How To Check Atf Level?

bhathiya_u · April 6, 2012

Hi,

I wonder what is the correct way of checking the Automatic Transmission Fluid level. I have Toyota CR 42 and it's level is within the HOT region of the stick when checked while the engine is not running.

I heard people say that it must be checked when the engine is running and should be within the HOT region, is it the correct way to check ATF level?

VVTi · April 6, 2012

Check the levels in the morning after the engine has cooled down to the point where there is not even some residual heat. If it is still in the H level, I assume that the ATF is a bit overfilled.

varunatech · April 6, 2012

On 4/6/2012 at 9:54 AM, bhathiya_u said:

Hi,

I wonder what is the correct way of checking the Automatic Transmission Fluid level. I have Toyota CR 42 and it's level is within the HOT region of the stick when checked while the engine is not running.

I heard people say that it must be checked when the engine is running and should be within the HOT region, is it the correct way to check ATF level?

Do as VVTi say.......check in the morning when the engine is cold, and let us know. Why are you concerned, is it for routine maintenance or do you experience a problem.........

bhathiya_u · April 7, 2012

Thanks for the replies. I will check it in the morning as VVTi adviced.

This matter came up at the service, where the guy was running the engine and checked ATF. But could not found the level as fluid has not touched the stick. I think he's also not very competent for this and vehicles was also not in very levelled surface (front was slightly below). His argument was that it should be checked when the engine was running and since it is slightly tilted argument was that stick should show the higher level. When i check it at home it's within HOT region.

Also i've seen some posts on the web that some experts adviced to check when the engine is running, but not for this particular vehicle. like in http://autorepair.about.com/library/a/1i/bl729i.htm so i'm concerned.

vishkid · April 10, 2012

I don't know about CR42, but Mazda manual notes to measure the level at both Hot and Cold temperature:

1. Park on a level surface and set the

parking brake firmly.

2. Idle the engine about two minutes.

Push down on the brake pedal.

3. Move the shift lever through all ranges

and set it at P.

With the engine still idling, pull out the

dipstick, wipe it clean, and put it back.

5. Pull it out again.

The proper fluid level is marked on the

dipstick as follows.

Fluid hot scale A

When the vehicle has been driven and the

fluid is at normal operating temperature,

about 65°C (150°F), the level must be

between Full and Low.

Fluid cold scale B

When the engine has not been running

and the outside temperature is about 20°C

(70°F), the level must be between Full and

Low.

bhathiya_u · April 10, 2012

On 4/6/2012 at 11:56 AM, VVTi said:

Check the levels in the morning after the engine has cooled down to the point where there is not even some residual heat. If it is still in the H level, I assume that the ATF is a bit overfilled.

Checked the level in the early morning and found to be still in the HOT range.

On 4/10/2012 at 5:43 AM, vishkid said:

I don't know about CR42, but Mazda manual notes to measure the level at both Hot and Cold temperature:

1. Park on a level surface and set the

parking brake firmly.

2. Idle the engine about two minutes.

Push down on the brake pedal.

3. Move the shift lever through all ranges

and set it at P.

With the engine still idling, pull out the

dipstick, wipe it clean, and put it back.

5. Pull it out again.

The proper fluid level is marked on the

dipstick as follows.

<img with dipstick scales on both sides>

Fluid hot scale A

When the vehicle has been driven and the

fluid is at normal operating temperature,

about 65°C (150°F), the level must be

between Full and Low.

Fluid cold scale B

When the engine has not been running

and the outside temperature is about 20°C

(70°F), the level must be between Full and

Low.

That's why I am also confused. But unfortunately I don't have a user manual for Toyota CR 42, where it must have clearly mentioned. So i'm not convinced at all, as now there are two different methods giving two different readings. Must find a catelogue for CR 42. If the method of checking with the engine running is correct, I'm running the vehilce with very very low ATF.

bhathiya_u · May 2, 2012

Found a user manual for toyota townace. Checking ATF level is similar to the method in the vishkid's post. So the level must be there when the Engine is idling not at stop position.