Automatic Transaxle - how check fluid level?

[conbo3]

I had an Engine Check lite my Corolla LE and it wouldn't shift into high gear (maybe not even into 3rd gear?). It occurred to me to check the transmission fluid level. The dip stick in this car apparently dips into the transaxle. When I pulled the stick there was only about an inch of fluid showing on the end of the stick (engine idling). There were several notches on the dip stick. And the letters WS. Consulting my one-size-fits-all owner's manual I could find NOTHING about checking this fluid level. Seems like if they put a dip stick in there it INFERS that you oughta check it once in a while?

When I finally got the car to the dealer I mentioned the fluid level seemed low, and that car didn't shift right. The answer was a squirrel-chewed connector under the car. After a temp repair I again checked that fluid level, it was the same.

So... who knows something about checking this? Have I missed it in the manual? What the hell do those notches in the dipstick mean?

Also how do you assassinate squirrels in an urban area?

[sinnaever]

Originally Posted by conbo3

Also how do you assassinate squirrels in an urban area?

Here

Try This

[joeylgarcia]

do not ever let your car run with a low transaxle fluid. bring it to another toyota dealer who might be able to give a better solution to the former.

[shotgunjimmy]

when you did check the level, where was the fluid in relation to the marks on the dip stick? generally speaking, if the fluid is touching the marks, but not over the marks, its ok. rather than driving around to other dealers, give them a call first. they might be able to explain it over the phone, which would save you gas and possible damage to the transaxle if the fluid is low.

[OkSlim]

The amount on the dipstick will vary depending on several things.
Is the engine running/
How long has the engine been shut off.

In most automatics
You should have the engine running on a level surface.
Shit the car through all the gears.
Place it in park
Pull the dipstick
Wipe the dipstick off
Replace it then pull it again and check the level.

[CircuitJerk]

Originally Posted by OkSlim

Shit the car through all the gears.

I never knew this was possible. How do you think that would effect the resale value?

[OkSlim]

Originally Posted by CircuitJerk

I never knew this was possible. How do you think that would effect the resale value?

I was working on a sideshift problem on some forklifts and sent an email

Quote for sideshit repairs on the title of the emal on time.

[conbo3]

I got this reply on another forum, I also went to dealer and verified it.

Quote
To check transmission fluid, park on level ground, set the parking brake,
and start the engine with the transmission in park. Pull out the
transmission dipstick, wipe it with a paper towel or rag, insert the
dipstick all they way in, and pull it out. If the automatic transmission
fluid ("ATF") is hot, the fluid level should be between the upper two
notches and if the ATF is cold, between the next lower set of notches. The
fluid should be reddish and not black or brown.
UnQuote

Dealer also said newer models don't even have a dip stick.

Regarding squirrel elimination, I'm sqeamish about poisoning anything. Also worry about killing unintended animals besides squirrel. I trapped one this AM in HaveAHeart trap, transported him a few miles to wooded area surrounded by nice houses. The occupants would probably disapprove of my shooting and eating squirrels, so they certainly deserve the little bastards.

[joeylgarcia]

Originally Posted by conbo3

Dealer also said newer models don't even have a dip stick.

2009 or 2010 models?

[Pwner Guy]

2009 and 2010 Corolla's do still have dipsticks. 2010 Camry's, 2005+ Tacoma's and Tundras however don't. Theres a few more but the Corolla does still use the same old level surface, run through gears, pull, wipe, insert, pull and inspect. Depending on temp if cold between the two lower notches or hot between the two upper notches.