transmission fluid level
Asked by Armada_2180 Feb 13, 2017 at 09:02 AM about the 2002 Subaru Legacy GT AWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
When I check the atf fluid level when cold and the
car not running it is at the correct level on the
dipstick, when I check it hot with the car running it
is low just barely reading on the dipstick itself.
My question is should I actually be checking the
cold reading with the car running?
The manual says it can be checked hot or cold,
but say when checking hot level check with car
running.
6 Answers
Then it needs some fluid. You suppose to check the transmission fluid level when it is warmed up and with the engine running.
Some vehicles have the instructions for checking the atf printed on the dipstick.
Checking the ATF level hot is the best way. After all this is the operating temperature.
Hello Armada, i have the same problem you had with my 2005 Subaru Impreza. When the car has sat overnight, the dipstick shows full on the cold mark. The problem is checking the oil when hot. I followed the manuals instructions. When the car has been driven for 10kms to normal operating temperture sat on a level surface and taken through the gears 3 times. Placed in park with the handbrake on. However hardly any oil will show on the tip of the dipstick. I don't want to underfill or overfill. I was wondering if you ever found the solution? Thank you
The solution is to add fluid until it is at the top mark when the transmission is warm. Not rocket science!
WAG_O_MATIC answered 3 years ago
ATF must always be checked with engine running. When engine is off all the fluid "drains" back into pan and shows high on dipstick. With engine running the fluid is flowing thru all the parts of trans. and will show the actual operating level.
