How to read the auto tranny dipstick? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Ken4 · 03-02-2003, 02:29 AM

I have problems reading the 5sfe (2000 camry 4 cyl) auto tranny dipstick. The manual says a drain & refill is 2.5L. So after I drain & refill it up to 2.5L, I drive around a long time, keep the engine running, and lift the tranny dipstick, and without wiping, it is exactly at the 'hot max' mark. But if I wipe it, re-dip again, and check the level, it is 1" above the 'hot max' mark! What's going on? Am I overfilled? Anyone else come across this problem?

Jzs147-RR · 03-02-2003, 08:52 AM

It is ok to be over the hotmax line aslong as you dont go way over the line.When i did my training at toyota i would always put it a little over incase the car had drained more then just the tranny pan.

SpectraBlueCam · 03-02-2003, 11:43 AM

That information is readily available in your owner's manual.

Ken4 · 03-04-2003, 07:12 AM

It completely baffles me why the first reading is always lower than the second reading??? Anyone can explain why?

VZV21 · 03-04-2003, 07:50 AM

The only thing I can think of (speaking from my ass)....is the frist time when you drag the dipstick up, you dragged some of the ATF up through the tube also giving you an incorrect reading the second time.

Honestly...I can't remember why.

Ken4 · 03-04-2003, 09:29 AM

I now have a hunch the first reading is the erraneous one, while the second & subsequent are correct.