ATF Change and Pan Drop

[captainbunch88]

I own a 2000 Corolla CE with 104,000 miles on it. I bought it when it had 63,000 miles, but I've never changed the trans. fluid or filter.

Today, I drained out the old fluid, which surprisingly wasn't all that bad looking. I then put the plug back in and dropped the pan and changed the filter and gasket. When it was all said and done, I had just over 4 quarts of old oil that came out.

My manual says to put in 3.3 quarts on a drain and refill. This will seem like a dumb question, but since I dropped the pan, do I put the same amount back in the car that I took out?

The reason I'm asking is because I've tried going off of the dipstick, but I just can't tell. I slowly shifted through the gears, and I let the car warm up for a good while. I see a sheen of oil that goes past the HOT notches on the dipstick, but solid red fluid is only within the COLD notches. I can't seem to get an accurate reading. Or maybe I'm just blind.

Your thoughts?

[pdq]

Try checking the back side of the dipstick (where it says HOT/COLD). It seems to get a cleaner reading. Also, I think it's easier to read the cold side in the morning, than to guess the hot side.

[captainbunch88]

I'll try the backside of the stick tomorrow. Hopefully, the Cold reading will be clearer.

Thanks!

[01loadedLE]

Yes 3.3q is what should go in, every 30k. I always check my fluids after the car has sat overnight for best readings.

[captainbunch88]

Originally Posted by 01loadedLE

Yes 3.3q is what should go in, every 30k. I always check my fluids after the car has sat overnight for best readings.

Even though I dropped the pan and got 4 qts out, I should put 3.3 qts in?

What about when I just unplug, replug, and refill (don't drop the pan)? Do I fill up with 3.3 or the same amount that comes out?

[pdq]

Start with 3.3 and then check the level. If it's low keep adding until full.

You may have had a half quart too much last time, but it's anyone's guess.

[adamsautocare]

The 3.3 quarts seems like it is for just a drain and fill. since you dropped the filter, you lost a little more fluid. You can start with 3.3 and then fill til its full or you can measure what you lost (you said 4 qts) and fill it with that amount. I just did mine and lost 4 quarts. (i drained it into a 5 quart jug). Then I filled it with the same amount and was done with it.

Unless your trans was over full or under filled at the time of service, it is very easy to just measure what you took out and just refill it with that amount. (my .02.)