2nd Generation S-series (1995-2005) Tech Discuss 2nd generation S-series (1995-2005) general tech topics here.

What's up with checking my Transmission Fluid??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 08-23-2011, 08:32 PM
lizardking88mph's Avatar
Beginning Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 26
lizardking88mph is on a distinguished road
Angry What's up with checking my Transmission Fluid??

Ok, so i check it hot and it comes up just below the lowest hole in the dip stick. So I say to myself, "oh i better add just a bit" So I add less than 1/4 quart of fluid. Then I recheck and no matter what it's like ubove the top hole. It's like it jumps. Then I can use my aftermarket pan with a drain plug and let some out. Maybe an 1/8 of a quart. Still above the hole. I let out anther 1/8 or so. Then I'm back below the bottom one. HELP ME!! I can't get in between those damn marks no matter what I do. What is wrong here? Is a cruel joke? Thanks for any insight.

- Matt 98 Blazer
 
  #2  
Old 08-23-2011, 08:44 PM
pettyfog's Avatar
BF Veteran
Join Date: May 2011
Location: SW Central OH
Posts: 2,257
pettyfog has a spectacular aura aboutpettyfog has a spectacular aura about
Default

I saw the same thing.
 
  #3  
Old 08-23-2011, 08:50 PM
NVANZEE's Avatar
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Posts: 1,631
NVANZEE will become famous soon enough
Default

Are you checking the fluid with the vehicle running or not? It must be running for an accurate reading.
 
  #4  
Old 08-23-2011, 09:25 PM
kristoph30's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Ohio
Posts: 608
kristoph30 is on a distinguished road
Default

I add a bit then check it the next day. gives the fluid time to run down the tube.
 
  #5  
Old 08-23-2011, 09:49 PM
abig84's Avatar
BF Veteran
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: munster indiana
Posts: 3,424
abig84 will become famous soon enoughabig84 will become famous soon enough
Default

Originally Posted by kristoph30
I add a bit then check it the next day. gives the fluid time to run down the tube.
yeah you need to wait a bit. its really bad on vans where the dipstick tube like 6 feet long. your better off waiting like 5 minutes then checking, wiping it off and checking, do that a few times.
 
  #6  
Old 08-25-2011, 08:56 PM
lizardking88mph's Avatar
Beginning Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 26
lizardking88mph is on a distinguished road
Default

ok it just doesn't make any sense. I'm adding like a tenth or a twelth of a quart at a time waiting 5 minutes inbetween checking. And it's just right below the low dot. Then all of the sudden, after one add, it jumps to just over the dot. WTF!!! I even waited a day in between. Is my transmission haunted? So frustrating. What could be causing this? This is the 4l60e by the way. Everytime I go over I let out just a bit and it drops below the low dot again. Should I let it out this time? Cause between a tenth of a quart it's suddenly overfilled?!! Thanks for the help guys!!

- Matt
 
  #7  
Old 08-25-2011, 09:04 PM
xgiovannix12's Avatar
BF Guru
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Summit Ny
Posts: 5,962
xgiovannix12 has a spectacular aura aboutxgiovannix12 has a spectacular aura aboutxgiovannix12 has a spectacular aura about
Default

do you got a leak ?

or your trans is an atf fluid aholic
 
  #8  
Old 08-25-2011, 09:30 PM
lizardking88mph's Avatar
Beginning Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 26
lizardking88mph is on a distinguished road
Default

No, there are no leaks. I'm draining out a little and it drops below the dot. Then I add a little and it's like if I put a thimble full in, it skips over the whole range of the dots and goes up past the top one. This is just craziness. I'm about to just leave it at just barely above the top dot and leave it alone. Maybe I should try a new dipstick. Thanks.

- Matt
 
  #9  
Old 08-25-2011, 09:59 PM
aneill75's Avatar
New Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Vernon BC, Canada
Posts: 58
aneill75 is on a distinguished road
Default

Originally Posted by lizardking88mph
No, there are no leaks. I'm draining out a little and it drops below the dot. Then I add a little and it's like if I put a thimble full in, it skips over the whole range of the dots and goes up past the top one. This is just craziness. I'm about to just leave it at just barely above the top dot and leave it alone. Maybe I should try a new dipstick. Thanks.

- Matt
No reason to try a new dipstick. It's just the nature of the beast. Vehicle running, level surface and check level. Add if needed, then WAIT If you check it right after adding, as others have said, you will get a FALSE reading due to fluid in the tube. The dipstick just wipes against the fluid you just added - thus the Oops, I've overfilled reading.

Add what you think you need, then check after your next drive. Or, the next morning.



Aaron
 
  #10  
Old 08-26-2011, 08:46 PM
Rottidog's Avatar
BF Veteran
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Posts: 2,522
Rottidog has a spectacular aura aboutRottidog has a spectacular aura about
Default

You're checking it running I see, but in Park? I've always checked them in neutral but the 4L60e says in Park & trans hot.
If it's in neutral I suppose the fluid can jump all over the place.
 


Quick Reply: What's up with checking my Transmission Fluid??



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:44 PM.