Checking ATF level

[importcar]

What is the proper way to check ATF level? Because when the car is cold the level is above the "Hot" line on the dipstick. But the level is below the "cold" line when the car is idling at operating temperature.

[uibalnme]

Originally Posted by importcar

What is the proper way to check ATF level? Because when the car is cold the level is above the "Hot" line on the dipstick. But the level is below the "cold" line when the car is idling at operating temperature.

Then add fluid until the level is between the "HOT" marks. If it's below the "COLD" marks at operating temp, your trans is VERY low on fluid.

[AliRazoR]

Drive the vehicle so that the engine and transaxle are at
normal operating temperature.
Fluid temp.: 70 – 80 °C (158 – 176 °F)
*Only use the COOL range on the dipstick as a rough reference
when the fluid is replaced or the engine does not
run.
(1) Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking
brake.
(2) With the engine idling and the brake pedal depressed,
shift the shift lever into all positions from P
to L position and return to P position.
(3) Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean.
(4) Push it back fully into the pipe.
(5) Pull it out and check that the fluid level is in the HOT
range.
If the level is not within the range, add new fluid.

[pmx007PL]

I also have problem with oil level check.
I know the procedure (mentioned above), but oil indicator (dipstick) is always dirty (2 or 3 times higher than MAX HOT level) on one side when I have it pulled off from tranny.
It always looks like this...

Is it correct (normal in Camry transmissions)?

[AliRazoR]

i think,the one side is always dirty as a result of :contact of dipstick with pipe.

[oldfirebird]

The part of the stick with oil on both sides is the level in the pan. I see that on a few dipsticks, oil and trans.