Transmission Fluid Level (with Visual)
#1
Advanced
Thread Starter
Transmission Fluid Level (with Visual)
Folks,
I know this subject has been discussed before, but the simple thing is I just don't get the way we are supposed to measure this stuff. See the picture. Now, the engine is COLD, and my T-IV level is where the BLACK arrow is pointing.
The RED arrow indicates where the level should be when the engine is hot, and for the most part, when the car gets to operating temp, it is right there, maybe a little over that level. No problem.
Now, what bothers me is this: If the engine is COLD (again, mine is in this picture), and according to the dipstick and the MFG instructions, should the level not be at the level indicated by the BLUE arrow, and NOT at the level indicated by the black arrow? This makes no sense and the cold levels appear to be the OPPOSITE of what is expected.
This picture was taken on my RX330, but I posted here but I have observed the same with the RX300 too.
I know this subject has been discussed before, but the simple thing is I just don't get the way we are supposed to measure this stuff. See the picture. Now, the engine is COLD, and my T-IV level is where the BLACK arrow is pointing.
The RED arrow indicates where the level should be when the engine is hot, and for the most part, when the car gets to operating temp, it is right there, maybe a little over that level. No problem.
Now, what bothers me is this: If the engine is COLD (again, mine is in this picture), and according to the dipstick and the MFG instructions, should the level not be at the level indicated by the BLUE arrow, and NOT at the level indicated by the black arrow? This makes no sense and the cold levels appear to be the OPPOSITE of what is expected.
This picture was taken on my RX330, but I posted here but I have observed the same with the RX300 too.
#3
Advanced
Thread Starter
I am glad you asked that. I realized that a few months back, and so I drained some out to get the fluid level back to the "Hot" level, and then when I checked the car at Operating Temp, it was half way between the hot and cold levels. So, I re-filled so that when the car is hot, the level is at the Hot level.
Still makes no sense that when the engine is cold, that the level is way above hot.
Still makes no sense that when the engine is cold, that the level is way above hot.
#6
Lexus Test Driver
When the engine if off and cold, the torque converter doesn't take the transmission fluid so the level will show higher than it truly is.
Once, you turn the car on, and it's warmed up the level should be fine. < don't worry about it, any other time, this is how you should be checking the level.
Once, you turn the car on, and it's warmed up the level should be fine. < don't worry about it, any other time, this is how you should be checking the level.
#7
Advanced
Thread Starter
Fair statement, makes sense, and I have read this before. However then, why in GOD's name would a manufacturer imprint the level settings on the trans dipstick as they are currently printed? Meaning, if the car is cold, the fluid level, according to the mfg, should be WAY LOW. It just doesn't make sense why that dipstick is labeled that way.
OK I have vented enough...
OK I have vented enough...
Trending Topics
#9
Lexus Test Driver
When the engine if off and cold, the torque converter doesn't take the transmission fluid so the level will show higher than it truly is.
Once, you turn the car on, and it's warmed up the level should be fine. < don't worry about it, any other time, this is how you should be checking the level.
Once, you turn the car on, and it's warmed up the level should be fine. < don't worry about it, any other time, this is how you should be checking the level.
If there weren't, then we could change almost 100% of the transmission fluid every time after letting it sit overnight.
The anti-drainback valve in the MT-643 Allison transmission in our diesel-pusher motorhome stuck open years ago, so after a few days, putting it into gear (there is no 'P', just neutral and an air-actuated parking brake) sometimes results in a 'slam' as it goes into gear after the converter fills.
#10
Advanced
Thread Starter
#11
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: NY
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
How long had the engine been running before you took the measurement?
In the manual it says to put the car in L and back to park before taking the measurement, which I am sure is there to make sure that the TQ converter is fully filled.
Most transmissions do not flow the same volume of oil in park as they do in other settings. In fact most domestic transmissions do not flow oil in park, that is why in those you have to be in neutral to take the measurement.
In the manual it says to put the car in L and back to park before taking the measurement, which I am sure is there to make sure that the TQ converter is fully filled.
Most transmissions do not flow the same volume of oil in park as they do in other settings. In fact most domestic transmissions do not flow oil in park, that is why in those you have to be in neutral to take the measurement.
#12
#13
Advanced
Thread Starter