD's name would a manufacturer imprint the level settings on the trans dipstick as they are currently printed? Meaning, if the car is cold, the fluid level, according to the mfg, should be WAY LOW. It just doesn't make sense why that dipstick is labeled that way.

OK I have vented enough...

carguy07

It expands as it heats up.

mckellyb

Kinda true, though there should be an anti-drainback valve to prevent the converter from draining.

If there weren't, then we could change almost 100% of the transmission fluid every time after letting it sit overnight.

The anti-drainback valve in the MT-643 Allison transmission in our diesel-pusher motorhome stuck open years ago, so after a few days, putting it into gear (there is no 'P', just neutral and an air-actuated parking brake) sometimes results in a 'slam' as it goes into gear after the converter fills.

jbl-1985

But the levels of the fluid do not reflect this whatsoever. That's my point. In fact, the "Cold" markings on the dipstick should read above the "Hot" markings.

toms73nova

How long had the engine been running before you took the measurement?

In the manual it says to put the car in L and back to park before taking the measurement, which I am sure is there to make sure that the TQ converter is fully filled.

Most transmissions do not flow the same volume of oil in park as they do in other settings. In fact most domestic transmissions do not flow oil in park, that is why in those you have to be in neutral to take the measurement.

carguy07

Why would cold be higher than hot? I don't get it?

jbl-1985

THERE is the almighty question...It makes no sense. But that is the way the fluid reads in both RX's.

carguy07

And you are checking it after driving a little with the engine running and in park?

jbl-1985

No. Check first post. Engine is cold - and in park.