i have a 45rfe auto tranny in my dakota and when i serviced it in december (filters, gasket, full synthetic fluid) i put in 6 quarts of oil. when i check the dipstick level properly with the truck hot in neutral, level and running it says my fluid is on the low mark. there are no leaks whatsoever that i know of. is this because i am checking it wrong? i know this tranny should only take 5 1/2 at the most quarts but it hasnt had any problems with 6. i know tranny fluid is very thin so maybe im just not seeing the dot correctly.....thanks

 

sure its the correct dipstick?, proaly low, the 5 quarts is a refrence, youmusta had a lot of "flowback" you just dropped the pan rite?

 

ya i dropped the pan awhile back and it was fine but i mean in the end i put in 6 quarts so im not gonna worry about it. and im sure i could have gotten away with 5 1/2

 

The fluid level probably references to the level that is within the pan, but if you probably know, more could have come out, from the valve body, externals ect... so I can see this, just add it in. Unless you see it in your radiator with your coolant than you are good.