water in transmission fluid
#11
#12
Wrong. Pumps in neutral. Isn't it the best practice to just check every transmission while it is in neutral?
#13
STANDARD PROCEDURE 45RFE 545RFE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID LEVEL
CHECK
Low fluid level can cause a variety of conditions
because it allows the pump to take in air along with
the fluid. As in any hydraulic system, air bubbles
make the fluid spongy, therefore, pressures will be
low and build up slowly.
Improper filling can also raise the fluid level too
high. When the transmssion has too much fluid, the
geartrain churns up foam and cause the same conditions
which occur with a low fluid level.
In either case, air bubbles can cause overheating
and/or fluid oxidation, and varnishing. This can
interfere with normal valve, clutch, and accumulator
operation. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping
from the transmission vent where it may be mistaken
for a leak.
After the fluid has been checked, seat the dipstick
fully to seal out water and dirt.
The transmission has a dipstick to check oil level.
It is located on the right side of the engine. Be sure
to wipe all dirt from dipstick handle before removing.
The torque converter fills in both the P (PARK)
and N (NEUTRAL) positions. Place the selector lever
in P (PARK) to be sure that the fluid level check is
accurate. The engine should be running at idle
speed for at least one minute, with the vehicle
on level ground. At normal operating temperature
(approximately 82 C. or 180 F.), the fluid level is correct
if it is in the HOT region (cross-hatched area) on
the oil level indicator. The fluid level will be approximately
at the upper COLD hole of the dipstick at
70° F fluid temperature.
NOTE: Engine and Transmission should be at normal
operating temperature before performing this
procedure.
(1) Start engine and apply parking brake.
(2) Shift the transmission into DRIVE for approximately
2 seconds.
(3) Shift the transmission into REVERSE for
approximately 2 seconds.
(4) Shift the transmission into PARK.
(5) Hook up DRBt scan tool and select transmission.
(6) Select sensors.
(7) Read the transmission temperature value.
(8) Compare the fluid temperature value with the
chart. (Fig. 71)
(9) Adjust transmission fluid level shown on the
dipstick according to the Transmission Fluid Temperature
Chart.
NOTE: After adding any fluid to the transmission,
wait a minimum of 2 minutes for the oil to fully
drain from the fill tube into the transmission before
rechecking the fluid level.
I guess if I'm wrong, so are the Chrysler engineers? See bold text above. That is what they recommend for the 4.7 5.7 rfe transmissions..(and some other fwd's..check the stick it should say what gear to check in)
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID LEVEL
CHECK
Low fluid level can cause a variety of conditions
because it allows the pump to take in air along with
the fluid. As in any hydraulic system, air bubbles
make the fluid spongy, therefore, pressures will be
low and build up slowly.
Improper filling can also raise the fluid level too
high. When the transmssion has too much fluid, the
geartrain churns up foam and cause the same conditions
which occur with a low fluid level.
In either case, air bubbles can cause overheating
and/or fluid oxidation, and varnishing. This can
interfere with normal valve, clutch, and accumulator
operation. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping
from the transmission vent where it may be mistaken
for a leak.
After the fluid has been checked, seat the dipstick
fully to seal out water and dirt.
The transmission has a dipstick to check oil level.
It is located on the right side of the engine. Be sure
to wipe all dirt from dipstick handle before removing.
The torque converter fills in both the P (PARK)
and N (NEUTRAL) positions. Place the selector lever
in P (PARK) to be sure that the fluid level check is
accurate. The engine should be running at idle
speed for at least one minute, with the vehicle
on level ground. At normal operating temperature
(approximately 82 C. or 180 F.), the fluid level is correct
if it is in the HOT region (cross-hatched area) on
the oil level indicator. The fluid level will be approximately
at the upper COLD hole of the dipstick at
70° F fluid temperature.
NOTE: Engine and Transmission should be at normal
operating temperature before performing this
procedure.
(1) Start engine and apply parking brake.
(2) Shift the transmission into DRIVE for approximately
2 seconds.
(3) Shift the transmission into REVERSE for
approximately 2 seconds.
