How to Properly Check ATF Level?

[blumonster]

Hello,

I recently drained and refilled ATF on my 1994 Geo Prizm.

I drained close to 3 qt and added 8 ounces less than 3 qt.

When I checked the level a few days later 'cold', I saw that the level was not even at the first Cold notch.

I start the car and bring shift from P to L and then L to P, pausing a second or two between shifts. And I check the level. It is the way Haynes and Chilton manuals suggest.

After 25 miles highway driving (and stopping and shifting from P to L, and L to P momentarily and after stopping the car) I checked the level to see the 'HOT' level. It was at the first COLD notch.

So today I added about half a quart fluid.

Question #1. Is my way of checking the ATF level the correct way?

Question #2. Can adding half a quart ATF cause problems?

[pdq]

IMO it's easier to check while the engine is cold (in the morning). Also, when you pull the dipstick out, read the backside of the stick, as the front usually has ATF residue from pulling the stick out of the tube. And when you pull it out, get the stick horizontal as quickly as possible so gravity doesn't change the reading.

If you have a little too much ATF, that's a much better problem than too little.

[mvftw]

NO!!! Hot & Running for ATF...

[blumonster]

The car was running at least half a quart of ATF low for 2 years then.

I want it to shift faster without excessive RPM (3-4K).

When I press the accelerator pedal fully the RPM keeps increasing up to 4K before it shifts but speed continue to increase too. Is this normal? I did not have RPM gauge before so I did not know how it did before.

But when I let go of the accelerator pedal (lower foot pressure) it shifts before going to higher RPMs. Not when I continue pressing the pedal.

[Greasewrench]

Originally Posted by pdq

IMO it's easier to check while the engine is cold (in the morning). Also, when you pull the dipstick out, read the backside of the stick, as the front usually has ATF residue from pulling the stick out of the tube. And when you pull it out, get the stick horizontal as quickly as possible so gravity doesn't change the reading.

If you have a little too much ATF, that's a much better problem than too little.

i use a similar method to your way. whenever i change ATF and filter, i 1st check fluid level on level ground with car OFF and engine cold. i take note of that level then drain out ATF from pan and cooler hoses, measuring how much i drain out, finally i pour that same amount back in with new atf up to the level i first took note of. i let the car warm up and allow the fluid the circulate, then once car is hot, i check level again and if not in the HOT mark range i add to bring up to that level. i've done this for years and had no problems.

[mvftw]

Originally Posted by Greasewrench

i use a similar method to your way. whenever i change ATF and filter, i 1st check fluid level on level ground with car OFF and engine cold. i take note of that level then drain out ATF from pan and cooler hoses, measuring how much i drain out, finally i pour that same amount back in with new atf up to the level i first took note of. i let the car warm up and allow the fluid the circulate, then once car is hot, i check level again and if not in the HOT mark range i add to bring up to that level. i've done this for years and had no problems.

Don't agree with your method...it will work but...first your assuming that your oil is at the correct level or low...if you have been adding adding it because it was checked when cold then you will be overfilling up with new oil...second, you should always change fluids at least warm to hot, not cold...