reisjdmd

i want to accurately measure the atf level in my 99 rx300. however, when i try this with the engine running, i see fluid going almost 2/3 of the way above the "correct hot level" mark. this was filled by the lexus dealer some time ago, and i can safely assume the level is correct. also, the tranny works great. however, my curiosity calls on me to measure the level myself. how do i do this???
i carefully wipe the whatever you call it [the thingamajig; dipstick] and insert and withdraw. am i missing something??

hypervish

Checking the ATF is a pain in pretty much all cars, well that is unless the car shows the level on the info screen. lol

That sounds a bit overfilled. Mine is a bit higher that where the hot mark is. I know Lexmex runs his where the dipstick says "T-IV".

I'd drain a tad bit out, or just go ahead and do a full drain and fill.

The proper procedure is to leave the engine running car in Park, after driving for 15-20 minutes. Then pull the dipstick, wipe it, re-insert and pull it out again to check the level.

salimshah

I have never been able to make a good read.

Salim

trhs75

Someone told me to insert the dipstick to the hilt fairly quickly, and quickly remove it. That has helped me.

code58

That's the best way, done about a half dozen times for good measure. LOL My feeling is, ONCE you are sure you are at the right level with it warm and running, as it should be, when it is cold, check it on LEVEL ground and mark that on the stick. From then on, CHECK IT COLD!

reisjdmd

thanks. i don't feel so alone anymore.

trhs75

Yeah, we're all in the same boat! I like Code58's idea. I never understand why we can't simply check it cold as with the engine oil!!

code58

Just need to determine 1st that it's at the true "hot" full, then when it's cold, should be a piece of cake from then on. I have thought of that for several years but since I buy my cars new and the manufacturers (at least of the cars and trucks I've bought) have finally figured out how to make gaskets and seals that truly don't leak, I haven't had to worry about 'em getting low.

* BTW, the RX is my DIL's, I'm only the mechanic for it.

trhs75

* I understand. "My" RX belongs to my daughter, and I simply maintain the fleet. I'm headed off to visit her at college next weekend, and I'm going to change her PCV valve -- one thing I forgot to do before she left. I had to find wrenches shorter than 7" to pass through security in my carry-on.

reisjdmd

this is a basicc question, and i hope it does not sound too dumb, but: how does the cold level compare to the hot level? is it lower, higher and about how much??

carguy07

Cold is lower than hot (the fluid expands) I think it can read close to 1 quart different between hot and cold.

salimshah

My 2c:

Expansion of material happens with heat (exception is Water at certain temp) but in xmission case I think the issue is due to circulation and heat and not just the heat. [the amount of difference is a bit too large.

IMHO once the transmission is hot, you should not use the hot level with engine OFF.

No fact .. just hunches.

Salim

code58

That is true.