Auto trans fluid level on dipstick is higher when its cold then when the engine is hot?!

So I'm checking my at fluid level per dipstick when it was cold and the mark was a little higher than the top notch on the "hot" section of my dipstick. Thinking that wasn't right. I checked and checked again. Same level. I ran my truck for 10 minutes. Checked it again and the level showed about a 1/4" lower than the lower "hot" notch. Thinking I was tired or something I went to bed and checked it in the morning. While the engine was completely cold. The level read above the top "hot" notch. Ran the engine for 10-15 minutes. Bam. Its 1/4" below the bottom "hot" notch again. I'm stumped. What am I missing? To be certain, I let the truck sit all day and checked the levels again. Same exact thing. I don't get it. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks

 

Thats weird but I wouldn't worry about it

 

You're supposed to check an auto transmission with the engine running, in park. Its lower when warm because some of the fluid is still up in the transmission instead of in in the pan.

 

I was not aware that it was to be checked while running.Or maybe I was and it slipped my memory. I just was taught that the level would be higher when hot than cold. Thanks for that info. Ill check it again while running

 

Man its my Tranny. One of the only things that gets me super nervous for obvious reasons. lol.

 

Not only does the truck need to be fully warmed up and running, you should shift it through all the gears (1st through Reverse) a couple of times before checking the fluid level to ensure that the passageways and valves are completely filled.

Checking it cold doesn't tell you anything really about if the level is correct. The only reason the "cold" mark is on the dipstick is so they make sure to fill it to a minimum level when it leaves the factory to prevent any damage to the torque converter when it first starts up.

 

Just replaced the trans in my truck and had to refill and check. As previously stated check the level when truck has been warmed up and is running in park on level ground. The level should be somewhere in the high range. I have heard that the cold range was only used when they were filled at the factory and for most all purposes you should only use the hot range and check as previously described.

 

Thanks everyone

 

yes. Yes. YES. ^^^

The only thing I'll add is that 'warmed up' does not mean idling for 10 minutes. It means driving for around 30 minutes. Fairly spiritedly, like highway or open road driving. And a final caveat: If you tow, don't fill to the max but slightly below. When you tow the fluid will get hotter and expand more so you need to leave some place for it to go, other than puking out the breather.

 

Would th increased atf volume help with cooling though?

 

I feel that having an extra 1/2 a quart would be negligible from a cooling perspective and could potentially damage the trans. If you are worried about heat there are a few threads on here for external trans coolers that are fairly easy to install and would address the heat concern.

 

check after doing some high speed driving so the torque convertor locks up and reachs operating temp. then check. is used this method on mine to remove a few ounces of ATF from mine , worked like a charm https://youtu.be/qag71Uu9RRw

 

Thats fkn simple but genius!

 

it works, I had some tube around it works better if you put your tubing in till it wont go no farther then cut it off about 1 foot above the end of the filler neck or less since the pump I had had low suction but it works as advertised