How to check ATF level?
 

I changed 3.7qt atf yesterday and checked level after wife drove about 14 miles on an 80 degree day. It was a bit over the hot mark on the stick, so OK. However, the owner's manuel does not have a section on the transmission, other than telling you 3.7qt per drain and fill. The picture of the motor showing me where things are(on pg. 336) does not include the tranny dipstick! I'm used to my volvos: I know runinng motor for 10 min at 60 degrees is how to use the cold scale on the volvo dipstick, after shifting through all the gears. Does anyone know the proper warm up and at what temperature for, say, the cold scale on the Lexus dipstick?

Cold scale, well, the way I do it is first thing after the car has sat for a whole (ie. overnight) otherwise, take it for a rip for 3mins then check the level as per the warm/hot level. That's all I do, do the drain/fill eyeball it first (and the manual lies, it ALWAYS takes more than they call...) drive for a day and check next day.

This time I got it right, it was about 4.5 bottles (1Liter) for a drain/fill. Got it on the money the first time around. Every other time it's a lot more. If dropping the pan, it's closer to 11L of the stuff

Most accurate way is to check it when HOT. Drive the vehicle around on the freeway for a good 15 minutes. Find a level ground, shift through all gears, leave engine running and check the level.

tranny fluid is so temp dependant. I think that's why the volvo guideline is for 60 degrees, 10 min IDLE. I looked at the stick in the middle of the summer with bikes on the roof, and the level is well above the hot mark. I've looked in the winter after short drive at 10 degree and found 1/2 qt too low, not showing on the dipstick! I think the techs must measure the temp of the fluid before deciding if level correct.

^^^ What he said, and leave it in PARK position. Some auto trans say to leave it in neutral but on Lexus it has to be in PARK.

I agree, I get different readings depending on the temp as well.

I once worked on a Mitsubishi and the manual stated a specific temperature of the fluid.