(4) Shift the transmission into PARK.
(5) Hook up DRBt scan tool and select transmission.
(6) Select sensors.
(7) Read the transmission temperature value.
(8) Compare the fluid temperature value with the
chart. (Fig. 71)
(9) Adjust transmission fluid level shown on the
dipstick according to the Transmission Fluid Temperature
Chart.
NOTE: After adding any fluid to the transmission,
wait a minimum of 2 minutes for the oil to fully
drain from the fill tube into the transmission before
rechecking the fluid level.
I guess if I'm wrong, so are the Chrysler engineers? See bold text above. That is what they recommend for the 4.7 5.7 rfe transmissions..(and some other fwd's..check the stick it should say what gear to check in)
#14
#15
#16
my owners manual says to check the fluid with the selector in neutral, after driving for a minimum of 15 miles, and after running the transmission through all of the gears, ending in neutral.
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector briefly in each gear position
ending with the lever in N (Neutral).
5. Remove the dipstick and feel if the fluid is hot or
warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82°C), the
normal operating temperature after the vehicle has been
driven at least 15 miles (24 km). The fluid cannot be
comfortably held between the finger tips. Warm is when
fluid is between 85° and 125°F (29° and 52°C).
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked “OK”.
b. If the fluid is warm, the reading should be between
the two holes.
If the fluid level is low, add sufficient fluid to bring to the
proper level.
Fluid is added through the dipstick tube.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector briefly in each gear position
ending with the lever in N (Neutral).
5. Remove the dipstick and feel if the fluid is hot or
warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82°C), the
normal operating temperature after the vehicle has been
driven at least 15 miles (24 km). The fluid cannot be
comfortably held between the finger tips. Warm is when
fluid is between 85° and 125°F (29° and 52°C).
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked “OK”.
b. If the fluid is warm, the reading should be between
the two holes.
If the fluid level is low, add sufficient fluid to bring to the
proper level.
Fluid is added through the dipstick tube.
Last edited by shrpshtr325; 11-29-2011 at 08:53 PM.
#17
#18
Ok heres the information on all Durango transmissions for hell sakes:
46RE FLUID LEVEL CHECK PROCEDURE
(1) Transmission fluid must be at normal operating
temperature for accurate fluid level check. Drive
vehicle if necessary to bring fluid temperature up to
normal hot operating temperature of 82°C (180°F).
(2) Position vehicle on level surface.
(3) Start and run engine at curb idle speed.
(4) Apply parking brakes.
(5) Shift transmission momentarily into all gear
ranges. Then shift transmission back to Neutral.
(6) Clean top of filler tube and dipstick to keep
dirt from entering tube.
(7) Remove dipstick (Fig. 10) and check fluid level
as follows:
(a) Correct acceptable level is in crosshatch area.
(b) Correct maximum level is to MAX arrow
mark.
(c) Incorrect level is at or below MIN line.
(d) If fluid is low, add only enough Mopart ATF
Plus 3 to restore correct level. Do not overfill.
CAUTION: Do not overfill the transmission. Overfilling
may cause leakage out the pump vent which
can be mistaken for a pump seal leak. Overfilling
will also cause fluid aeration and foaming as the
excess fluid is picked up and churned by the gear
train. This will significantly reduce fluid life.
(1) Transmission fluid must be at normal operating
temperature for accurate fluid level check. Drive
vehicle if necessary to bring fluid temperature up to
normal hot operating temperature of 82°C (180°F).
(2) Position vehicle on level surface.
(3) Start and run engine at curb idle speed.
(4) Apply parking brakes.
(5) Shift transmission momentarily into all gear
ranges. Then shift transmission back to Neutral.
(6) Clean top of filler tube and dipstick to keep
dirt from entering tube.
(7) Remove dipstick (Fig. 10) and check fluid level
as follows:
(a) Correct acceptable level is in crosshatch area.
(b) Correct maximum level is to MAX arrow
mark.
(c) Incorrect level is at or below MIN line.
(d) If fluid is low, add only enough Mopart ATF
Plus 3 to restore correct level. Do not overfill.
