Our Community is 940,000 Strong. Join Us.


ATF fluid level check-This doesn't make sense!


hink123321
09-24-2007, 01:34 PM
01 S-10-4.3L-Auto trans

Was checking my ATF level yesterday and everything was normal. I checked it when the engine temp was hot. I wanted to check it also when the engine was cold. Much to my surprise when I checked it the level was about 1 inch "above" the full mark. I came out this morning and checked it again(cold) and it showed the same reading. I took the truck out and checked it with the temp hot and the level was back to normal. Am I missing something here? Every vehicle before when I checked it when cold the ATF fluid would read low and the hotter it got it would expand. It's seems to be the opposite with this transmission. Any ideas on what's happening?

maurerush2112
10-10-2007, 08:57 AM
the reason its higher when cold is that some "drain back" occurs when shut off. yes the fluid expands when hot, but when you shut down for couple hours/overnite,etc. the torque converter, and main body areas drain back down because pump isn't pushing it up and around

troy1
10-16-2007, 09:25 PM
Yes you need the engine running to check ATF level

Add your comment to this topic!