Checking Trans fluid level?

[Old Colts in Oz]

Hi guys,

Seems such an ametuer question but I'm having trouble verifying how much trans fluid is in my VS. On the actual stick it says to check with the car idling in Park, but when I do that I can't get an accurate measure. As soon as I shut the car off, the fluid is on in the Hot cross hatch section, but when I check it cold, it's way past the cold mark. I think I have overfilled it but really not sure as getting mixed results. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

[BottleFedVS]

If you leave it idling in park when you pull the tranny dipstick give it a wipe put it back then pull it again straight away to get a mesurement.
it is best if you check it warm (i.e. after 20km or so).
I hope that helps.
Have a happy new year!

[Old Colts in Oz]

Thanks mate, yeah that's what I've been doing and I just can't see the reading. As soon as I turn the car off, all good - the level is in plain sight. If the Cold method is 100% accurate I guess I'll have to go with that and assume I've over filled it. I guess the only other way is to drop the lot and refill....

[immortality]

the only way to check it is with the car on flat ground, idling with the trans in park and up to running temperature. if you check it with the engine off some of the trans fluid in the transmission/converter will drain back into the trans sump and give a in-accurate reading. the cold mark on the dipstick is only a rough guide but again must be used with the engine running. sound like you don't have enough fluid in it.

never check the trans fluid level with the engine shut off

if your having trouble seeing the fluid level on the dipstick, have some white paper handy, kitchen handy towels work well. with draw the dipstick from the trans and lay on the paper towel immediately

[Old Colts in Oz]

Cool mate, thanks for the info. I wasn't sure if the Cold mark was with engine on or off. I'm thinking you're right - not enough rather than too much. I gradually add some more while it's hot and see if I can track the mark moving

[tezza]

The method Ive used to check auto fluid is to have the car running (handbrake and brake applied) and cycle through all of the gears ie P > R > N > D > 3 > 2 > 1 and then back to N or P and check the fluid.

[The1]

all marks are with the engine on

[hako]

if your having trouble seeing the fluid level on the dipstick, have some white paper handy, kitchen handy towels work well. with draw the dipstick from the trans and lay on the paper towel immediately

That is a very good idea...especially for us old buggers.

[Old Colts in Oz]

Thanks guys, turns out it was so low it wasn't regsitering warm. All topped up now