I dropped my pan to replace my tcc solenoid and filter. I had heard or read or saw somewhere where the pan is about half the total 13+ qts of mercon V. Well I filled it up with 6 qts before checking and the fluid is up on the "do not add" area. I cranked and let it run to op temp and shifted through all gears a few times. The level is still up there. Should I loosen the pan and let the fluid drain out level with the top of pan or would it be better to take loose the cooler line up front and flush out a couple or few quarts and top off as necessary?

 

I'd be inclined to take a short drive...see that it shifts and then recheck the level. If it is still high then prolly pull the cooler line and drain some out.

I think there is a long suction tube & pump at auto parts store you can get to to pump some out through the fill tube. don't ask where I saw that. Phone around to your favorite parts store and ask if they got such a thing. If you can find it it might save you from a big mess

 

Thanks. I've seen the suction pumps you are referring to. I have a smaller one that looks like a grease gun that I used through the top of the pan with bolts loosened to lower the fluid level before dropping the pan. May make a huge mess with a rigged long suction line through the filler tube though. I'm inclined to shoot some out of the cooler line to a clean bucket. I could reuse some of I flush too much. I also have an extra new quart. This won't cost me anything and all parts stores will be closed tomorrow anyway. I want to get the level lower before I take a drive.