Dumb Trans Fill Question
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2019
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From: NC
Dumb Trans Fill Question
I've got what might be a dumb question, but looking for input from someone else. Long story short, transmission started acting all funky and nearly left me stranded, but I hopped her back home somehow. Traced my issue to a cracked inlet hose that that attaches to the radiator.
I have no clue how much fluid I've lost so far, and shes still steadily dripping. Part wont be in for a few days. When I tried topping the fluid off the other day, the dip stick initially was bone dry. I added about a half a court before I noticed the leak on the line previously mentioned, so I stopped filling. For the hell of it, I checked the dipstick again and it showed overfilled, but this is because it was picking up fluid in the tube on the way down - it truly wasnt overfilled. How can I get an accurate reading with the dipstick picking up fluid on the way down the tube to the trans so that I dont overfill it?
I have no clue how much fluid I've lost so far, and shes still steadily dripping. Part wont be in for a few days. When I tried topping the fluid off the other day, the dip stick initially was bone dry. I added about a half a court before I noticed the leak on the line previously mentioned, so I stopped filling. For the hell of it, I checked the dipstick again and it showed overfilled, but this is because it was picking up fluid in the tube on the way down - it truly wasnt overfilled. How can I get an accurate reading with the dipstick picking up fluid on the way down the tube to the trans so that I dont overfill it?
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2019
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From: NC
any idea how many quarts are shown on the dipstick so I know what intervals to pour at a time before waiting a while to check it?
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2019
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From: NC
Yea checked it with it running. It got low enough from the leak that my trans wouldnt engage in reverse and I had to push it backwards to be able to pull back out forward to get home and it barely wanted to go in forward gear.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Los Angeles, Ca.
Until it reads something on the stick there's no telling how much fluid it'll need. Once it hits the plastic it's full enough to work and within about a quart of perfect depending on temperature. Since it's so low that it won't engage I'd add 2 quarts, wait several minutes for the tube to drain, start the engine and check. Once you have a cold reading then get it fully warmed up and add as needed.
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: North East Arkansas.
Once it hits the plastic it's full enough to work and within about a quart of perfect depending on temperature..[/QUOTE]
Right on.
Right on.
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Elder User
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From: NC
Sounds good, thanks to you both. Is there any concern with it being too low on fluid when I start the truck in the event indont have it filled as much as I thought it was?
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: Los Angeles, Ca.
Any time the fluid is low enough that the trans is slipping you should do everything possible to not drive it 'till you get fluid in there, that slippage is tough on the clutches/bands. I would drain what's left before adding any since the fluid in there could be in bad shape due to the slippage. If what comes out looks real dark or smells burnt a flush would be a good idea.
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Elder User
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From: NC
Yes, if you don't add any before starting it up. When it stopped going into gear the pump was sucking some air, then you lost more fluid. If the pump can't pick up any fluid it'll burn up. I'd put enough in to get a reading with the engine off. Once you start it it'll drop, but should be enough to keep the pump lubed.
Any time the fluid is low enough that the trans is slipping you should do everything possible to not drive it 'till you get fluid in there, that slippage is tough on the clutches/bands. I would drain what's left before adding any since the fluid in there could be in bad shape due to the slippage. If what comes out looks real dark or smells burnt a flush would be a good idea.
Any time the fluid is low enough that the trans is slipping you should do everything possible to not drive it 'till you get fluid in there, that slippage is tough on the clutches/bands. I would drain what's left before adding any since the fluid in there could be in bad shape due to the slippage. If what comes out looks real dark or smells burnt a flush would be a good idea.
I've read mixed opinions on this so thought I'd ask for input here. If I drop the trans pan to drain some fluid out, would it be a bad idea to change the trans filter to? I've read some people say to always do it and others say to never change the filter so I don't know what to do.
FTE Chapter Leader
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From: Henderson, NV
If your trans fluid looks like used motor oil, something in the transmission has burned badly and the transmission probably does not have many more miles left in it before needing a rebuild. Do you have a magnetic drain plug? Any metal shavings on it?
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Elder User
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From: NC
I definitely wouldnt argue that at all. Truck has about 355K on it currently - I purchased it at 250K with a rebuild around 200K before i got it. Not to mention I'm pushing close to 500WHP on the stock trans for the past 30K, so it was just a matter of time. I'm unsure about the shavings, that's something I'll have to check later. Any input on whether I should change the filter out or just leave it be?