Checking tranny fluid (ATF)

[N4TECguy]

03 SE I4 AT, have a little problem checking the ATF. As it shows up right now, it's kind of ambiguous. There's a good amount of fluid on the bottom of the dipstick, followed by a break around the Hot area, then a thinner layer of ATF. I'm taking the break as the fluid level, but is it actually the layer above it? I just drain and refill 3.5 or so quarts as indicated by the manual, and the thinner layer ends maybe 3 inches above the Hot region. Shifts fine. Checked with it in Park, engine running, fluid and engine are up to temp (fans came on), ran thru all the gears.

Sorry about the crappy pic, I only had my phone camera on hand

[ToyotaToday]

Originally Posted by N4TECguy

03 SE I4 AT, have a little problem checking the ATF. As it shows up right now, it's kind of ambiguous. There's a good amount of fluid on the bottom of the dipstick, followed by a break around the Hot area, then a thinner layer of ATF. I'm taking the break as the fluid level, but is it actually the layer above it? I just drain and refill 3.5 or so quarts as indicated by the manual, and the thinner layer ends maybe 3 inches above the Hot region. Shifts fine. Checked with it in Park, engine running, fluid and engine are up to temp (fans came on), ran thru all the gears.

Sorry about the crappy pic, I only had my phone camera on hand

My 02 V6 is dead on 3.5 litres every drain and fill. However, I always use the dipstick to confirm.

This is what I found, if you check the fluid too many times during a short interval, you will get streaks (or more streaks on the dipstick). So, driven the car for awhile and the engine is at normal operating temperature, take the dipstick, wipe it clean, re-insert and check level. Ignore the streak part, look for a thick consistent layer of oil, that is the true reading.

[JohnGD]

That's ATF in the dipstick tube. If you wait a couple of minutes and check again you shouldn't have that.

In reflected light, you should be able to see a line across the stick, even if there are some streaks above it.