Teach me how to read a dipstick

I'm not kidding, I'm confused

I put a larger transmission oil cooler into the MPV. Naturally, I dribbled a bit of oil. I'd guess between 100 and 150 mL (3.5 to 5 ounces). Before I buttoned up the system, I poured some oil back into the new cooler. It's at least 2X as big as the old one, maybe 3X. I'm sure I was only able to get about 100mL into it, I don't think I filled it.

OK, now start up the truck, park it on a flat driveway, shift up and down through the AT several times. I go out and check the dipstick. It reads that it's fine (I think, I'm doubting my dipstick skills here), but it has four notches. Two at a spot marked 20 and two at a spot marked 65. It's reading somewhere between the two notches near the 65.

What the berkeley does this mean? Am I good? Should I drive it a bit and re-check? I don't think I replaced all the oil I lost during the changeover, so I'm concerned it's low. Any thoughts?

My understanding of automatics is that you always check them in park with the engine running, and that low is MUCH better than overfull.

I'm guessing that those numbers are temperatures, for reading with the fluid hot or cold. I'm not sure if they're C of F, though, I'd guess F, and being between two of them at 65 is probably spot on.

Check the owners manual. I'll hold off on the "think with your dipstick" jokes.

If at any point you trigger your gag reflex... you are probably doing it wrong.

Gearheadotaku wrote: Check the owners manual. I'll hold off on the "think with your dipstick" jokes.

That's what she said.

I think the one on the Buick prefers to be warmed up and in park before being read. Your car/truck may have different requirements.

The owner's manual of the new Chevy Express van I bought yesterday has an entire page dedicated to this subject. Lot of things to get correct. Yep, read the manual...

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: If at any point you trigger your gag reflex... you are probably doing it wrong.

++++ a googolplex

I would hazard a guess that the temps are in C, because 20 would be an odd mark for a F, and certainly 65F doesn't fall within the operating temperature range for a hot transmission.

I'd say take it around the block - heat it up - check it, look for it to block one of the holes on the 65 thing.

Sans a manual, of course.

Dexter had a very valid point - overfill is very bad. If you never checked it before, it is useless to calculate how much you lost, though.

Yup read the manual. One of the cars we have(or had) said to read the dip stick with the engine off. I'm guessing that is a liability thing. Most manuals say do it on level ground, with engine warm and running, in park after running through the gears, just as you did. I too have problems reading the level on my automatics.

I've personally found Dodges to be a real pita in this department. Seems like one time it would read ok, the next over full, and another time low.

I checked the manual, they suggested everything I was doing except check it at idle (I turned it off then checked it). Made almost know difference, the oil is right between the two notches at 65C. I guess that means it's ok. I guess I check it a few more times to be safe. I've got my oil and funnel in the back so I'm ready to fill if I decide it needs it.

I have to say this dipstick is a hell of a lot harder to read than the oil one. I have no trouble with that. Must be age creeping in .

Thanks,

Jeff

petegossett wrote: I've personally found Dodges to be a real pita in this department. Seems like one time it would read ok, the next over full, and another time low.

Somewhere in the recesses of my brain, my now decade-and-a-half old Mopar memory recalls something about Torqueflite transmissions needing to be in neutral (and hot, obviously) to give an accurate reading.