How to check transmission fluid level?

[Mermaidman]

With a cold non-running engine, the dipstick is dry and I can't see any fluid looking into the hole where the dipstick goes.

So I follow the instructions in the manual on how to check--I turn on the engine, shift through PRDNL, put it in park, leave the engine running . . .

Now when I unscrew the tranny dipstick, the fluid gushes out! WTH?? D:

What am I doing wrong?

Note: Transmission shop recently drained and refilled my transmission. GM N*

 

[SuperSix]

Sounds like the over filled it. If you are following the procedure in the manual, and it's overflowing, it's over filled.

 

[Mermaidman]

Sounds like the over filled it. If you are following the procedure in the manual, and it's overflowing, it's over filled.

Well that partially answers my next question. I estimate that ~1/3 to ~1/2 quart of ATF spilled out, based on the amount that I sponged off the garage floor. If they had overfilled it, then I suppose I should not replace the amount that spilled out?

 

[SpatiallyAware]

At this point I would bring it back. When doing a normal drain, lots of fluid is left in the transmission. My guess is they drained it, then refilled with the specified amount of fluid, which is probably way overfilled.

 

[SuperSix]

I would at least let the excess drain off. I'm not sure with the specific car, but it's not good to drive some automatics that overfilled. *I* would probably remove enough to get to the factory fill, observing the correct procedure in the manual.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

I would at least let the excess drain off. I'm not sure with the specific car, but it's not good to drive some automatics that overfilled. *I* would probably remove enough to get to the factory fill, observing the correct procedure in the manual.

He needs to make 100% it's correct. I wouldn't leave it at just draining excess off.... It needs to be drained and properly filled per the FSM

 

[Raizinman]

Having investigated many car fires from over filled transmissions, I would suggest that you call the shop who did the transmission repair and inform them what is happening and what to do. Technically, they should send a tow truck to bring the vehicle back to the shop to prevent damage or a fire. An over filled transmission will aerate the fluid out the dispstick and leave fluid all over the hot engine and exhaust, which CAN cause an engine fire. If you do drive the vehicle, carry a fire extinguisher.

Likewise, not knowing what type of vehicle you have, there are many vehicles that require a bottle of anti-foam agent added to the transmission fluid to prevent aeration up the distick tube. GM had this problem years ago and so did Jeep.

 

[Mermaidman]

I hate it when people don't update their threads, so here's goes-
I brought the car back to the transmission shop and they told me they overfill the fluid on purpose on all vehicles.
Our car doesn't have a transmission drain plug, so the shop used an extractor and sucked out the excess fluid. The alternative was dropping the pan.

Hopefully /end of story.

 

[LTC8K6]

Don't let them touch your car again...