CAUTION: Do not overfill the transmission. Overfilling
may cause leakage out the pump vent which
can be mistaken for a pump seal leak. Overfilling
will also cause fluid aeration and foaming as the
excess fluid is picked up and churned by the gear
train. This will significantly reduce fluid life.
42RE and 44RE FLUID LEVEL CHECK PROCEDURE
(1) Transmission fluid must be at normal operating
temperature for accurate fluid level check. Drive
vehicle if necessary to bring fluid temperature up to
normal hot operating temperature of 82°C (180°F).
(2) Position vehicle on level surface.
(3) Start and run engine at curb idle speed.
(4) Apply parking brakes.
(5) Shift transmission momentarily into all gear
ranges. Then shift transmission back to Neutral.
(6) Clean top of filler tube and dipstick to keep
dirt from entering tube.
(7) Remove dipstick (Fig. 10) and check fluid level
as follows:
(a) Correct acceptable level is in crosshatch area.
(b) Correct maximum level is to MAX arrow
mark.
(c) Incorrect level is at or below MIN line.
(d) If fluid is low, add only enough Mopart ATF
Plus 3 to restore correct level. Do not overfill.
CAUTION: Do not overfill the transmission. Overfilling
may cause leakage out the pump vent which
can be mistaken for a pump seal leak. Overfilling
will also cause fluid aeration and foaming as the
excess fluid is picked up and churned by the gear
train. This will significantly reduce fluid life.
(1) Transmission fluid must be at normal operating
temperature for accurate fluid level check. Drive
vehicle if necessary to bring fluid temperature up to
normal hot operating temperature of 82°C (180°F).
(2) Position vehicle on level surface.
(3) Start and run engine at curb idle speed.
(4) Apply parking brakes.
(5) Shift transmission momentarily into all gear
ranges. Then shift transmission back to Neutral.
(6) Clean top of filler tube and dipstick to keep
dirt from entering tube.
(7) Remove dipstick (Fig. 10) and check fluid level
as follows:
(a) Correct acceptable level is in crosshatch area.
(b) Correct maximum level is to MAX arrow
mark.
(c) Incorrect level is at or below MIN line.
(d) If fluid is low, add only enough Mopart ATF
Plus 3 to restore correct level. Do not overfill.
CAUTION: Do not overfill the transmission. Overfilling
may cause leakage out the pump vent which
can be mistaken for a pump seal leak. Overfilling
will also cause fluid aeration and foaming as the
excess fluid is picked up and churned by the gear
train. This will significantly reduce fluid life.
45RFE and 545RFE FLUID LEVEL CHECK PROCEDURE
Low fluid level can cause a variety of conditions
because it allows the pump to take in air along with
the fluid. As in any hydraulic system, air bubbles
make the fluid spongy, therefore, pressures will be
low and build up slowly.
Improper filling can also raise the fluid level too
high. When the transmssion has too much fluid, the
geartrain churns up foam and cause the same conditions
which occur with a low fluid level.
In either case, air bubbles can cause overheating
and/or fluid oxidation, and varnishing. This can
interfere with normal valve, clutch, and accumulator
operation. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping
from the transmission vent where it may be mistaken
for a leak.
After the fluid has been checked, seat the dipstick
fully to seal out water and dirt.
The transmission has a dipstick to check oil level.
It is located on the right side of the engine. Be sure
to wipe all dirt from dipstick handle before removing.
The torque converter fills in both the P (PARK)
and N (NEUTRAL) positions. Place the selector lever
in P (PARK) to be sure that the fluid level check is
accurate. The engine should be running at idle
speed for at least one minute, with the vehicle
on level ground. At normal operating temperature
(approximately 82 C. or 180 F.), the fluid level is correct
if it is in the HOT region (cross-hatched area) on
the oil level indicator. The fluid level will be approximately
at the upper COLD hole of the dipstick at
70° F fluid temperature.
NOTE: Engine and Transmission should be at normal
operating temperature before performing this
procedure.
(1) Start engine and apply parking brake.
(2) Shift the transmission into DRIVE for approximately
2 seconds.
