I changed the fluid in my 96 diesel Automatic, must have checked the level 15 times as I was filling it. Got it to where I thought was right. Next day drove it into town and back, about 17 miles, checked the level again and it was over filled, this aways happens to me.
OK now to my question, is there away to check the fluid level with the engine off? Hot or cold, right after shut-down or after sitting for awhale?
Need alittle help here, I have done all my own machanical work since my first car and this just drives me crazy.
Thanks for any help.

 

Check it with engine running and tranny in nuetral. Most dipsticks have a cold and warm mark om them.[sm=americanasmiley.gif]

 

also remember, fluids expand with heat.

 

Oh, And don't forget to add LUCAS. R.V.

 

Thats the way I check it, fluid hot trany in nut or park. I'm saying that it is hard for me to tell when it is right, maybe its my eye sight, it gos with the memory. I was hoping that there was a way to check it with the engine off, I can see the level better that way.
Tell me more about Lucus, with the horror storys about the automatics I want to do all I can to keep it going.

 

There is varying opinions on lucas additives. I personaly don't recomend them just go with atf+4 and call it good. Atf4 is a partical synthetic and has alot more friction modifiers in it. the reason i say no lucas is I lost the transmision in my concorde after a fluid change and lucas treatment. We also did an experiment at work with lucas oil stabilizer between regular oil and treated and the lucas foamed and frothed up while the oil did not.

 

Dodge also does not recommend adding any additives the the tranny fluid.