Transmission Fluid Level (with Visual)
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,110
Likes: 77
From: OH
I think you just need to drive around a little bit before checking it. "Cold" means the tranny is not heated all the way up, but not stone cold not driven at all. 5-10 minute drive would be cold, 30 minutes should be up to full temp. I think you are not getting the fluid circulated around and are seeing the same thing if you we to check it cold with the engine off.
Pit Crew
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 140
Likes: 2
From: CA
I think you just need to drive around a little bit before checking it. "Cold" means the tranny is not heated all the way up, but not stone cold not driven at all. 5-10 minute drive would be cold, 30 minutes should be up to full temp. I think you are not getting the fluid circulated around and are seeing the same thing if you we to check it cold with the engine off.
After using the car for 30 minutes :
- Should the reading be taken while the car is running and in Neutral?
- Or can the car be turned off and keep it in P and then take the reading.
Thanks,
Trips
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,724
Likes: 114
From: NJ
The proper procedure is to check it after driving for 15-20 minutes, with the engine on and in park, on a level surface.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,110
Likes: 77
From: OH
Reading should be taken with the car running and in P. If you turn the car off it will start draining back into the pan and show that it's overfilled.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 555
Likes: 18
From: PA
Bottom line is this: Why when the car is COLD and in PARK does the fluid level read WAY beyond the HOT level, which is WAY beyond the COLD level as marked on the dipstick?
Or the better question is: Why does Toyota say that the cold level should look nearly EMPTY on the dipstick, when IN FACT it is WAY OVER the HOT level?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,724
Likes: 114
From: NJ
Agreed...then, why is the COLD notch WAY below the HOT one on the dipstick? You say who cares? I'm all for "who cares" as long as I know why something is what it is. In fact, your opinion is just that.
Bottom line is this: Why when the car is COLD and in PARK does the fluid level read WAY beyond the HOT level, which is WAY beyond the COLD level as marked on the dipstick?
Or the better question is: Why does Toyota say that the cold level should look nearly EMPTY on the dipstick, when IN FACT it is WAY OVER the HOT level?
Bottom line is this: Why when the car is COLD and in PARK does the fluid level read WAY beyond the HOT level, which is WAY beyond the COLD level as marked on the dipstick?
Or the better question is: Why does Toyota say that the cold level should look nearly EMPTY on the dipstick, when IN FACT it is WAY OVER the HOT level?
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