jcjr

Just did drain and fill on my 2001 RX including transfer case.....replaced with Castrol Multi Import....5 QTS...i did not have anything to measure the old fluid with....I just added fluid and checked dipstick...

Its been 2 weeks and now when I check the level with the engine off it apperas "high" on the stick

Thoughts?
Potential Problem????

amblyn

not sure if this helps but i always thought you are supposed to check tranny dip stick with car running in order to get a accurate reading but i could be wrong..if you think it is too full drain some out.... if drain too much add some more you know

A2A

Not sure if it helps but mine was at least double the max marker when I got it and was so for a couple of months till I done a drain and fill but whilst it wad full I did not notice any performance issue and I guess it better to be over than under? I'm sure the experts will comment further.

carguy07

Over is just as bad if not worse than under filled. You are about 3/4 of a quart over. I would drain the excess out or dump it all and call it a drain and fill if the fluid that came out was dirty.

jcjr

Thanks to all...based on some of the replies I just checked the level WITH the engine running and the level is OK......why the difference???

I had always checked ALL fluid levels with the engine off? Why is tranny fluid level check different?

A2A

That explains it because I checked mine with it not running running and when I did finally get my drain and fill done the garage had it running when they said it was not an issue, guess we know now to always check whilst running...

LA4Mead

You might be able to more effectively and easily meter draining small amounts of ATF by disconnecting an ATF cooler line (passenger side under the radiator).

You definitely don't want it overfilled by much. Of course, make sure you are following the proper procedure when checking the cold/hot level on the dipstick after going through all the gears, idling in "park".

hypervish

Always check the ATF with engine running.
Engine oil with engine off.

When the car is on the transmission fluid wil enter the torque converter, thus it will show the proper level of ATF with the engine running.

Lexmex

I never had a problem running it over, but when I recently changed out my fluid, I let it go back under the hot mark for the first time in ages and am testing it out now to see hot the vehicle runs. So far, it's pretty smooth.