I just did a routine check on my tranny fluid and found that it read full, as it should, but there was foamy or bubbly(?) fluid above the "full" mark. I have had no trouble with the transmission, but this disturbs me. I checked and re-checked it several time, same result, soap-like bubbles above the full mark.

Should I care?

 

Doesn't that mean it's too full? Too full is bad.

 

Well, last time I checked it was fine. So I don't think it got fuller since then.

 

I would go ahead and change the screen in the bottom of the trans,you can get it and the new gaskett at any parts place.Make sure you pull the magnet from the bottom of the pan and clean it.It will have alot of metal shavings on it.

 

Personally I dont think there is too much to get all nervous about. There was a very long thread on this exact subject a while back......some say its fine and some say it shouldn't be. I am sure if you search you will find more info though. You dont want to see the dip stick covered in a frothy foam though.
Here is what I do after a trans service. The next chance I have to check the trans dip stick when the engine is dead cold I check to make sure it is at or above the min level. Then I drive it for 20 min or so of mixed driving, and watching my trans temp gauge I stop when it gets up around 150*. Make VERY sure I am on level ground (a small tilt makes a big difference) and go slowly through each gear position, and return it to park. Now check the dip stick, and make sure the ATF is at the full mark on the stick. If it is below the full mark I add ATF in VERY small amounts and check after each time, until I get it right where I want it.
For the trans service I also use Mobil 1 fully synthetic ATF and substitute 1qt of Lucas ATF treatment for 1qt of Mobil 1 ATF (usually like 15qts Mobil 1, and 1qt Lucas in my E4OD after I drop the pan and drain the torque converter). I do a trans service once a year, and yes I do clean the mag and change the filter....I always go with a Motorcraft filter.

 

What color are the soapy / foamy bubbles / fluid? As it is winter, it could be a little condensation that you are noticing.... Pinkish colored bubbles. I just replaced the valve cover gasket on the old Tempo and inside the cover is quite a bit of white sludge (near the PCV valve and the oil filler hole). I'm not worried about it but it is there.

 

It's the same colour as the fluid.