Checking Transmission Fluid Level

[DOHC3.5]

I just got in from work and decided to check the transmission fluid level. I drove it on the freeway for 25 minutes, parked it on level ground, went one through the gears, then checked the fluid. The fluid level was over hash lines, so I checked it three times and the results were the same. Is the transmission overfilled or should I check when the engine is at a lower temperature?

[glock20man]

Originally Posted by DOHC3.5

I just got in from work and decided to check the transmission fluid level. I drove it on the freeway for 25 minutes, parked it on level ground, went one through the gears, then checked the fluid. The fluid level was over hash lines, so I checked it three times and the results were the same. Is the transmission overfilled or should I check when the engine is at a lower temperature?

No, you did it right. slightly over the hash lines I wouldn't worry or you can buy one of those siphon gadgets at the auto parts store and suck a little bit of the fuild out.

[sheila]

Eng. was idling when checked? How far above the crosshatch area was the level?

[Breeves002]

Hey! DOHC3.5 mind posting some pics of your car? I need generation 5 tauruses and sables submitted! The entire site would appreciate it on your behalf!!

I apologize for posting nothing to do with your question. Take a picture of the level and attach it here. If it's right at the top you shouldn't have any problems.


Please post here: http://www.taurusclub.com/forum/108-...es-header.html

[DOHC3.5]

Originally Posted by sheila

Eng. was idling when checked? How far above the crosshatch area was the level?

Yes, the engine was idling and it was coating the top where the word 'MAX' is.

[sheila]

Not familiar with 08 atf dipsticks. How far above the crosshatch is the word "max"?

[behlinla]

If it's past MAX, it's really overfilled and you should drain some fluid out to prevent damage.

Does your dipstick look like the one in the illustration?

[DOHC3.5]

Originally Posted by behlinla

If it's past MAX, it's really overfilled and you should drain some fluid out to prevent damage.

Does your dipstick look like the one in the illustration?

Attachment 64453

Yes. I'll try Harbor Freight to get something to remove excess fluid, but I have been driving with this for 4 transmission flaring months, so my tax refund is probably going into the dealers pockets.

[thuzmund]

Originally Posted by DOHC3.5

Yes. I'll try Harbor Freight to get something to remove excess fluid, but I have been driving with this for 4 transmission flaring months, so my tax refund is probably going into the dealers pockets.

Are you experiencing any symptoms or negative effects that you can notice from being overfilled? Just curious what that might produce.


I've seen dollar store turkey basters with well-matched plastic tubing used to suck up a bit of trans fluid. $2 option vs. HF $5-6 option.

[mattcow]

I have never checked, but I am sure the transmission would have an overpressure vent on it. In my younger days I had accidentally overfilled a transmission and the excess ended up bleeding out the vent tube with no apparent damage to the trans.

To remove fluid, you could just siphone out with clear tubing (clear so you don't get a mouth full of oil). This works quite well with warm fluid and I've done it many times for a "dump and fil" transmission fluid change on trannies with no drain plug.