(3) Shift the transmission into REVERSE for
approximately 2 seconds.
(4) Shift the transmission into PARK.
(5) Hook up DRBt scan tool and select transmission.
(6) Select sensors.
(7) Read the transmission temperature value.
(8) Compare the fluid temperature value with the
chart. (Fig. 66)
(9) Adjust transmission fluid level shown on the
dipstick according to the chart.
NOTE: After adding any fluid to the transmission,
wait a minimum of 2 minutes for the oil to fully
drain from the fill tube into the transmission before
rechecking the fluid level.
(10) Check transmission for leaks..
Low fluid level can cause a variety of conditions
because it allows the pump to take in air along with
the fluid. As in any hydraulic system, air bubbles
make the fluid spongy, therefore, pressures will be
low and build up slowly.
Improper filling can also raise the fluid level too
high. When the transmssion has too much fluid, the
geartrain churns up foam and cause the same conditions
which occur with a low fluid level.
In either case, air bubbles can cause overheating
and/or fluid oxidation, and varnishing. This can
interfere with normal valve, clutch, and accumulator
operation. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping
from the transmission vent where it may be mistaken
for a leak.
After the fluid has been checked, seat the dipstick
fully to seal out water and dirt.
The transmission has a dipstick to check oil level.
It is located on the right side of the engine. Be sure
to wipe all dirt from dipstick handle before removing.
The torque converter fills in both the P (PARK)
and N (NEUTRAL) positions. Place the selector lever
in P (PARK) to be sure that the fluid level check is
accurate. The engine should be running at idle
speed for at least one minute, with the vehicle
on level ground. At normal operating temperature
(approximately 82 C. or 180 F.), the fluid level is correct
if it is in the HOT region (cross-hatched area) on
the oil level indicator. The fluid level will be approximately
at the upper COLD hole of the dipstick at
70° F fluid temperature.
NOTE: Engine and Transmission should be at normal
operating temperature before performing this
procedure.
(1) Start engine and apply parking brake.
(2) Shift the transmission into DRIVE for approximately
2 seconds.
(3) Shift the transmission into REVERSE for
approximately 2 seconds.
(4) Shift the transmission into PARK.
(5) Hook up DRBt scan tool and select transmission.
(6) Select sensors.
(7) Read the transmission temperature value.
(8) Compare the fluid temperature value with the
chart. (Fig. 66)
(9) Adjust transmission fluid level shown on the
dipstick according to the chart.
NOTE: After adding any fluid to the transmission,
wait a minimum of 2 minutes for the oil to fully
drain from the fill tube into the transmission before
rechecking the fluid level.
(10) Check transmission for leaks..
#19
Ya know, who ever is right :-) No I agree that it should be checked in Neutral. I mean c'mon, I have been told since a little boy, you check the transmission fluid in neutral. If I am correct the pump has to run in neutral in every vehicle just in case you are being pulled in neutral so that you do not burn out your transmission. So if we know checking the fluid level in neutral works, why not continue doing it?
I went out to my truck, grabbed my Service Manual for a 1999 Dodge Durango. it reads the following
Procedure for Checking Fluid Level
To check to automatic transmission fluid level properly, the following procedure MUST be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level Ground
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a minimum of 60 seconds
3. Fully apply parking brake
4. Place the gear selector breifly in each gear position ending with the level in N (Neutral)
5. Remove the dipstick and feel if the fluid is hot or warm. Hot fluid is aproximately 180*F (82*C), the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has been driven atleast 15 miles. The fluid cannot be comfortably held between the finger tips. Warm is when fluid is between 85* and 125*F (29* and 52*C)
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated. Remove dipstick and note reading
A. if the fluid is hot the reading should be in the crosshatched area marked "OK".
B. If the fluid is warm, the reading should be between the two holes.
Yes I just typed that out of my manual. Apparently the manual I DLed onto my computer is only missing chapter 21 (Automatic Transmission).
Seeing hydra's post, seems we were ALL correct :-)
Last edited by TurboStixx; 11-29-2011 at 10:05 PM.