zeez88

Hope we are all having a wonderful day! I recently replaced a transmission seal as it was worn out. In the process some fluid leaked. So, not knowing how much leaked out. I topped up the transmission fluid.

Now, my question is ,how do you get the right level of transmission fluid in your transmission dipstick? Because to me without turning on the engine ,the transmission fluid level is waaay above the hot marker. How ever when i drive the vehicle for like 30 minutes and check, the transmission level is just on the H marker.

However, today when i started the engine in the morning i allowed it to run for 2 minutes and then put it through all the gears and then finally back to park, i pulled out the dipstick and it was above the cold marker, like half an inch above.

To add on i noticed that there were a few bubbles on the dipstick after i ran the car for 2 minutes. I even get the bubbles when the engine is run for more than an hour. But i dont get these bubbles when the car is OFF. I suspect the bubbles may be caused by a transmission that is overfull, but i am not sure about that.

So my question is that how can i get an accurate reading?
And are these tiny bubbles caused by an overfull transmission?

Oh, and i drive a 2004 lexus es330.

I will really appreciate any kind of input from yall!
And sorry for the long essay (:

LeX2K

Correct way to check is hot transmission (20 minute drive) engine running car on level ground. The reading should be at the HOT mark it may be a bit below as the transmission may not be 100% warmed up. A bit over the line is nothing to be concerned with too much over will cause foaming but it has to be a lot. Either way the correct level is critical to proper operation.

zeez88

Thank you for your input!

80es300

or you could do a drain/fill service. You owner's manual should have the ATF capacity for that service.
My 98 es300 manual clearly shows 3.7 and 0.9 qts for transmission and differential drain/refills.