Checking Trans Fluid Level- 1990 Celica 1.6 L

[atlstnspc]

Should the fluid be checked hot and engine running?

My room mate just bought a 1990 Celica 1.6 L. She took it to Firestone for an oil change ($10 off coupon) and she was been driving it for about 3 weeks since then. I checked the fluid levels for her today and saw that with the car hot and running that the fluid didn't even come up the the bottom of the dipstick. I added one quart of trans fluid and 15 0z of Slick 50 trans treatment and the level is now just below the upper max line, with a hot running engine. Firestone is supposed to check all fluid levels, so who screwed up, me or Firestone? Should I drain some fluid?

[Pwner Guy]

Firestone. With the engine hot the transfluid should be within the hot zone. The trans dipstick has two different zones, the lower one for when the transmission is cold and the upper one for when its hot. Also be sure to have it on level ground and in park. I'd recommend running it through the gears a few times after you add any fluid just to disperse it and give you an accurate reading.

[atlstnspc]

Thank you for your help.

I am shell shocked beyond belief at this point. She took it out on the Freeway and fluid squirted out of the dip stick hole and all over the inside of the engine compartment. The car is running bad. It lurches when it shifts, will not go over 70 MPH with the pedal floored, and RPM will not go over 3000. I don't know what the hell is going on at this point. Any ideas?