checking the dipstick

[mixwhit]

Ok, complete newbie question. '03 Ranger w/ the 4.0L and auto trans.

I just changed the transmission fluid and filter for the first time. Everything went fine (although getting that heat shield clipped back in place was a pain). I put 3 qts in as the Haynes said I should, and then as I checked it tried putting in about another 1/4 qt.

What's a little confusing is trying to get a clear reading from the dipstick. I'm used to being able to see a nice clean line on the thing from checking oil. But no matter how many times I wipe it and put it back in, I never seem to get a super clear indication.

This is while the engine is idling. What I'm seeing is it looks like fluid is in crosshatch area of the dipstick (pretty much to the top), but below the crosshatch area looks dry as a bone---until you get to the little curly at the bottom which has fluid on it.

With the engine off it reads between the holes (up to the top hole). And I measured what I took out and it was just a bit over 3 qts so my 3.25 qts in has to be pretty right. I took it for a ride around the block and it works.

So, obviously it must be ok. But I thought I'd check and see if anybody had an explanation for what I'm seeing.

 

[gotmudd]

Ok, complete newbie question. '03 Ranger w/ the 4.0L and auto trans.

I just changed the transmission fluid and filter for the first time. Everything went fine (although getting that heat shield clipped back in place was a pain). I put 3 qts in as the Haynes said I should, and then as I checked it tried putting in about another 1/4 qt.

What's a little confusing is trying to get a clear reading from the dipstick. I'm used to being able to see a nice clean line on the thing from checking oil. But no matter how many times I wipe it and put it back in, I never seem to get a super clear indication.

This is while the engine is idling. What I'm seeing is it looks like fluid is in crosshatch area of the dipstick (pretty much to the top), but below the crosshatch area looks dry as a bone---until you get to the little curly at the bottom which has fluid on it.

With the engine off it reads between the holes (up to the top hole). And I measured what I took out and it was just a bit over 3 qts so my 3.25 qts in has to be pretty right. I took it for a ride around the block and it works.

So, obviously it must be ok. But I thought I'd check and see if anybody had an explanation for what I'm seeing.

the crosshatch area you are refering to is a place for the fluid to collect since transmission fluid is thinner than oil, sounds like you're good

 

[mixwhit]

well, i just checked the level cold (it hasn't run since yesterday) and the level looks too high. It reads a bit over the crosshatched area. the manual says it should read between the holes for ambient temp.

i know the best read is when it's hot, but if i'm that far over during an ambient temp read then is there really any question I've got too much in there?

also, perhaps this explains the strange behavior i've seen since i changed the fluid?

 

[thebigthn]

I'm having the same problem trying to get a good reading as well. Everything you described is happening to me also. Except I've added 5 qts of oil now...

When I check the oil before I start the engine the level is above the crosshatch.

After letting it idle, it reads dry at the bottom but has a streak of oil on top of the crosshatch.

I think maybe I put too much oil into it. I can always drain some, since I installed a drain plug into the pan while I had it out. But I'm just not sure I'm taking an accurate reading of the transmission oil. What do you guys think?

 

[adsm08]

Ok, the reason that you check trans fluid with the engine running is that an auto trans is basically a "controlled hydraulic leak" to quote my auto school prof.

The trans will draw all the fluid it needs to work right (assuming it's available) out of the pan and have roughly that amount circulating at any given time out of the pan with the engine running. It still needs a certain amount in reserve in the pan. The dipstick is calibrated to that reserve amount.

If you have the right amount of fluid in the trans and check it cold with the engine off, it will read as having too much on the dipstick.

If you check it cold with the engine running and have the right amount it will appear that there is not enough because the fluid expands as it gets hot.

If you check it and check it and check it and still don't get a clear reading after you have just adjusted the level, it's because there is fluid on the inside of the dipstick tube. Leave it run, go do something else for 10 minutes and then come back and check it again. That allows time for the fluid to run off the inside of the tube.

If you are getting erratic shifting behavior or slippage but the fluid isn't cavitated and foamy when you check it, you probably don't have enough fluid in it. If it is foamy, then you may have too much.

Also, make sure you are checking on a level surface. The fluid runs to the bottom end of the pan if you don't.



It does sound like you may have too much though, assuming the engine was running during your ambient check.


Hope this helps.