Which fluid level is correct?
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2013
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From: Raleigh
Which fluid level is correct?
Hey guys...
I wanted to confirm which level of fluid level is correct on the transmission fluid dipstick. When I put it in and pull it out quick...the front side shows full but the back side of the dipstick shows low. I have always heard that the lower of the two readings is correct and that the higher level on the front side is fluid splashing. Here are a couple of pics:
This is a pic of the font side of the dipstick. It's hard to tell but it looks like the fluid level isn't even across the dipstick length. It's like the fluid covers only half of the length of the honeycomb area.
If I flip the dipstick over...this is the level showing. It is full across the dipstick but is definitely low on the level.
Which level is correct? When I was changing the fluid, it was hard to keep track of the exact amount coming out into my bucket when pumping it out as I had quite a bit spill onto the driveway from my hose not being tight enough.
Thanks, Jim
I wanted to confirm which level of fluid level is correct on the transmission fluid dipstick. When I put it in and pull it out quick...the front side shows full but the back side of the dipstick shows low. I have always heard that the lower of the two readings is correct and that the higher level on the front side is fluid splashing. Here are a couple of pics:
This is a pic of the font side of the dipstick. It's hard to tell but it looks like the fluid level isn't even across the dipstick length. It's like the fluid covers only half of the length of the honeycomb area.
If I flip the dipstick over...this is the level showing. It is full across the dipstick but is definitely low on the level.
Which level is correct? When I was changing the fluid, it was hard to keep track of the exact amount coming out into my bucket when pumping it out as I had quite a bit spill onto the driveway from my hose not being tight enough.
Thanks, Jim
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2013
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From: Raleigh
Only one side of the dipstick has writing on it. I have just found it odd that when putting the dipstick in and pulling it out one time when it is warmed up one side of it says one level and the other says another.
Jim
Jim
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: SE Florida
No, no, no. That's not right at all.
Use the lower of the two readings. The higher side is from rubbing on the dipstick tube. The lower reading is the correct reading.
To prove it insert the dipstick and read both sides. Now turn it 180° from where it was for the last reading. The previous high side should now be the low reading, and vice versa.
Use the lower of the two readings. The higher side is from rubbing on the dipstick tube. The lower reading is the correct reading.
To prove it insert the dipstick and read both sides. Now turn it 180° from where it was for the last reading. The previous high side should now be the low reading, and vice versa.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2013
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From: Raleigh
Mark,
That's exactly what happens when I rotate the dipstick. I just wanted to confirm before adding more fluid as the lower mark is under the hash marks meaning it is low. I was just nervous of adding too much fluid and causing problems with the tranny.
Jim
That's exactly what happens when I rotate the dipstick. I just wanted to confirm before adding more fluid as the lower mark is under the hash marks meaning it is low. I was just nervous of adding too much fluid and causing problems with the tranny.
Jim
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
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From: Mt. Shasta California
Mark is right. Check your oil in the morning after an idling warm up. Use 2 hands and quickly dip the stick, now it will be the same on both sides. It is the lower one in the picture.
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Freshman User
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is this a stupid question?
I just drained my torque converter, dropped my tranny pan and installed new filter & filled with 12 quarts of tranny fluid. I shifted through all gears, leaving it in each gear for 20 seconds. Then, drove it for 15-20 minutes through town & it shifted and ran fine. Got back home, put in neutral, pulled the dipstick & spent 20 minutes trying to determine where the tranny fluid level was at. It is glossy up past the crosshatches but the only real "red" is liquid is in the bubble hook on the bottom & up to the bottom hole. My question is, if the fluid is up above a hole will the hole be filled up (closed) with fluid? Or, does the top of the glossing of the dipstick mean that's where the fluid is? I know that I do NOT want to overfill it!!!!! I read the previous posts but they didn't state whether they are gauging the level to be where the glossy, translucent film is or the red tranny fluid film is or whether it should fill up the holes in the stick or not.
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