ATF on dipstick

[camryhoo]

This is my first post, I come here alot to get info to help me work on my 4th Camry. I know its critical to keep the proper amount of ATF in my '94 Camry. The problem is I can't definately tell where the fluid level is on the dipstick. I think maybe some of the fluid is being smeared along the dipstick as it is pulled out. Does anyone know a trick to help me see exactly where my fluid level is. Thanks

[LynchburgCSI]

Originally Posted by camryhoo

This is my first post, I come here alot to get info to help me work on my 4th Camry. I know its critical to keep the proper amount of ATF in my '94 Camry. The problem is I can't definately tell where the fluid level is on the dipstick. I think maybe some of the fluid is being smeared along the dipstick as it is pulled out. Does anyone know a trick to help me see exactly where my fluid level is. Thanks

Always good to have another TN guy from Virginia on here.

Just to be sure, you're checking the tranny dipstick when the engine is running and hot, right?

[MKB]

Originally Posted by camryhoo

This is my first post, I come here alot to get info to help me work on my 4th Camry. I know its critical to keep the proper amount of ATF in my '94 Camry. The problem is I can't definately tell where the fluid level is on the dipstick. I think maybe some of the fluid is being smeared along the dipstick as it is pulled out. Does anyone know a trick to help me see exactly where my fluid level is. Thanks

I'd like to know the answer to this as well. I've had a fit trying to tell the level on mine. Looking at the dipstick, the level should change quite a lot from cold to hot, but mine never has. The fluid actually doesn't get hot , just warm (this is after driving 75mph for an hour on the highway in August in North Carolina, it SHOULD be hot after that). All I could think to do is fill it to the Hot line after driving the hour on the highway. It actually has me worried. I'd buy an aftermarket dipstick in a second if one was available.

[ghettosled]

ive always been told you should check the level when its warm, not hot or cold. warm as in after the car has been sitting, do some easy driving for about 10 minutes. then with the motor running, check the level while you are on level ground. sometimes when i pull it out, on side gets smeared with fluid, so i check the other side to see how high up the glossy area (glossy from one edge to the other) goes. there might be some fluid along the edges higher up, but that doesnt count.

[Kenny_McCormic]

If overfilled, I'm told it will just puke out the vent, so no worries there.

[camryhoo]

I'm checking with it hot and running, but I can never be sure where the actual fluid level is.

[JohnGD]

If you let it sit for 30 minutes. Pull the dipstick out. Can you read it then without problems?

If the engine is running. Shifted through all gears. Parking brake set of course. If you push the dipstick in and pull it out quickly, can you read it with less problems?

Others have good suggestions regarding one side being smeared with ATF. But look for the first dry gap from the tip if you can.

Originally Posted by camryhoo

I'm checking with it hot and running, but I can never be sure where the actual fluid level is.