Problems Reading Transmission Fluid Level
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Problems Reading Transmission Fluid Level
I did a filter change on my tranny.
Now, after adding two quarts of fluid I get a crazy dipstick reading.
Its like the end of the stick has a bit of fluid - not up to the low level mark.
Then there seems to be a space with no fluid.
Then, past the full mark, there is more fluid that extends to the overfill area.
This is after letting it drain for a bit.
Does this make sense?
Is this common?
Now, after adding two quarts of fluid I get a crazy dipstick reading.
Its like the end of the stick has a bit of fluid - not up to the low level mark.
Then there seems to be a space with no fluid.
Then, past the full mark, there is more fluid that extends to the overfill area.
This is after letting it drain for a bit.
Does this make sense?
Is this common?
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
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Yes, this is a common occurence when doing a filter/fluid change - I experience the same effect on my '91 4.0L. The residual fluid in the dipstick tube obscures an accurate reading. I advise adding back the approximate amount and then waiting until the following morning to get an accurate reading - after the residual fluid has drained out of the dipstick tube.
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I agree with aerocolorado,I have a 94 A4ld and I had the same problem.Now I heard on this model it is suggested to add a liter more to avoid overheating and loss of fluid through the front seal? Any ideas or past experiences from anyone?
Mojo Hobo
Mojo Hobo
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Mojo Hobo
iam curious who suggested to add a liter more fluid. i just had my seal replaced be cause i was loosing fluid when it was hot and climbing a hill. have not tried it to see if it is fixed yet. i had heard that the front seal is a weak point. i had been told if there is to much oil it will cause the oil to blow out the front seal.
iam curious who suggested to add a liter more fluid. i just had my seal replaced be cause i was loosing fluid when it was hot and climbing a hill. have not tried it to see if it is fixed yet. i had heard that the front seal is a weak point. i had been told if there is to much oil it will cause the oil to blow out the front seal.
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Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
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Overfilling can cause the pump to "froth" the fluid then you get all sorts of problems with shifting due to the introduction of air into the passageways. This is OK for your Starbucks latte grande but whipped cream is not healthy for transmissions.
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confused
Originally Posted by lasher
Mojo Hobo
iam curious who suggested to add a liter more fluid. i just had my seal replaced be cause i was loosing fluid when it was hot and climbing a hill. have not tried it to see if it is fixed yet. i had heard that the front seal is a weak point. i had been told if there is to much oil it will cause the oil to blow out the front seal.
iam curious who suggested to add a liter more fluid. i just had my seal replaced be cause i was loosing fluid when it was hot and climbing a hill. have not tried it to see if it is fixed yet. i had heard that the front seal is a weak point. i had been told if there is to much oil it will cause the oil to blow out the front seal.
Mojo Hobo
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it is suppost to be between the two holes in the dip stick when the tranny is ice cold.
the maual say not to add fluid if it is in the crossed lines of the stick.
i first started having a problem when i filled it to the crossed lines and fluid blew out the front seal. i looked in the manual and found i had over filled it. i felt real bad if is was my fault for blowing out the seal. others have said their seal also went out.
donno if it is from over filling or if it is just another ford weak point.
the maual say not to add fluid if it is in the crossed lines of the stick.
i first started having a problem when i filled it to the crossed lines and fluid blew out the front seal. i looked in the manual and found i had over filled it. i felt real bad if is was my fault for blowing out the seal. others have said their seal also went out.
donno if it is from over filling or if it is just another ford weak point.
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From: Petaluma, Ca.
I have read a lot of posts on this forum about changing the Aero's tranny fluid. I have had dozens of vehicles over the years and I think I changed the the tranny fluid in one car [ !984 Volvo with 190,000 miles] in all that time. Is the Aero tranny more tempermental, or is this overkill.
Also, why does it have to be changed so often? I have a '97 3.0 shorty with 97,000 miles and the trans fluid is clean and red, so how does one know when it needs to be changed?
Thanks,
Beaned
Also, why does it have to be changed so often? I have a '97 3.0 shorty with 97,000 miles and the trans fluid is clean and red, so how does one know when it needs to be changed?
Thanks,
Beaned
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From: Mitchell, SD
Is the Aero tranny more tempermental, or is this overkill.
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some ford products are much worse on trannie fluid because ford put the catalitic converter right next to the trannie which cooks it. if the fluid is a nice red color ya dont need to change it. if it is starting to turn brown its time.
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Originally Posted by lasher
some ford products are much worse on trannie fluid because ford put the catalitic converter right next to the trannie which cooks it. if the fluid is a nice red color ya dont need to change it. if it is starting to turn brown its time.
You make a very good point about the cat.converter,would make alot of sense,owned alot of old fords and was negligent with the trasnnys never had problems with them.Since I owned this Star,couple of months,being very tender to it,still have suprise leaks now & then & observsd the modulator on the side looks cooked even though it is not that old.Wonder if there is a modification like another heat shield,maybe I should get back to the drawing board,keep you posted.thanks for the new point of view.
Mojo Hobo
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Wondering
Originally Posted by Beaned
I have read a lot of posts on this forum about changing the Aero's tranny fluid. I have had dozens of vehicles over the years and I think I changed the the tranny fluid in one car [ !984 Volvo with 190,000 miles] in all that time. Is the Aero tranny more tempermental, or is this overkill.
Also, why does it have to be changed so often? I have a '97 3.0 shorty with 97,000 miles and the trans fluid is clean and red, so how does one know when it needs to be changed?
Thanks,
Beaned
Also, why does it have to be changed so often? I have a '97 3.0 shorty with 97,000 miles and the trans fluid is clean and red, so how does one know when it needs to be changed?
Thanks,
Beaned
Just wondering does the 97 3.0 still have the catalic converter next to the modulator? Did you ever experince front seal leak in extreme heat?
Mojo Hobo
Last edited by mojo hobo; Jul 24, 2004 at 09:38 PM.