So it seems my transmission solenoid box is leaking but that is not my issue right now. Trying to figure out how to read the transmission fuild level on my 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport, I read the manual but I am confused, please bear with me because I have some cognitive issues from a neurological disorder.

Does the engine need to be running when I check the fluid?
When I add fluid how long do I need to drive the car to get a good reading?

I am so scared of over filling it and ruining everything,,,,

 

Yep, engine running. Add fluid, and you can recheck immediately.

 

Thanks so much!

But i could not check it right away since the fluid was still in the filler tube making me unable to get a good reading.

 

Wait till it finishes running out of the filler tube. Then take the reading.

 

Rule of thumb is to get the transmission up to temp (drive for 5min) then park on a level spot. With the engine running and the brakes on flip to R for 3 seconds, D for 3 seconds, and back to park (same as N). Then you can pull the stick, wipe it off, put the stick in and come out and get your reading. This is the procedure for almost every car I've worked on that still has a dip stick. My 2018 doesn't even have a hole to put in a stick.