I just purchased a nice used 2001 Dakota with the 4.7L engine and I'm still getting used to the truck.

This morning I checked the tranny fluid level on the dipstick on a stone cold engine (overnight low around 40 degrees) and with the engine turned off I just pulled the dipstick and expected to see the tranny fluid level at the Cold level on the bottom end of the stick. Instead the transmission fluid is clear up above and slightly surpassed the Hot holes on the dipstick.

I'm wondering if I am reading my dipstick correctly.
Even on a cold engine do I need to start the truck and put the truck in neutral...and then take a Cold reading on the dipstick with the engine running, or am I supposed to take a cold reading with the engine turned off?

I apologize if this is a stupid question.

Thanks!

Harkdodge

 

Yes, the truck needs to be running. The fluid will drain back some from the torque converter when it isn't running and change the reading on the dipstick.

From the manual: 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.

 

Thanks for the info 00DakDan!
Is the gear selector supposed to be in the Park or Neutral position?

 

Check it in Park.

 

You did not say what transmission you have but most dodge trans. Are checked in neutral. I have rebuilt a lot of them. Any questions just ask.
Just to make sure it will say on the dipstick whether to check in neutral. If you overfill a 545rfe then it will just come out the vent hole at the top of tranny. I have seen this alot.

 

With the 4.7 it is the 45RFE in 2001.

The FSM is specific: Place the selector lever in P (PARK) to be sure that the fluid level check is accurate.

But, it should say on the dipstick too.

 

Wow. I was misinformed. I thought all were checked in Neutral. Every day learn something.

 

It shouldn't make much of a difference Thx.

The torque converter is filled, that's the reason the engine has to be running.

 

you are partially right. Some foreign transmission valvebodies direct fluid away from the front pump and into a pressure bypass circuit in park, but not neutral.