Hi everyone. Using the steps on this forum I have drained and filled my transmission twice over the last six months. I just did the second one last night and had a question. I carefully measured what went out and filled it back up, I actually did a little less because the first time it looked too full. After driving today I checked the fluid and once again it is pretty far past the second little mark on the dipstick. Should I be concerned at all?

 

Yes. Use the dip stick. Measure on perfectly flat ground and when the transmission is warm from driving for like 20 min or so. It's better to be a bit over then under.

 

check it while it is running. if its not running it will show high on the dip stick.

 

Ok so I checked it last night after I drove to work. It looked low, so this morning I let it warm up, drove it and added about a quart of fluid. It looks about right, but it's still hard to tell the level. I also spilled a little out of my funnel which was also a bummer. This is frustrating. I'm still not 100% sure I got the levels right.

I'm a bit annoyed at my baby right now....

 

Don't go Kurt Busch on her, she means well.

 

Haha yes. I have just done about everything I can do to this car to bring her back. I think I'm just tired of fiddling. You are my inspiration though, as you have done things to your car so have I. Thanks for the tips

 

It's good. I know it can be frustrating but keep it up. It will help longevity. If your are close on the dipstick then I would not worry. Being a quart low is more of a concern. Lots of people complain that it is difficult to measure exactly on the dipstick.

 

Not sure if this is right, but I've heard you need to have the car in gear to properly check the atf level. I've used the ebrake and a block of wood to make sure the car doesn't drive away.

 

You definitely don't need it to be in gear. In neutral or park is the normal procedure. Now, after a drain and refill you can shift through all the gears manually and go for a test drive. Then on a perfectly flat surface check the levels.

 

Here are some info from the LS430 repair manual about ATF level...

 

That was the procedure "back in the day" for GM TH and other domestic transmissions. The purpose was to make sure trans fluid circulated into and filled the torque converter. Just a short drive, get it fully warmed up to "operating temperature," stop, put it in park with engine running, then check.

 

Ok I think I am ok. I added maybe another 3/4 quart and I think the level is about right. I will drive the car again tomorrow and check again. I think I am OCD, but I feel like I am feeling the car shift in second more than I did before? Could doing this drain cause that?

 

With the correct amount of fluid and since you are slowly changing to new fluid it will affect smoothness and the way it shifts. It is a good thing. You only replaced 2 - 3 out of like 11 total. I would do it again in another 5k and then every 25k miles.

 

Thank you. Yes I will change it again. This is the second drain and fill I have done. I'm slightly obsessed with this car.

 

Look at the bright side - at least you have a dipstick tube! Think of the hassle 04-06 owners have to go through to do the same preventive maintenance.